Good morning! Here’s everything you need to know, and some things you don't, before the ASX flings open its doors and begins ...

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

Alkane Resources and Mandalay Resources are planning a billion dollar merger. And it could open up even more wheeling and dealing.

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