The Australian sharemarket edged lower on Monday, positioning the ASX 200 for its fifth straight decline — the longest losing run since June — as investors await the return of key US economic data following the government shutdown. By 2pm AEDT, the benchmark slipped 0.2 per cent to 8619.70, with seven of 11 sectors in negative territory, extending a 2.4 per cent slide across the current downturn.
The Australian sharemarket slid sharply on Thursday after a stronger-than-expected jobs report dampened hopes of a 2025 interest-rate cut. The S&P/ASX 200 fell as much as 1 per cent to a 10-week low, with the unemployment rate unexpectedly dropping to 4.3 per cent in October alongside a 42,200 jobs surge. Money markets slashed the probability of a June RBA cut to 30 per cent, down from 80 per cent a week earlier.
The ASX 200 rose 0.1% to 8833.8 on Wednesday, supported by strength in energy and mining stocks, while losses in tech and financials capped gains. Rio Tinto rallied 2.6% and BHP added 0.8% after a rebound in iron ore prices. Mineral Resources surged 9% after selling a $1.2 billion stake in its lithium business to South Korea’s POSCO, while Liontown jumped 6% on a new digital trading partnership. Gold miners extended their rally as bullion climbed to US$4,134 an ounce, with Evolution up 2.3%.
The ASX surged on Monday, tracking global optimism after US senators reached a deal to reopen the government, lifting investor sentiment. By 2pm AEDT, the S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.6% to 8822.5, on track for its best day in two weeks. Wall Street futures also strengthened, with Nasdaq up 1%.
The Australian sharemarket edged lower on Friday, heading for its second straight weekly loss as investor sentiment cooled following the Reserve Bank’s decision to keep rates unchanged. The S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.5% to 8787.1 at 2:10pm AEDT, with the benchmark on track for a 1% weekly decline.
The ASX rebounded on Thursday, with the S&P/ASX 200 up 0.3% to 8823.7 by 2pm AEDT, snapping a multi-day decline as stronger gold prices and gains in major miners lifted the market. Gold stocks rallied after bullion rose 1.2% overnight to hold above US$3970 an ounce. Newmont climbed 2.6%, Northern Star 2.9% and Evolution Mining 3%.
The Australian sharemarket declined on Wednesday, pressured by weakness in mining and technology stocks as investors reassessed the interest rate outlook. The S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.3% to 8790.1 by mid-afternoon, positioning the index for its sixth loss in seven sessions. Sentiment softened after RBA governor Michele Bullock cautioned that inflationary pressures may prove more persistent, reducing expectations for further rate cuts this cycle.
The Australian sharemarket edged lower on Monday as investors remained cautious ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s policy meeting. The S&P/ASX 200 dipped 0.1%, or 5.2 points, to 8876.7 by 2pm AEDT, with eight of the 11 sectors trading in the red.
The ASX climbed on Friday afternoon, supported by gains in major banks and gold miners after bullion rebounded from a four-session slide. The S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.3% to 8914.9 at 2:12pm AEDT, with nine of 11 sectors advancing.
The Australian sharemarket edged lower on Thursday, extending the previous session’s steep sell-off as investors reassessed interest rate expectations. The S&P/ASX 200 dipped 0.2% to 8905.06 by 2:04pm AEDT, with six of 11 sectors in the red. Sentiment remained fragile after Australia’s hotter-than-expected inflation print on Wednesday and a cautious Federal Reserve tone overnight, which cooled hopes of further rate cuts this year.
The Australian sharemarket weakened on Wednesday after a stronger-than-expected inflation reading dented hopes of an imminent interest rate cut. The S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.9 per cent, or 81 points, to 8931.2 by mid-afternoon, with property, banks and healthcare weighing on the index.
