Quantitative Researcher, MRM Research

Nico Rosti

Quantitative Researcher

MRM Research

Quantitative Research

Event-Driven

<ul>
<li>This week the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/s-p-asx-200" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22901:1" rel="noopener">S&amp;P/ASX 200 INDEX</a> entered WEEKLY OVERBOUGHT status intra-week, peaking at 8384.50, then pulling back to 8283.20 at Close.</li>
<li>In this insight we will examine resistance levels the index will have a hard time to clear, without pulling back first at least 1 week.</li>
<li>According to our quantitative models, a pullback is highly likely to happen this week, or the next.</li>
</ul>


This week the S&amp;P/ASX 200 INDEX entered WEEKLY OVERBOUGHT status intra-week, peaking at 8384.50, then pulling back to 8283.20 at Close.
In this insight we will examine resistance levels the index will have a hard time to clear, without pulling back first at least 1 week.
According to our quantitative models, a pullback is highly likely to happen this week, or the next.


EQD | Upcoming ASX200 Pullback in 1-2 Weeks

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

<p>After a downturn in the price of the battery commodities and a reduction in tonnes exported, mining consolidations are back in vogue as miners take big bets on electric vehicles, as demand and prices increase for battery minerals.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>February last year, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/wesfarmers-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1104:1" rel="noopener">Wesfarmers Ltd (WES AU)</a> <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02342610-6A1020764?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> it would proceed with the development of a new lithium mine and processing hub in WA. The Mt Holland lithium project is a JV with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/soc-quimica-y-minera-chile-b" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24555:1" rel="noopener">Soc Quimica Y Minera Chile-B (SQM/B CI)</a>. Wesfarmers expects to lay out ~$950mn developing the mine, concentrator, and refinery (in Kwinana). A final investment decision was <a href="https://www.wesfarmers.com.au/util/news-media/article/2021/04/15/green-light-for-lithium-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> in February <em>this</em> year. </li>
<li>In <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02320079-6A1011583?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">December</a> last year, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/igo-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:462:1" rel="noopener">IGO Ltd (IGO AU)</a> formed a JV with China’s <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sichuan-tianqi-lithium-industries-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5698:1" rel="noopener">Tianqi Lithium Corporation  (002466 CH)</a>, paying $US1.4bn to acquire a 24.99% stake in the Greenbushes lithium mine in Western Australia. The mine produces ~2% of the world's spodumene concentrate from a hard rock lithium mine. The JV also includes a 49% stake in the downstream lithium hydroxide plant in Kwinana near Perth. The JV was formed after Tianqi faced an increasing debt obligation after the decline in lithium prices. Tianqi maintained a 26% stake in Greenbushes and a 51% stake in the hydroxide plant.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This was a large bet, transforming IGO into a battery mineral and renewable energy play, away from its copper and gold heritage.  The deal was funded by debt and an A$766mn equity raise including a $446mn fully underwritten placement at $4.60, and a $320mn 1-for-8.5 pro-rata entitlement offer. The offer price represented a 9.7% discount to IGO’s last traded price.</li>
<li>The transaction was completed on the <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02390039-6A1038822?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">30 June</a>. Around two months earlier, IGO <a href="https://www.australianmining.com.au/news/igo-sells-tropicana-stake-for-903m/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sold</a> its 30% stake in the Tropicana gold mine joint venture for A$903mn.</li>
<li>Separately, IGO withdrew its takeover offer to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/panoramic-resources-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15960:1" rel="noopener">Panoramic Resources (PAN AU)</a> in <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02190245-6A961368?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">January</a> last year, citing a breach of conditions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pilbara-minerals-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7460:1" rel="noopener">Pilbara Minerals (PLS AU)</a> acquired <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/altura-mining-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13385:1" rel="noopener">Altura Mining (AJM AU)</a> late last year after the latter entered receivership in November.</li>
<li>
<div>
<p>After circling each other for a couple of years, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/galaxy-resources-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13914:1" rel="noopener">Galaxy Resources (GXY AU)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/orocobre-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3572:1" rel="noopener">Orocobre Ltd (ORE AU)</a> entered into a <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02364542-2A1293132?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">binding agreement</a> on the 19 April 2021, under which the two companies will merge via a Galaxy Scheme, following which, Orocobre will hold 100% in Galaxy. The A$4bn combined entity will be the fifth-largest lithium producer - and third-largest outside of China - boasting a diversified product base via four producing assets. This deal was discussed in <em><a href="https://skr.ma/W2guR" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Orocobre/Galaxy Resources: On A Charge</a>.</em></p>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Nickel miner <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/western-areas-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15497:1" rel="noopener">Western Areas (WSA AU)</a> has now <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02408950-6A1046238?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirmed</a> media reports it is in preliminary discussions with IGO in relation to a change of control proposal. </p>
<p>No price is mentioned, and due diligence has yet to be afforded.</p>
<p>More below the fold. </p>

After a downturn in the price of the battery commodities and a reduction in tonnes exported, mining consolidations are back in vogue as miners take big bets on electric vehicles, as demand and prices increase for battery minerals.

February last year, Wesfarmers Ltd (WES AU) said it would proceed with the development of a new lithium mine and processing hub in WA. The Mt Holland lithium project is a JV with Soc Quimica Y Minera Chile-B (SQM/B CI). Wesfarmers expects to lay out ~$950mn developing the mine, concentrator, and refinery (in Kwinana). A final investment decision was announced in February this year. 
In December last year, IGO Ltd (IGO AU) formed a JV with China’s Tianqi Lithium Corporation  (002466 CH), paying $US1.4bn to acquire a 24.99% stake in the Greenbushes lithium mine in Western Australia. The mine produces ~2% of the world's spodumene concentrate from a hard rock lithium mine. The JV also includes a 49% stake in the downstream lithium hydroxide plant in Kwinana near Perth. The JV was formed after Tianqi faced an increasing debt obligation after the decline in lithium prices. Tianqi maintained a 26% stake in Greenbushes and a 51% stake in the hydroxide plant.

This was a large bet, transforming IGO into a battery mineral and renewable energy play, away from its copper and gold heritage.  The deal was funded by debt and an A$766mn equity raise including a $446mn fully underwritten placement at $4.60, and a $320mn 1-for-8.5 pro-rata entitlement offer. The offer price represented a 9.7% discount to IGO’s last traded price.
The transaction was completed on the 30 June. Around two months earlier, IGO sold its 30% stake in the Tropicana gold mine joint venture for A$903mn.
Separately, IGO withdrew its takeover offer to Panoramic Resources (PAN AU) in January last year, citing a breach of conditions.



Pilbara Minerals (PLS AU) acquired Altura Mining (AJM AU) late last year after the latter entered receivership in November.


After circling each other for a couple of years, Galaxy Resources (GXY AU) and Orocobre Ltd (ORE AU) entered into a binding agreement on the 19 April 2021, under which the two companies will merge via a Galaxy Scheme, following which, Orocobre will hold 100% in Galaxy. The A$4bn combined entity will be the fifth-largest lithium producer - and third-largest outside of China - boasting a diversified product base via four producing assets. This deal was discussed in Orocobre/Galaxy Resources: On A Charge.



Nickel miner Western Areas (WSA AU) has now confirmed media reports it is in preliminary discussions with IGO in relation to a change of control proposal. 
No price is mentioned, and due diligence has yet to be afforded.
More below the fold. 

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One, Periscope Analytics

Brian Freitas

Pan-Asia Index Rebalances/ Events/ Delta One

<p>S&amp;P Dow Jones Indices will announce changes to the S&amp;P/ASX 300 Index as part of the September index review on 3 September and the changes will be effective after the close of trading on 17 September.</p><p>We have 8 days to go in the review period. The index currently has 297 members, so there will be 3 more adds as compared to the deletes.</p><p>We see 8 potential inclusions at the review: <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/paladin-energy-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:10117:1" rel="noopener">Paladin Energy (PDN AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/imugene-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20276:1" rel="noopener">Imugene Ltd (IMU AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/liontown-resources-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20488:1" rel="noopener">Liontown Resources (LTR AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/betmakers-technology-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25489:1" rel="noopener">BetMakers Technology Group (BET AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/novonix-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29093:1" rel="noopener">Novonix Ltd (NVX AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dubber-corp-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15396:1" rel="noopener">Dubber Corp Ltd (DUB AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/johns-lyng-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26649:1" rel="noopener">Johns Lyng (JLG AU)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/strike-energy-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:12473:1" rel="noopener">Strike Energy (STX AU)</a>. </p><p>We see 5 potential deletions at the review: <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bubs-australia-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6296:1" rel="noopener">Bubs Australia (BUB AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/synlait-milk-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:16298:1" rel="noopener">Synlait Milk (SML NZ)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/integrated-research-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6744:1" rel="noopener">Integrated Research (IRI AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/maca-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11390:1" rel="noopener">Maca Ltd (MLD AU)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/medical-developments-interna" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18644:1" rel="noopener">Medical Developments International (MVP AU)</a>.</p><p>Among the potential adds, shorts have risen sharply on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/imugene-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20276:1" rel="noopener">Imugene Ltd (IMU AU)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/betmakers-technology-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:25489:1" rel="noopener">BetMakers Technology Group (BET AU)</a> while shorts have risen on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/medical-developments-interna" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18644:1" rel="noopener">Medical Developments International (MVP AU)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bubs-australia-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6296:1" rel="noopener">Bubs Australia (BUB AU)</a> among the potential deletions.</p>

S&amp;P Dow Jones Indices will announce changes to the S&amp;P/ASX 300 Index as part of the September index review on 3 September and the changes will be effective after the close of trading on 17 September.We have 8 days to go in the review period. The index currently has 297 members, so there will be 3 more adds as compared to the deletes.We see 8 potential inclusions at the review: Paladin Energy (PDN AU), Imugene Ltd (IMU AU), Liontown Resources (LTR AU), BetMakers Technology Group (BET AU), Novonix Ltd (NVX AU), Dubber Corp Ltd (DUB AU), Johns Lyng (JLG AU) and Strike Energy (STX AU). We see 5 potential deletions at the review: Bubs Australia (BUB AU), Synlait Milk (SML NZ), Integrated Research (IRI AU), Maca Ltd (MLD AU) and Medical Developments International (MVP AU).Among the potential adds, shorts have risen sharply on Imugene Ltd (IMU AU) and BetMakers Technology Group (BET AU) while shorts have risen on Medical Developments International (MVP AU) and Bubs Australia (BUB AU) among the potential deletions.

ASX300 Sep 2021 Index Rebalance Preview: Changes Galore

<div><p>S&amp;P Dow Jones Indices will announce changes to the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/s-p-asx-200" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22901:1" rel="noopener">S&amp;P/ASX 200 (AS51 INDEX)</a> as part of the September index review on 3 September and the changes will be effective after the close of trading on 17 September.</p></div><div>We are almost three quarters of the way through the review period. There are 3 potential inclusions at the review - <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/centuria-capital-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15546:1" rel="noopener">Centuria Capital (CNI AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pinnacle-investment-manageme" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20624:1" rel="noopener">Wilson (PNI AU)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sealink-travel-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6400:1" rel="noopener">Sealink Travel (SLK AU)</a> while the potential deletions are <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nuix-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31040:1" rel="noopener">Nuix Limited (NXL AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/nrw-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:9271:1" rel="noopener">NRW Holdings (NWH AU)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/g8-education-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:581:1" rel="noopener">G8 Education (GEM AU)</a>.</div><div></div><div>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/galaxy-resources-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13914:1" rel="noopener">Galaxy Resources (GXY AU)</a> is placed in the inclusion zone but is unlikely to be added to the index given its pending merger with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/orocobre-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3572:1" rel="noopener">Orocobre Ltd (ORE AU)</a>.</div><div></div><div>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/de-grey-mining-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6192:1" rel="noopener">De Grey Mining (DEG AU)</a> is a close add and the corresponding deletion is <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/westgold-resources-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24269:1" rel="noopener">Westgold Resources (WGX AU)</a>.</div><div></div><div>There is a large impact expected on the inclusions while the impact on the deletions is lower.</div><div></div><div>For <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/g8-education-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:581:1" rel="noopener">G8 Education (GEM AU)</a>, the short interest is close to the estimated passive selling. For the other two deletes, short interest is a lot smaller than the estimated passive selling and there will be more shorts created from now to rebalance implementation day.</div>

S&amp;P Dow Jones Indices will announce changes to the S&amp;P/ASX 200 (AS51 INDEX) as part of the September index review on 3 September and the changes will be effective after the close of trading on 17 September.We are almost three quarters of the way through the review period. There are 3 potential inclusions at the review - Centuria Capital (CNI AU), Wilson (PNI AU) and Sealink Travel (SLK AU) while the potential deletions are Nuix Limited (NXL AU), NRW Holdings (NWH AU) and G8 Education (GEM AU).
Galaxy Resources (GXY AU) is placed in the inclusion zone but is unlikely to be added to the index given its pending merger with Orocobre Ltd (ORE AU).
De Grey Mining (DEG AU) is a close add and the corresponding deletion is Westgold Resources (WGX AU).There is a large impact expected on the inclusions while the impact on the deletions is lower.For G8 Education (GEM AU), the short interest is close to the estimated passive selling. For the other two deletes, short interest is a lot smaller than the estimated passive selling and there will be more shorts created from now to rebalance implementation day.

ASX200 Sep21 Index Rebalance Preview: Large Impact Names

<p>Post market close today, S&amp;P Dow Jones Indices announced the list of changes to the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/s-p-asx-200" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22901:1" rel="noopener">S&amp;P/ASX 200 (AS51 INDEX)</a> as part of the June index review that will be effective after the close of trading on 18 June.</p><p>There are 3 sets of the changes to the index at the June review.</p><p>The inclusions are <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/chalice-gold-mines-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20193:1" rel="noopener">Chalice Gold Mines (CHN AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/orocobre-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3572:1" rel="noopener">Orocobre Ltd (ORE AU)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/uniti-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29042:1" rel="noopener">Uniti Group Ltd (UWL AU)</a>. </p><p>The deletions are <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/austal-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:14420:1" rel="noopener">Austal Ltd (ASB AU)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/perenti-global-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20505:1" rel="noopener">Perenti Global (PRN AU)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/resolute-mining-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1960:1" rel="noopener">Resolute Mining (RSG AU)</a>. </p><p>There are only 5 trading days to implementation of the changes and quite a lot to trade for passive funds. There are no real surprises and there will be pre-positioning in some of the names.</p><p>Short interest has been dropping on the inclusions and rising on the deletions, another sign of pre-positioning prior to the announcement of the changes. We estimate more than half the passive flow has already been positioned for.</p>

Post market close today, S&amp;P Dow Jones Indices announced the list of changes to the S&amp;P/ASX 200 (AS51 INDEX) as part of the June index review that will be effective after the close of trading on 18 June.There are 3 sets of the changes to the index at the June review.The inclusions are Chalice Gold Mines (CHN AU), Orocobre Ltd (ORE AU) and Uniti Group Ltd (UWL AU). The deletions are Austal Ltd (ASB AU), Perenti Global (PRN AU) and Resolute Mining (RSG AU). There are only 5 trading days to implementation of the changes and quite a lot to trade for passive funds. There are no real surprises and there will be pre-positioning in some of the names.Short interest has been dropping on the inclusions and rising on the deletions, another sign of pre-positioning prior to the announcement of the changes. We estimate more than half the passive flow has already been positioned for.

ASX200 Index Rebalance: A Lot of Pre-Positions Built Up

Australia

Galaxy Resources Limited provides mining services. The Company produces lithium, potash, hard rock and brine assets. Galaxy Resources serves customers in Australia, Argentina, and Canada.

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Galaxy Resources (GXY AU)

EQD | Upcoming ASX200 Pullback in 1-2 Weeks

The ASX 200 INDEX has entered WEEKLY-overbought status, it is going to pull back in the next 1-2 weeks, but the overall trend appears healthy....

Nico Rosti

IGO/Western Areas: Battery Mineral Grab

Western Areas has generally underperformed peers over the past year. It is clearly in place. and if not from IGO, there's no reason another suitor...

David Blennerhassett

ASX300 Sep 2021 Index Rebalance Preview: Changes Galore

There could be 8 adds and 5 deletes to the ASX300 index at the September rebalance. The stocks have moved but the index is not very widely tracked,...

Brian Freitas

ASX200 Sep21 Index Rebalance Preview: Large Impact Names

We see 3 potential changes to the ASX200 at the Sep rebalance with CNI, PNI and SLK being included and NXL, NRW and GEM being deleted. Passive...

Brian Freitas

ASX200 Index Rebalance: A Lot of Pre-Positions Built Up

There are 2 sets of changes to the ASX200 with CHN, ORE and UWL replacing ASB, PRN and RSG. There are 5 trading days to implementation, significant...

Brian Freitas

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EQD | Upcoming ASX200 Pullback in 1-2 Weeks

​The ASX 200 INDEX has entered WEEKLY-overbought status, it is going to pull back in the next 1-2 weeks, but the overall trend appears healthy....

Nico Rosti

IGO/Western Areas: Battery Mineral Grab

Western Areas has generally underperformed peers over the past year. It is clearly in place. and if not from IGO, there's no reason another suitor...

David Blennerhassett

ASX300 Sep 2021 Index Rebalance Preview: Changes Galore

There could be 8 adds and 5 deletes to the ASX300 index at the September rebalance. The stocks have moved but the index is not very widely tracked,...

Brian Freitas

ASX200 Sep21 Index Rebalance Preview: Large Impact Names

We see 3 potential changes to the ASX200 at the Sep rebalance with CNI, PNI and SLK being included and NXL, NRW and GEM being deleted. Passive...

Brian Freitas

ASX200 Index Rebalance: A Lot of Pre-Positions Built Up

There are 2 sets of changes to the ASX200 with CHN, ORE and UWL replacing ASB, PRN and RSG. There are 5 trading days to implementation, significant...

Brian Freitas

The ASX 200 INDEX has entered WEEKLY-overbought status, it is going to pull back in the next 1-2 weeks, but the overall trend appears healthy....