S&P/ASX 200 gains 1.01% as tech stocks and iron ore miners surge

S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX:XJO) has gained 1.01% to 6898 points by 1.11 pm as the iron ore giants and tech stocks surged. Iron miners received a boost after global ratings agency S&P upgrades its forecasts for the key steel-making raw material from $US100 a tonne to $US130 a tonne for 2021. BHP Group Ltd (ASX:BHP) gained 0.90% while Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) rose 0.82% and Fortescue Metals (ASX:FMG) lifted 1.33%. Record highs in the US Wall Street rallied to record levels on Monday after US jobless rate fell from 6.2% to 6.0% in March and a surge in the gauge of services industry activity showed the economic rebound gained momentum amid accelerated vaccine rollout. The US Dow rose by 1.1% and the S&P 500 surged 1.4% to close at record highs. Nasdaq closed 1.6% higher. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will release its April policy statement at 2.30pm AEST. The central bank is not expected to change the official cash rate of 0.1% today. Top gainers Today’s top gainers on the ASX include Blackearth Minerals NL (ASX:BEM) (+13.33%), Brookside Energy Ltd (ASX:BRK) (+13.79%), Carnavale Resources Limited (ASX:CAV) (+12.50%), Nanollose Ltd (ASX:NC6) (+9.52%), Rpm Automotive Group Ltd (ASX:RPM) (+13.33%) and Rumble Resources Ltd (ASX:RTR) (+28.57%). Proactive news headlines: Noxopharm files patent for Veyonda® as treatment for septic shock Noxopharm Ltd (ASX:NOX) has filed a patent for its anti-cancer drug Veyonda® for use in the fight against septic shock, following compelling COVID-19 pre-clinical data. Cipherpoint completes 100% acquisition of Brace168 Cipherpoint Ltd (ASX:CPT) has completed the 100% acquisition of Brace168 Pty Ltd, making the innovative IT and cybersecurity solutions business a subsidiary and integral part of Cipherpoint. Peninsula Energy’s uranium book expected to deliver US$8-9 million net cash margin in 2022 Peninsula Energy Ltd (ASX:PEN) (OTCMKTS:PENMF) (FRA:P1M) is predicting a net cash margin of between US$8-$9 million in 2022, as it stocks up on uranium concentrate to meet demand. Creso Pharma to benefit from New York State cannabis legalisation with leading executive appointed to assist US business development Creso Pharma Ltd (ASX:CPH) (FRA:1X8) welcomes the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) to legalise, tax and regulate recreational cannabis for adults that are 21 years and over in New York State. Metro Mining reserves and resources update supports long-term operations Metro Mining Ltd’s (ASX:MMI) updated bauxite reserves and resources support the company’s intention to maintain and expand production at the Bauxite Hills operations in Far North Queensland over many years. Platina Resources boosts funds through sale of 6 million Major Precious Metals shares Platina Resources Limited’s (ASX:PGM) (OTCMKTS:PTNUF) (FRA:P4R) strategy to build its gold presence in Western Australia has been boosted on receiving approximately A$2.64 million from the sale of 6 million shares in Canadian-listed Major Precious Metals Corp (CSE:SIZE) (OTCMKTS:SIZYF) (FRA:3EZ). Anson Resources increases Paradox Brine Project exploration target by up to 257% Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN) (FRA:9MY) has increased the exploration target at its Paradox Brine Project in the US after a review of historical drilling data confirmed a massive, supersaturated brine aquifer in the Mississippian Leadville Formation within the project claims at a depth of around 8,000 feet.