Rumours abound Donald Trump could sign an executive order to stockpile rare earths, prompting a share price bump for several Aussie stocks.

High gold prices are seeing an increase in M&A in the sector with the latest involving a merger of producers Alkane and Mandalay.

The Nasdaq’s Friday rally coupled with firming oil prices have driven tech and energy stocks higher, boosting the ASX 0.36pc.

Alkane (ASX:ALK) and Mandalay Resources have merged as equals, combining their assets to form a billion dollar gold-antimony ...