AU Evening Wrap | ASX 200 rises slightly; BGL becomes the top loser for a sluggish outlook

Top gainers: $Insignia Financial Ltd (IFL.AU)$, $Boss Energy Ltd (BOE.AU)$ and $Paladin Energy Ltd (PDN.AU)$
Top losers: $Bellevue Gold Ltd (BGL.AU)$, $Cettire Ltd (CTT.AU)$ and $Johns Lyng Group Ltd (JLG.AU)$

Australian shares edged higher on Monday, with the $S&P/ASX 200 (.XJO.AU)$ gaining 0.08% to close at 8,257.40. Investors remained cautious, mirroring Asian markets, as they await Friday's US jobs report. The data could influence the Federal Reserve's rate cut decisions, keeping markets in a holding pattern. Technology stocks led an early rally, but losses in the mining sector limited overall market gains.

$Insignia Financial Ltd (IFL.AU)$ shares surged 14.69% to close at A$4.06. The investment advice firm received a non-binding takeover proposal from CC Capital Partners, offering AU$4.30 per share in cash through a scheme of arrangement. The proposal remains confidential and indicative at this stage.

$Goodman Group (GMG.AU)$ stock climbed 1.75% to A$37.17. The company announced that Norges Bank Investment Management has acquired Canada Pension Plan Investment Board's 45% stake in its North American Partnership. This move signifies a shift in the ownership structure of Goodman's key international venture.

$Bellevue Gold Ltd (BGL.AU)$ shares fell 13.97% to A$0.985, a two-year low. The miner cut its FY2025 gold production forecast to 150,000-165,000 ounces, citing lower grades and operational issues. Despite this, Q4 2023 saw gold sales of 26,230 ounces at A$3,339 per ounce. The company expects improved performance in H2 FY2025.