The S&P/ASX 200 index closed slightly lower Tuesday, but a handful of standout stocks defied the broader market weakness, posting solid gains on the back of company-specific developments and sector tailwinds.

The benchmark index slipped 3.90 points, or 0.04 percent, to finish at 8,949.40. Energy and gold shares lagged, while consumer staples and real estate offered some support. Against that backdrop, five ASX 200 names posted the strongest advances, led by lithium developer Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd.