Yes, the ASX is open today, and here's what's happening

The ASX is open for business today.

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Key points

  • It's a public holiday today in many Australian states 
  • But since the ASX typically only closes on nationwide holidays, it's open for business today 
  • After climbing in morning trade, the ASX 200 has since reversed these gains 

It's a public holiday in many Australian states today, but that hasn't stopped the ASX share market from opening.

Typically, the ASX only closes on national public holidays, such as Good Friday, ANZAC Day, and Christmas. 

So, you're still able to buy and sell shares in your favourite ASX companies today.

But given it's a public holiday in Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, and South Australia, we're seeing reduced volume and trading activity as people make the most of their long weekend.

How are ASX shares performing today?

All three US benchmarks fell by around 1.5% on Friday, providing a negative lead for the ASX today.

But the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shrugged off this gloomy sentiment to rise by as much as 0.5% this morning.

These gains have since reversed, with the ASX 200 down 0.9% at the time of writing to sit at 6,418 points.

As has often been the case in recent months, the ASX tech sector is bearing the brunt of the fall. The S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) has shed 2.5%.

Meanwhile, the communication services, consumer discretionary, and financials sectors have all dropped by around 1%.

Top ASX 200 risers and fallers

In early afternoon trade, the Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU) share price is leading the way. It's lit up by 2.1% despite there being no news from the mineral sands company.

BlueScope Steel Limited (ASX: BSL) is the next best ASX 200 performer, rising 1.4% against a backdrop of red-hot steel prices.

Rounding out the top three is Santos Ltd (ASX: STO), which has climbed 1.3% at the time of writing on the back of up swinging oil prices.

But while some ASX 200 shares buck the broader market weakness, there are many more in the red today.

The West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) is currently at the back of the pack, tumbling 8.6% to 96 cents. The company released an operations update today in response to a change in the military leadership in Burkina Faso on the weekend.

The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price is also feeling worse for wear, slumping 7.2% to $1.025. Core Lithium shares emerged from a trading halt today after the company completed a $100 million institutional placement at an offer price of $1.03.

The Chalice Mining Ltd (ASX: CHN) share price is also coming under pressure. It's dropped 7.1% to currently sit at $3.65 despite there being no news out of Chalice today.

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Motley Fool contributor Cathryn Goh has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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