ASX winners on 31 March 2025: Aucyber Ltd, Elevate Uranium Ltd, and Rocketboots Ltd soar

The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) witnessed a wave of momentum on 31 March 2025, with several small-cap stocks delivering standout gains despite ongoing economic and policy uncertainties. While the broader ASX 200 index faced downward pressure due to inflation fears, regulatory challenges, and global trade concerns, investors turned their attention to high-growth opportunities in sectors such as technology, basic materials, energy, and healthcare.

Market activity reflected a mixed sentiment, with a handful of stocks surging on speculative trading and industry tailwinds. As interest rates and economic policy shifts continue to shape the investment landscape, understanding the catalysts behind these gains provides key insights into the direction of the ASX in the coming months.

Why Did Aucyber Ltd and SSH Group Ltd Lead the ASX Gainers List?

Among the biggest movers, Aucyber Ltd (ASX: CYBR) saw an extraordinary jump of 80%, closing at AUD 0.018. Although its daily turnover was just AUD 1,700, the surge suggests heightened investor interest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as traders seek alternative investment vehicles amid market fluctuations.

Meanwhile, SSH Group Ltd (ASX: SSH) experienced a 31.82% increase, bringing its share price to AUD 0.145. The industrial services firm, which provides workforce solutions across infrastructure and resources, recorded a 70.59% year-on-year growth, reflecting a sustained demand for its services amid ongoing infrastructure projects across Australia.

Which Basic Materials Stocks Are Attracting Investors?

The basic materials sector remained a focal point, with Norfolk Metals Ltd (ASX: NFL) gaining 28% to reach AUD 0.16. The company’s turnover of AUD 394,899 indicates growing interest in critical mineral exploration, particularly in uranium and rare earth elements, which have gained strategic importance in global energy markets.

Legacy Minerals Holdings Ltd (ASX: LGM) also saw a significant rally, rising 23.68% to AUD 0.235. The explorer, with a 74.07% annual gain, has benefited from a resurgence in demand for gold, silver, and copper as investors hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty.

Infinity Lithium Corporation Ltd (ASX: INF) rose 20% to AUD 0.024, despite a 63.08% annual decline, reflecting volatility in lithium prices. Lachlan Star Ltd (ASX: LSA) gained 18.18% to AUD 0.065, as gold prices climbed amid global inflationary pressures. Jindalee Lithium Ltd (ASX: JLL) increased 17.07% to AUD 0.24, though still down 69.27% over the past year, demonstrating the cyclical nature of lithium markets.

The rally in resource stocks comes as Australia grapples with an economic slowdown, driven in part by declining Chinese demand for iron ore, a key driver of national exports. With mining tax receipts projected to fall by AUD 8.5 billion by 2027, investors are exploring alternative commodities, particularly those essential to battery technology and renewable energy infrastructure.

Are Energy Stocks Set for a Comeback?

While oil and gas producers faced mixed sentiment, Tlou Energy Ltd (ASX: TOU) posted a 23.81% gain, closing at AUD 0.026. The coal-bed methane (CBM) developer recorded modest turnover of AUD 2,744, yet its market capitalization of AUD 33.76 million underscores its potential in the transition to low-emission natural gas solutions.

The uranium sector also remained in focus, with Elevate Uranium Ltd (ASX: EL8) climbing 14.63% to AUD 0.235. With a AUD 1.51 million turnover, the company benefitted from renewed optimism surrounding nuclear energy as a sustainable power source. Similarly, Aurora Energy Metals Ltd (ASX: 1AE) gained 14.89% to AUD 0.054, reflecting growing institutional interest in uranium exploration projects.

Can Technology and Healthcare Stocks Maintain Momentum?

Despite a broader tech-sector downturn, Rocketboots Ltd (ASX: ROC) rose 20% to AUD 0.12, with AUD 524,011 in trading volume, driven by interest in AI-powered analytics. Investors remain bullish on companies developing machine-learning solutions for retail and security applications, even as rising borrowing costs weigh on high-growth technology stocks.

In healthcare, Control Bionics Ltd (ASX: CBL) saw a 15.39% rise to AUD 0.045, with AUD 46,857 turnover, as demand for assistive communication technology remains strong. Meanwhile, Tryptamine Therapeutics Ltd (ASX: TYP), which focuses on psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health disorders, surged 12.5% to AUD 0.036, reflecting a 227.27% annual increase amid rising interest in alternative treatments for depression and PTSD.

What Broader Economic Factors Are Impacting the ASX?

While some stocks posted substantial gains, the overall market faced a challenging backdrop, with several economic and policy concerns shaping investor sentiment.

Global trade tensions intensified as renewed US tariffs on key imports raised the risk of global supply chain disruptions, pushing ASX investors toward defensive sectors such as gold and healthcare. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) flagged serious compliance issues at ASX Ltd, particularly in trade settlement procedures, creating uncertainty around future regulatory actions. Political instability ahead of the federal election has raised fears of a hung parliament, which could delay key economic stimulus measures.

Meanwhile, Australia’s banking sector displayed mixed performance, with National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) holding relatively steady, while Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) underperformed, closing AUD 3.70 below its 52-week high. Financial sector uncertainty has kept investor sentiment cautious, with rising mortgage delinquencies adding to concerns about consumer spending in the second half of 2025.

What’s Next for ASX Investors?

The ASX’s top-performing stocks on 31 March 2025 highlight a growing divergence between sectors poised for long-term growth and those struggling under economic uncertainty. Basic materials, uranium, and AI-driven tech firms have attracted strong buying interest, while broader market weakness has kept investors cautious about larger-cap equities.

As policymakers navigate inflation risks, regulatory pressures, and shifting global trade policies, investors will be watching closely for signs of stability. Interest rate adjustments and fiscal stimulus measures in the coming months could determine whether today’s market momentum translates into sustained growth across the ASX.