SYDNEY, Jan 28, 2026, 17:22 AEDT — Trading after the close
- Mineral Resources slipped 0.9%, finishing at A$63.41, despite earlier reaching A$65.08.
- ASX:MIN is set to release its December-quarter results on Thursday, a key trigger for the stock in the short term.
- Rising core inflation pushed expectations for a Reserve Bank rate hike next week, sparking shifts in currency and risk assets.
Shares of Mineral Resources Ltd slipped 0.9% to close at A$63.41 on Wednesday, after fluctuating between A$62.95 and A$65.08 during the session. The stock’s 52-week range stands at A$14.05 to A$65.08, according to the latest prices. 1
Traders are eyeing Thursday’s December-quarter report and investor briefing, a routine update that could shift forecasts on volumes, costs, and cash flow. According to the company’s investor calendar, the update is set for Jan. 29, with half-year results scheduled for Feb. 20. 2
Mineral Resources surged 3.16% the previous day, closing at A$63.98, setting up some investors with quick profits ahead of the update. Tuesday’s turnover hit roughly 1.14 million shares, according to data from Morningstar. 3
The broader Australian market dragged, with the S&P/ASX 200 slipping 0.09%. Declines came mostly from IT, healthcare, and consumer discretionary sectors, according to Investing.com. 4
Inflation was a major theme today. Australia’s trimmed mean CPI, which excludes volatile items, climbed 0.9% in the December quarter—higher than expected. That’s pushed the odds of a rate hike on Feb. 3 up to 73%, according to Reuters. ANZ’s Adam Boyton noted that “demand is running ahead of supply,” while EY’s chief economist Cherelle Murphy said “the case for tighter monetary policy is clear.”
For MinRes, iron ore remains the main driver. Prices have held above $100 a tonne recently, boosted by strong import demand despite China’s steel production slipping from previous highs, according to a Reuters analysis. China’s iron ore imports hit a record 1.26 billion tonnes in 2025, though new supply from Guinea’s Simandou project could weigh on prices later in 2026. 5
Lithium has been volatile lately. On Jan. 27, it dropped roughly 5% to 172,500 yuan a tonne, according to Trading Economics data. 6
Mineral Resources operates in two key sectors: iron ore and lithium, while also providing mining services to other companies. This blend means its stock often behaves less like a pure-play miner and more like a macro play, especially when interest rates, currencies, and commodity prices shift simultaneously.
Thursday’s quarterly results will be scrutinized for signs the company is controlling costs while driving volume through its supply chain, and whether those gains are turning into cash rather than just higher tonnage. Investors will also seek details on capital spending and balance sheet priorities.
But the risk remains real. Mineral Resources’ shares plunged in February 2025 — marking their worst day in 16 years — after the company slashed fiscal-year production targets and bumped up cost forecasts for its Onslow iron project, blaming weather-related setbacks, Reuters reported. The market hasn’t forgotten that shock. 7
Next in line is the Dec-quarter report on Thursday (Jan. 29). Traders are also eyeing the Reserve Bank’s decision on Feb. 3, along with the company’s half-year results due Feb. 20, which should shed more light on how the quarter impacted earnings and cash flow.
