573 stories mentioning S&P/ASX 200Updated just now
Australian shares traded mixed, with energy stocks like Woodside advancing while consumer discretionary names slipped amid softening consumer confidence.
Materials stocks advanced nearly 4% at midday Friday.BHP Group (ASX:BHP) gained 3% in recent trade.On the flip side, the energy sector struggled, shedding 1%.Woodside Energy Group (ASX:WDS) shares fell almost 2% in recent trade.
HSBC sees an increased risk of contraction in the Australian economy and expects the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to hold interest rates at their current level at its upcoming policy meeting this month, the Australian Financial Review reported Friday."Although there is some risk the RBA might choose to hike again beyond [June], we expect the weakening in growth to convince them to be on hold," HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham reportedly said.HSBC now anticipates rate cuts to start from the third quarter of 2027 with inflation forecast to decline through late 2026 and next year. The bank also expects Australia's gross domestic product to fall in the current quarter after posting only marginal growth of 0.3% in the previous quarter, according to the report.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)
The number of seasonally adjusted filled jobs in Australia was unchanged from initial data, according to a report released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Friday.Filled jobs rose 0.6% to 16.2 million in the March quarter, following a 0.3% increase in the December 2025 quarter.Total jobs rose 0.7% to 16.5 million, while job vacancies were up 5.2% to 344,000.Main jobs rose 0.6% to 15.1 million, while secondary jobs also increased 0.6% to 1.1 million in March.The industries with the highest number of secondary jobs were healthcare and social assistance, administrative and support services, and education and training, per the report.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is expected to hold the cash rate at 4.35% at its June meeting, following three consecutive hikes that have taken policy into restrictive territory, BofA Securities said in a Thursday note.Higher rates are weighing on households and businesses, particularly given the large share of borrowers on variable rate mortgages, the investment firm said. Housing momentum is softening, consumer and business sentiment remains weak, and the labor market continues to soften.However, inflation remains high, and the extent of second-round spillovers is still uncertain.The firm priced in around 20 basis points of RBA rate hikes by December, but there is scope for this to be pared back if the governor places greater weight on signs that tighter policy is cooling the labor market and household spending, signaling that policy is sufficiently restrictive.A unanimous decision to hold would reinforce the view that the RBA is likely to remain on hold for the foreseeable future, BofA said. Meanwhile, the main risk is a second quarter inflation overshoot, triggering an August hike.
Australian shares are poised to rise on Friday, mirroring gains on Wall Street, after US President Donald Trump said the US had cancelled planned strikes against Iran, and that the US and Iran could sign a peace agreement as soon as this weekend.Overnight, the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained nearly 2%, while the the Nasdaq Composite rose 2.5%. Meanwhile, Brent oil futures fell below $89 per barrel.In the macroeconomy, investors are eyeing the release of the labor account report at 11:30 am Sydney time.In corporate news, Bathurst Resources (ASX:BRL) said a New Zealand court has dismissed Talley's Group's attempt to bring a derivative lawsuit involving Bathurst. Talley's first initiated the dispute in 2024 by filing a statement of claim against Bathurst, its directors, and related parties, alleging prejudiced shareholder conduct and misleading representations, and seeking damages.Ebos Group (ASX:EBO, NZE:EBO) unit Pet Care Distributors' proposed deal to acquire Paringa Pet Foods is under a phase one review by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.Australia's benchmark index shed 0.2% or 20.1 points to close at 8,633.20 on Thursday.
Fitch Ratings has kept a neutral outlook for the Asia-Pacific insurance sector, according to a recent release.Solid capital buffers, controlled underwriting, and improved asset-liability management mitigate market headwinds, modestly increasing claim inflation, and new regulatory solvency regimes, according to Fitch.Moderately higher claim costs, along with supply chain disruption from geopolitical tensions, have reduced nonlife underwriting margins in the region, Fitch said.Increasing health and motor losses pressure profitability in Korea and Indonesia, while home and motor repair costs show stickiness in Australia, the rating agency said.Rising interest rates, a better reinsurance environment, and prior-period pricing actions offset claim inflation, but late-cycle market and credit risk linger, Fitch said.Japanese insurers face higher capital requirements through a new economic value-based solvency regulation, while Indonesian counterparts are undergoing the first phase of higher minimum equity requirements, according to Fitch.Meanwhile, lingering structural issues led to a deteriorating outlook in China and Taiwan, the rating agency said.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia said house price growth in Australia is slowing down due to interest rate rises and policy changes in the recent budget, with economists revising their outlook for housing prices lower and a sharper slowdown now expected, according to a Thursday report by the bank."We now expect house prices to be flat over the course of this year," said CBA Senior Economist Trent Saunders.Saunders said three rate hikes and additional pressure from budget changes are adding to pressure already present in the housing market, with addressing supply constraints still key to solving affordability problems in the longer term.The bank said it expects the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut the cash rate twice next year."As more attention shifts towards the possibility of rate cuts, that's when we see market conditions starting to stabilize," Saunders said.The housing cycle is likely to reach a turning point in early 2027 as expectations of lower rates begin to improve confidence, CBA added.
Australian shares were flat with a negative bias on Thursday after the US military launched fresh strikes on Iran for the second straight day.The S&P/ASX 200 Index was little changed to close at 8,633.20.On Wall Street, the Nasdaq Composite fell 1.98%, the Dow Jones declined 1.87%, and the S&P 500 was down 1.62%.The US military launched strikes on Iran after President Donald Trump promised new attacks if no peace deal is secured. Iran declared the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response, and Brent crude oil futures rose over 1% to around $94 per barrel.On the domestic front, Australia's consumer inflation expectations fell by 0.1 percentage points in June to 5.5%, according to the Melbourne Institute Survey of Consumer Inflationary Expectations. Trimmed mean inflation expectations, after spiking in April, have moderated for two consecutive months, while wage expectations have remained unchanged for the past seven months, the survey added.In company news, Southern Cross Media (ASX:SXL) said it will cut between 250 and 300 full-time roles before June 30 as part of a cost reduction program, resulting in fiscal year 2026 restructuring charges of around AU$20 million. It now expects fiscal 2026 revenue of AU$1.86 billion to AU$1.87 billion, down from a previous guidance range of AU$1.91 billion to AU$1.92 billion.Alcoa (ASX:AAI) CFO Molly Beerman warned that its alumina unit will be "underwater" due to losses caused by energy disruptions and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, speaking during a presentation at the Wells Fargo Industrials & Materials Conference.Lastly, Megaport (ASX:MP1) said the retail component of its fully underwritten one-for-3.08 pro rata accelerated non-renounceable entitlement offer has opened, expected to raise about AU$309 million at AU$14.30 per share, the same price and ratio applied to the institutional component, which raised about AU$518 million.
Energy stocks advanced nearly 2% at midday Thursday.Woodside Energy Group (ASX:WDS) gained almost 2% in recent trade.Meanwhile, the information technology sector struggled, shedding more than 2%.Xero (ASX:XRO) shares fell past 3% in recent trade.
Australia's consumer inflation expectations fell by 0.1 percentage points in June to 5.5%, according to the Melbourne Institute Survey of Consumer Inflationary Expectations on Thursday.Trimmed mean inflation expectations, after spiking in April, have moderated for two consecutive months, while wage expectations have remained unchanged for the past seven months, the survey added.
Australian shares are poised to fall on Thursday as oil prices surged on renewed US-Iran tensions after US President Donald Trump warned that the US would attack Iran "very hard" if no peace deal is reached, heightening geopolitical risk and inflation concerns amid expectations of constrained global energy supplies.Overnight, the S&P 500, the Nasdaq Composite, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell around 1.6%, 2%, and 1.9%, respectively.In the macroeconomy, investors are eyeing the release of the Melbourne Institute consumer inflation expectations report.In corporate news, Southern Cross Media Group (ASX:SXL) said it will cut between 250 and 300 full-time roles before June 30 as part of cost reduction program, resulting in fiscal 2026 restructuring charges of around AU$20 million.JB Hi-Fi (ASX:JBH) started a process to refund more than AU$250,000 to about 200 consumers after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission raised concerns that the company may have misled consumers with pricing claims in advertisements.Australia's benchmark index rose 0.6% or 49.1 points to close at 8,653.30 on Wednesday.
Asia-Pacific's emerging market nonbank financial institutions (NBFIs) should observe controlled refinancing risk this year, Fitch Ratings said.Most issuers' near-term funding profiles continue to be stable amid ample domestic liquidity, solid bank funding access, and predominantly solid shareholder or government support, Fitch said.The rating agency's view comes even as the entities face modestly higher refinancing needs and unstable offshore funding conditions due to the Iran conflict.The sector's greater dependence on short-term funding compared to other regions reflects specific business models rather than weaker refinancing ability, according to Fitch.Offshore US dollar issuance could still provide gains in 2026 amid tighter market access due to high funding costs, volatile yields, and geopolitical risks, Fitch said.Greater-than-expected tightening in domestic liquidity, resurgent upward pressure on US dollar yields, or expanding credit spreads serve as risks for the sector, the rating agency said.
Australian shares rose on Wednesday amid freshly renewed hostilities between the US and Iran.The S&P/ASX 200 Index gained 0.57%, or 49.10 points, at 8,653.30.Brent crude oil futures rose to trade at around $91 per barrel after the US held Iran responsible for the downing of a US military helicopter.On the domestic front, seasonally adjusted data revealed that the total number of dwellings approved in Australia fell 3.4% to 16,710 in April from 17,307 in the previous month, according to final figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.The ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian consumer confidence rose 2 points to 70.8 in the week of June 1 to June 7, ANZ reported. The four-week moving average rose 1.7 points to 68 points. Consumer sentiment improved broadly last week, with gains in financial conditions and medium-term confidence hitting their strongest levels since late February.In company news, Steadfast Group (ASX:SDF) said it received a conditional, non-binding, and indicative offer from Amwins Group and Dragoneer Investment Group to acquire the company by way of a scheme of arrangement at AU$6 per share in cash, representing an enterprise value of about AU$7.7 billion.Northern Star Resources (ASX:NST) Chairman Michael Chaney said that processing plant construction at Fimiston in Western Australia is nearing completion, on time and with a modest cost overrun. Chaney acknowledged that the firm's share price performance in the year had not met expectations and recognised shareholders' concerns.Lastly, Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) said it is partnering with artificial intelligence organizations to drive long-term sales and earnings growth. The company said it will use AI for agentic and conversational commerce and AI assistants for team members and supply chain optimization, among other applications.
Consumer discretionary stocks advanced nearly 3% at midday Wednesday.Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) gained almost 3% in recent trade after announcing that it is partnering with artificial intelligence organizations to drive long-term sales and earnings growth.On the flip side, the information technology sector struggled, shedding nearly 2%.Xero (ASX:XRO) shares were down past 1% in recent trade.
Seasonally adjusted data revealed that the total number of dwellings approved in Australia fell 3.4% to 16,710 in April from 17,307 in the previous month, according to final figures released Wednesday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).The final figures were unchanged from the preliminary data.Private sector housing approvals edged down 1% to 10,088 in April, while approvals for private sector dwellings excluding houses fell 3.6% to 6,403, according to the ABS data.Meanwhile, the value of total non-residential building approvals rose 29.4% to AU$7.75 billion, and the value of total residential building approvals fell 0.3% to AU$10.89 billion.
The ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian consumer confidence rose 2 points to 70.8 in the week of June 1 to June 7, ANZ reported Tuesday.The four-week moving average rose 1.7 points to 68 points.Consumer sentiment improved broadly last week, with gains in financial conditions and medium-term confidence hitting their strongest levels since late February, while willingness to purchase major household items continued to strengthen amid end-of-financial-year sales, according to ANZ economist Sophia Angala.Housing confidence has softened on a four-week moving average basis since the start of the year, with mortgage holders recording the sharpest decline amid continued pressure from Reserve Bank of Australia rate hikes, Angala added.Weekly inflation expectations rose to 6.1% from 5.9%, while the current financial condition indicator for 12 months was unchanged at 60.1. The future financial conditions for the next 12 months increased to 78.4 points from 75.1.Short-term economic confidence for the next year edged down 0.6 points to 61.3, while medium-term economic confidence for the next five years increased to 80.4 points from 75.8.The "time to buy a major household item" subcategory rose 2.6 points to 73.8.
Australian shares are poised to inch up on Wednesday as oil prices climbed after US forces struck Iran, escalating Middle East tensions and raising concerns over potential supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.Overnight, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.3% and 1% respectively, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.2%.In the macroeconomy, the ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian consumer confidence rose 2 points to 70.8 in the week of June 1 to June 7, ANZ reported Tuesday.Australia's final building approvals report is due at 11:30 am Sydney time.In corporate news, IGO (ASX:IGO) said a fire broke out at its chemical grade plant 3 at the Greenbushes lithium operation on Tuesday and was extinguished without causing any injuries.Insurance Australia Group's (ASX:IAG) IAG New Zealand division on Wednesday urged New Zealand's government to develop a long-term roadmap to cut natural hazard risk, which it said is rising faster than the country's ability to manage it.Australia's benchmark index fell 0.2% or 20.9 points to close at 8,604.20 on Tuesday.
Australian shares were flat with a negative bias on Tuesday as investors weighed in on the cessation of strikes between Israel and Iran after an exchange over the weekend.The S&P/ASX 200 Index was little changed to close at 8,604.20.Brent crude oil futures fell to trade at around $93 per barrel after indications of de-escalation between Israel and Iran.On Wall Street, the Nasdaq fell over 4% on Friday, but rebounded 0.9% overnight. Stronger economic activity and job growth in the US led investors to expect the Federal Reserve to delay its rate cuts.On the domestic front, Australia's consumer confidence fell further into pessimistic territory in June as cost-of-living pressures, weakening household finances, and softer housing expectations continued to weigh on sentiment. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index fell 2.9% to 80.6 in June from 83 in May.Business confidence in Australia lifted off a low base, rising 10 points to negative 14 index points in May. However, it is still weak, and margin pressures are likely to remain a factor for businesses in the months ahead, according to the NAB Monthly Business Survey. Sentiment remains negative across all industries despite the increase, and overall conditions continue to track below average through the year.The total value of residential dwellings in Australia rose 2.5% in the March quarter, settling at AU$12.773 trillion. The mean price of residential buildings rose AU$22,300 to AU$1.1 million in the quarter.In company news, oOh!media (ASX:OML) confirmed that it has received conditional non-binding indicative offers from Bain Capital and other financial sponsors, consistent with the terms of the I Squared Capital proposal. The company on May 11 said it received an unsolicited, non-binding takeover offer from I Squared Capital to acquire the company for AU$1.45 per share in cash via a scheme of arrangement.James Hardie Industries (ASX:JHX) has been served with a group proceeding in the Supreme Court of Victoria on behalf of investors who acquired securities between May 21, 2025, and Aug. 19, 2025, alleging that it breached regulations in relation to forward-looking statements about its forecast financial performance. It denied the allegations and said it will vigorously defend the case.Coast Entertainment Holdings (ASX:CEH) said Queensland's State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) has issued its referral agency response to the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning regarding the company's Dreamworld precinct development application. SARA's response is the penultimate step in the call-in process and is submitted to the Minister for consideration ahead of a final decision.
Business confidence in Australia lifted off a low base, however it is still weak and margin pressures are likely to remain a factor for businesses in the months ahead, National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB) said in a report on Tuesday.Business confidence rose 10 points to negative 14 index points in May, according to the NAB Monthly Business Survey. Sentiment remains negative across all industries despite the increase, and overall conditions continue to track below average through the year.Business conditions were steady at 3 index points in the month and tracking just below their long-run average for most of the year, with employment, trading conditions, and profitability all having softened since February. The profitability sub-component is furthest below its long-run average, which suggests margin pressures persist.Conditions rose in wholesale, finance, property, and business services as well as recreation and personal services industries. Trend conditions were strongest in mining and finance, property and business services while manufacturing was the weakest industry. By state, conditions rose modestly in New South Wales and South Australia.Capacity utilization fell to 81.9%, dropping below 82% for the first time since early 2025, and is currently 1.4 percentage points below its high point in late 2025. While utilization remains above its long run average of 81.4%, the easing through the first half is consistent with softer economic growth and also reflected in the broader trend in business conditions.The survey suggests activity has slowed somewhat and that, while the Middle East cost shock has been significant, it has been less disruptive than feared, said Gareth Spence, the bank's head of Australian Economics.This "supports the view that economic growth has slowed since late 2025 but is still moving. We see the same signs in our transactions data, where spending growth has slowed but not fallen away," Spence said.Forward orders rose five points and capital expenditure lifted six points. Purchase cost growth eased to 2.6% in quarterly equivalent terms, while labor cost growth edged down to 1.5%, product price growth slowed to 0.9%, and retail price growth eased to 1.5%.Price and costs growth also eased in the month but remain elevated, particularly purchase costs, which signal the ongoing risks of the cost shock due to the Middle East conflict still making its way through supply chains, per the report.
The impact of potential geopolitical shocks is likely to differ from more traditional macro-financial stress in several ways, including by generating new operational challenges for the financial system, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) noted in its bulletin released Tuesday.The RBA defined geopolitical risk as the potential for adverse impacts on the financial system from international tensions, including trade restrictions, sanctions, grey-zone activities and conflicts.The geopolitical risk framework identified four key stress transmission channels: financial conditions, the real economy, safety and security, and international policy responses, per the report. Credit risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, security and capacity risk, and political risk are expected to be the most relevant in a geopolitical scenario, it added.Such a shock could lead to the potential amplification of financial risks, new operational challenges for the financial system, and coordination challenges in crisis management, given the potential for multiple financial and operational risks to be triggered at once, RBA said.Periods of heightened geopolitical risk may not be fully reflected in asset prices or volatility measures until risks crystallize, the bank said. Material geopolitical risks can build while remaining only partially priced, increasing the potential for sudden and nonlinear adjustments when conditions deteriorate, it added.
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