Australian Stock Market declines: ASX 200 edges lower, but still sees year to year gain, DroneShield gets big boost and IperionX, Life360 plunge; check top gainers and losers

The Australian stock market witnessed a decline as it ended the day on Tuesday (December 16, 2025) with the S&P/ASX 200 closing on the lower side, dropping 36.10 points, or 0.42%, to 8,598.90. According to the ASX website, the broad index was dragged down by bottom-performing stocks IPERIONX LIMITED and LIFE360 INC., which were down 6.39% and 5.73%, respectively. The index has remained virtually unchanged over the last five days but gained 5.39% over the last year to date.

ASX 200: Top gainers and losers

The S&P/ASX 200 saw notable movements on Tuesday (December 16, 2025) with a mix of strong gains and notable declines among key stocks. DroneShield Limited (DRO) is leading the gains. The stock surged by 22.17%, closing at $2.81 after a rise of 51 cents. IDP Education Limited (IEL) also posted strong gains, climbing 5.63% to $5.44. Challenger Limited (CGF) increased by 3.85%, finishing at $9.44, while Guzman y Gomez Limited (GYG) rose 2.89% to $21.75. Qantas Airways Limited (QAN) rounded out the top five gainers with a 2.85% increase, closing at $10.09.


On the other hand, several stocks faced declines. IperionX Limited (IPX) dropped 6.39% to $4.98, marking the steepest fall among the losers. Life360 Inc. (360) fell 5.74%, closing at $32.71, while Deep Yellow Limited (DYL) slipped 5.09% to $1.68. Paladin Energy Ltd (PDN) decreased by 4.81%, finishing at $8.52, and Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (TLX) dropped 4.63% to $12.56.

S&P ASX: How other key indices performed

The Australian share market experienced a modest decline across key indices today. The S&P/ASX 20 opened at 4745.10 and closed slightly lower at 4729.30, reflecting a decrease of 0.3%. Similarly, the S&P/ASX 50 fell by 0.4%, opening at 8272.60 and closing at 8239.10. This downward trend was also mirrored in the broader indices, with the S&P/ASX 100 dropping 0.4% to close at 7150.60 from an opening of 7180.60.

The S&P/ASX 300 followed suit, declining 0.4%, finishing the day at 8552.60 after starting at 8588.90. Overall, the market saw a consistent slight pullback across these major indices.