Author name: Jonathan Tacadena

ASX Rallies on Ceasefire Hopes; Greatland Gold and Virgin Australia Shine on Debut

The ASX surged on Tuesday as easing geopolitical tensions and strong IPO performances boosted investor confidence. The S&P/ASX 200 rose 1% to 8556.2 by 2pm AEST, with nine of 11 sectors in the green. A tentative ceasefire between Iran and Israel, announced by former US President Donald Trump, helped spark a broad-based rally.

The ASX fell to a 20-day low on Monday as geopolitical tensions rattled markets following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The S&P/ASX 200 Index dropped 36.5 points, or 0.4%, to 8469 by 2pm AEST, with nine of 11 sectors in decline. Technology, healthcare, and industrials led losses, while energy stocks gained on surging oil prices.

ASX Dips as Banks Weigh; Betr Tables Bid for PointsBet

The ASX edged lower on Friday afternoon, with the S&P/ASX 200 slipping 16 points, or 0.2%, to 8507.7 by 2pm AEST. Losses in the big four banks outweighed modest gains in healthcare, with six of 11 sectors trading in the green.

The ASX 200 hovered around the flat line on Thursday, down just one point to 8530.2 by 2pm AEST, as investors weighed weaker-than-expected jobs data, falling iron ore prices, and geopolitical risks.

Australian employment unexpectedly declined by 2500 jobs in May, well below consensus expectations for a 22,500 gain. Markets showed little immediate reaction.

The ASX 200 fluctuated on Wednesday, inching up just one point to 8542.3 by 2pm AEST, as a sharp sell-off in materials offset gains in other sectors. Investors remained cautious amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with oil prices surging to five-month highs after Donald Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” stoking fears of broader US involvement.

The ASX 200 swung between gains and losses on Tuesday, dipping 10 points to 8538.4 by 2pm AEST, with seven of 11 sectors in decline. The market largely shrugged off Wall Street’s positive lead, as geopolitical tensions took centre stage.

ASX edges higher as oil surges; Santos soars on takeover bid; Chinese retail jumps

Australian shares edged up on Monday, with energy stocks driving gains after a surge in oil prices and a $30 billion takeover bid for Santos. The S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.03% to 8549.7 points by 2:03pm AEST.

Australian shares edged lower on Friday despite strength in energy and gold stocks, following Israeli air strikes on Iran that rattled investor sentiment. The S&P/ASX 200 fell 14.9 points, or 0.2%, to 8550.2 by 2pm AEST, with seven of 11 sectors in decline.

The ASX edged higher by midday, with the S&P/ASX 200 up 21 points, or 0.2%, at 8613.1, supported by a rally in energy stocks following a sharp 5% rise in oil prices. Global sentiment was dampened by a sell-off in US tech giants and rising US-Iran tensions, while the S&P 500 closed 0.3% lower overnight.

The ASX 200 closed at a record high of 8592.1 on Wednesday, rising 0.1% after reaching an intraday peak of 8639.1. Gains were driven by optimism over China-U.S. trade negotiations, with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick citing productive talks and a new framework agreement emerging post-trade.