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US Markets

Australian Leading Economic Index Turns Negative in March

Battered by higher interest rates and the global energy shock stemming from Persian Gulf hostilities, a leading Australian economic index turned negative in March, reported Westpac Economics, a part of the large bank."The six-month annualized growth rate in the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index, which indicates the likely pace of economic activity relative to trend three to nine months into the future, declined to negative 0.13% in March from a positive 0.05% in February," reported Westpac on Wednesday.The leading economic index, as of March, has declined from a positive 0.31% in October last year, "a 0.44% deterioration. The detail shows clear drags from the shifting interest rate backdrop and the global energy shock associated with the conflict in the Middle East," said Westpac Economics.The biggest drags on the March leading index were large declines in consumer confidence, "a sharp sell-off in the Australian sharemarket," and "a flattening yield spread as short-term interest rates have moved higher," advised Westpac Economics.In contrast, higher commodity prices and an uptick in dwelling approvals (housing start permits) somewhat offset the drags on the index, explained Westpac Economics.The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) next meets on May 4-5, and despite the somewhat gloomy economic outlook, will likely raise interest rates again to counter rising prices, said Westpac Economics.The RBA raised rates in February and March, to the current level of 4.1%.At the next RBA meeting, rising concerns over inflation will more than offset worries about sluggish economic growth, said Westpac Economics."As such, we expect the RBA to raise the cash rate by another 25 basis points in May, with further moves likely in subsequent months," said the economic research outfit.

ASX 200
Asia

Australian Shares Decline; Treasury Wine Estates to Transition to New Regional Operating Model in October

Australian shares retreated at Wednesday's close as uncertainty around negotiations between the ​US and Iran continued, even as the US extended a ceasefire.The S&P/ASX 200 Index declined 1.18%, or by 105.80 points, to close at 8,843.60.US President Donald Trump said the US would extend the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely. Iran had rejected a second round of negotiations before the extension was declared. The Strait of Hormuz remained closed, while President Trump said he would continue the US's blockade of Iran.Brent crude oil futures were steady at $$98.47 per barrel.On the domestic front, the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index, which indicates the likely pace of economic activity relative to trend three to nine months into the future, fell to negative 0.13% in March from 0.05% in February, signaling a renewed slowdown in growth expectations as higher interest rates and weaker consumer sentiment weigh on the outlook.The Commonwealth Bank of Australia's inaugural FX Barometer report, conducted between Feb. 16 and April 10, showed that importers were hedging around 80% of their currency exposures and exporters hedging 86%, while businesses that both import and export were hedging around two-thirds of their exposures, reflecting partial natural offsets.In company news, Treasury Wine Estates (ASX:TWE) will transition to a new regional operating model, effective Oct. 1. Under the new model, the company will operate four regional divisions: the Americas; Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) and Europe; Greater China; and emerging markets, which cover the rest of Asia, Middle East, and Africa. Its shares soared over 16% on market close.BHP Group (ASX:BHP) reported fiscal third-quarter copper production of 476,800 tonnes, down 7% from a year earlier. Iron ore output for the March quarter was 62.8 million tonnes, an increase of 2% from the year-ago period. Its shares closed up over 1%.Lastly, South32 (ASX:S32) reported a 1% increase in alumina production year-to-date to March, helped by record production in its Brazil Alumina segment. Aluminium production was mostly flat during the period. Its shares were up over 1% on market close.

ASX 200ASX:BHPASX:S32ASX:TWE
International

Australian Corporations Report Elevated Hedging Activity Amid Middle East Conflict, CommBank Says

Australian corporations are increasing their hedging activity in an attempt to navigate business and investment risks amid uncertainty brought on by the Middle East conflict, Commonwealth Bank of Australia said in its inaugural FX Barometer report Wednesday.The survey, conducted between Feb. 16 and April 10, shows importers hedging around 80% of their currency exposures and exporters hedging 86%, while businesses that both import and export are hedging around two-thirds of their exposures, reflecting partial natural offsets.The activity levels indicate that company profits are highly exposed to volatility in the Australian dollar, with smaller businesses more at risk to adverse currency movements compared with larger counterparts, according to the report."Large businesses hedge around 80% of their currency exposures, while smaller businesses hedge around 53%, highlighting the higher exposure of smaller businesses to unfavorable currency movements," said Carol Kong, a CommBank economist and currency Strategist.The report further found that super funds hedge around three-quarters or more of their foreign property and infrastructure assets. More than 80% of super funds plan to raise exposure to foreign exchange in the next three months, while none of the super funds surveyed expect to lower their exposure.

ASX 200
Asia

ASX Midday Sector Update: Consumer Staples Stocks Rise, Cochlear Weighs on Health Care

Consumer staples stock rose more than 1% to lead gainers in midday trading on Wednesday.Treasury Wine Estates (ASX:TWE) was advancing more than 16% after saying it will transition to a new regional operating model, effective Oct. 1, under which the company will have four regional divisions.On the flip side, health care stocks retreated over 5%, weighed down by a sharp decline for sector heavyweight Cochlear (ASX:COH).The company's shares plunged more than 39% after it downgraded its fiscal year 2026 underlying net profit guidance, saying that trading conditions for its hearing implants in developed markets have been weaker than anticipated since January.

ASX 200ASX:COHASX:TWE
International

Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index Falls in March

An indicator of Australian economic activity fell in March, signaling a renewed slowdown in growth expectations as higher interest rates and weaker consumer sentiment weigh on the outlook, according to a report by Westpac and Melbourne Institute published on Wednesday.The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index, which indicates the likely pace of economic activity relative to trend three to nine months into the future, fell to negative 0.13% in March from 0.05% in February.Australia's economy has slowed in early 2026, with the March index signaling a return to below-trend growth for the first time since last year, and potentially the start of another soft patch after the cost-of-living-driven weakness of 2022 to 2024, said Matthew Hassan, head of Westpac's Australian macro-forecasting.The leading index has weakened notably, shifting from a 0.31% gain in October last year to a 0.15% decline currently, driven by higher interest rates and renewed pressure in the energy market linked to tensions in the Middle East.Australia's headline growth momentum has been weighed down by weaker consumer sentiment, a sharp March equity sell-off, and a narrowing yield spread, though an early April rebound in shares could signal some near-term relief if sustained, Hassan said.Commodity prices and volatile dwelling approvals have been the main drivers of recent index gains, while the remaining components have collectively made no net contribution since October.The Reserve Bank monetary policy board is expected to deliver another 25 basis-point rate hike at its May meeting, as rising underlying inflation and the risk of higher inflation expectations outweigh emerging, but still modest, signs of weakening growth, Hassan added.

ASX 200
Asia

ASX Preview: Australian Shares to Fall as Oil Surges on Escalating Middle East Tensions; Bank of Queensland Posts Lower Fiscal H1 Cash Earnings, Higher Revenue

Australian shares are poised to fall on Wednesday as oil prices surged on renewed Middle East supply disruption fears, with Brent crude briefly topping $100 a barrel amid escalating Iran-related tensions.Sentiment was further clouded by reports that US President Donald Trump is seeking to extend a fragile ceasefire with Iran despite ongoing naval blockade concerns and mixed signals from Tehran over the prospects for a lasting peace deal.Overnight, the S&P 500, the Nasdaq Composite, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average each fell 0.6%.In the macroeconomy, Westpac's leading index report is due at 11 am Sydney time.In corporate news, Bank of Queensland (ASX:BOQ) reported Wednesday fiscal first-half cash earnings of AU$0.253 per share on revenue of AU$835 million, compared with cash earnings of AU$0.264 on revenue of AU$802 million a year earlier.BHP Group (ASX:BHP) reported fiscal third-quarter copper production of 476,800 tonnes, down 7% from a year earlier.Paladin Energy (ASX:PDN) reported fiscal third-quarter triuranium octoxide production of about 1.3 million pounds from its Langer Heinrich Mine in Namibia, up 5% from the previous quarter.Australia's benchmark index fell 0.04% or 3.9 points to close at 8,949.40 on Tuesday.

ASX 200ASX:BHPASX:BOQASX:PDN
Asia

Asia-Pacific Agrochemical Issuers Have Buffers for Middle East War Risks, Fitch Says

Asia-Pacific agrochemical issuers are capable of cushioning against increased freight, fuel, and input costs due to the Middle East conflict, preventing near-term rating pressure, Fitch Ratings said in a recent release.Nufarm (ASX:NUF), UPL (NSE:UPL, BOM:512070), and Syngenta Group have narrow direct vulnerabilities from the region, differentiated sourcing, and ample inventory serving as buffers for the first-round impact on earnings, Fitch said.Fitch expects supply chain disruption to not be impactful enough on the issuers' credit profiles in the near term, especially with operating flexibility and geographic diversification.Issuers' credit strength will also gain support from their business mix, although this would be uneven across products, with seeds the most staunch due to their key role in crop planning and fertilizers being more exposed amid a growing share of farmers' costs.The impact of crop protection lies between the other two products since its demand is less inelastic than food demand, Fitch said.The rating agency still sees dampened near-term profitability due to a gradual and initially incomplete cost pass-through.

ASX 200Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite^SZSEASX:NUFBOM:512070NSE:UPL
Asia

Australian Shares Flat; Rio Tinto Posts Higher Q1 Copper Equivalent, Iron Ore Production

Australian shares ended flat on Tuesday, while most Asian markets saw gains after reports of further negotiations between the US and Iran.The S&P/ASX 200 Index was little changed to close at 8,949.40.Iran is considering attending peace negotiations with the US in Pakistan, while Islamabad attempts to end a US blockade on Iranian ports, which is seen as a key obstacle to Tehran's participation, before a two-week ceasefire expires.On Monday, the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.3%, the S&P lost 0.2%, while the Dow Jones remained little changed.On the domestic front, the ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian consumer confidence fell 0.2 points to 64.3 in the week of April 13 to 19, ANZ reported.In company news, Rio Tinto Group (ASX:RIO) on Tuesday reported a 9% year-over-year increase in copper equivalent production in the first quarter, while global iron ore production jumped 12% to 82.8 million tonnes.Lynas Rare Earths (ASX:LYC) said its fiscal third-quarter gross sales revenue increased to AU$265 million from AU$123 million a year earlier, while sales receipts advanced to AU$234 million from AU$124.6 million.Lastly, Qantas Airways (ASX:QAN) launched a week-long sale on fares across 90 routes on the airline's domestic and regional network, including both the economy and business categories, with travel available through March 2027.

ASX 200ASX:LYCASX:QANASX:RIO
Asia

ASX Midday Sector Update: Consumer Staples Gain, Energy Stocks Slide

Consumer staples stocks were advancing about 0.5% in midday trading Tuesday, posting a very thin lead over gains for information technology shares.Woolworths Group (ASX:WOW) was up nearly 1% and Coles Group (ASX:COL) rose less than 1%.On the flip side, energy stocks were down 1% as oil prices trended lower amid hopes that Iran will join a second round of peace negotiations with the US.Woodside Energy Group (ASX:WDS) was shedding almost 2%, while Santos (ASX:STO) was down more than 1%.

ASX 200ASX:COLASX:STOASX:WDSASX:WOW
International

Australian Consumer Confidence Falls Amid Rising Inflation Expectations

The ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian consumer confidence fell 0.2 points to 64.3 in the week of April 13 to 19, ANZ reported Tuesday.The four-week moving average rose 0.3 points to 62.5 points.Australian consumer confidence was broadly unchanged during the reported week, remaining at its fourth-lowest level on record since 1973, as weaker economic sentiment offset stable labor market conditions, while higher fuel prices and soft confidence are expected to weigh on spending, according to ANZ economist Sophia Angala.The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Deputy Governor Hauser said last week that inflation in Australia remains too high and emphasized the importance of keeping expectations anchored, reinforcing our view that the RBA is likely to deliver a 25 basis point rate hike in May, Angala added.Weekly inflation expectations inched up to 7.1% from 6.7%, while the current financial condition indicator for 12 months rose 5.8 points to 58.4. The future financial conditions for the next 12 months decreased to 75.3 points from 76.4.Short-term economic confidence for the next year fell 2.8 points to 51.3, while medium-term economic confidence for the next five years decreased to 72.9 points from 76.7.The "time to buy a major household item" subcategory rose 1 point to 63.7.

ASX 200
Asia

ASX Preview: Australian Shares to Rise as Oil Surges on Middle East Tensions; Rio Tinto Group Reports Higher Q1 Copper Equivalent, Iron Ore Production

Australian shares are poised to rise on Tuesday, tracking higher global oil prices after Brent crude surged more than 5% on renewed Middle East tensions and escalating uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz amid stalled US-Iran ceasefire talks.Overnight, the S&P 500, the Nasdaq Composite, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.01%, respectively.In the macroeconomy, the ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian consumer confidence fell 0.2 points to 64.3 in the week of April 13 to 19, ANZ reported Tuesday.In corporate news, Rio Tinto Group (ASX:RIO) on Tuesday reported a 9% year-over-year increase in copper equivalent production in the first quarter, while global iron ore production jumped 12% to 82.8 million tonnes.Lynas Rare Earths (ASX:LYC) said its fiscal third-quarter gross sales revenue increased to AU$265 million from AU$123 million a year earlier, while sales receipts advanced to AU$234 million from AU$124.6 million.Australia's benchmark index rose 0.1% or 6.4 points to close at 8,953.30 on Monday.

ASX 200ASX:LYCASX:RIO
International

Asia Week Ahead: Inflation; Trade Data; and Central Bank Decisions

The week ahead in Asia is packed with releases covering trade, inflation, and central bank updates which could offer markets fresh clues on how the region is navigating the conflict in the Middle East.Monday begins with trade data from New Zealand and Malaysia, as well as the release of China's loan prime rates.Attention then turns Tuesday to New Zealand's first-quarter inflation report, followed by Bank Indonesia's interest rate decision and Japan's March trade figures on Wednesday.Thursday brings another key central bank decision from the Philippines, as well as first-quarter GDP data from South Korea. Flash PMI reports from India, Japan and Australia will also be closely watched.Friday rounds off the week with Japan's March inflation data, as well as Thailand's trade report.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, April 20The week kicked off with the release of trade data from New Zealand and Malaysia.New Zealand recorded a goods trade surplus of NZ$698 million in March, compared with a deficit of NZ$364.7 million in February.Goods exports rose 7.3% to NZ$7.94 billion, while imports rose 9.6% to NZ$7.25 billion.Malaysia's total trade in goods rose 9.3% annually to 273 billion ringgit in March, driven by growth in both exports and imports.Exports increased 8.3% year on year to 148.8 billion ringgit, while imports rose 10.4% to 124.2 billion ringgit.China kept its loan prime rate or LPR, which is the benchmark for new loans, unchanged after posting a better-than-expected economy amid the Middle East conflict.The People's Bank of China held the one-year LPR at 3% and the LPR of five years or more at 3.5%.Economists at ING said the central bank may keep the rates on hold until conditions warrant monetary policy support. The People's Bank of China has maintained the one-year and five-year LPR since May 2025.TUESDAY, April 21New Zealand is due to report its first quarter inflation data.The country's consumer price index is anticipated to rise by 0.8% quarter on quarter and 2.9% year on year, BofA Securities estimated, slightly below the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's revised April forecast of 3%.Headline inflation is driven by soaring fuel prices in March due to the Middle East conflict, with petrol prices surging nearly 19% and diesel by nearly 43% month on month, according to the firm's research.Taiwan will release its export orders data. According to ING, the city state could see a rebound in orders to around 48.1% year on year from 23.8% previously.WEDNESDAY, April 22Indonesia's central bank will meet for its interest rate decision.ING said it expects Bank Indonesia to keep its policy rate at 4.75% despite inflation running above the central bank's 2.5% target. At 3.5%, inflation is still well below the roughly 5% peak in 2022 that triggered aggressive rate hikes, and with growth softening, the central bank is likely to remain on hold, according to ING.Japan's March trade figures will also be in the news. ING said it expects strong Japanese export growth in March thanks to demand for semiconductors and IT products, pushing the country's trade surplus to 1 trillion yen from 44.3 billion yen in the month prior.Elsewhere, South Korea reports producer price inflation data for March.THURSDAY, April 23Another interest rate decision, this time in the Philippines.The island nation's economy is one of the most susceptible to oil shocks in the region, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' upcoming decision is "likely to be close" amid the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East, ING said in a preview.Still, the firm said its base case is for the central bank to maintain rates at 4.25%.South Korea's advance estimates for GDP growth for the first quarter will also capture headlines.Most analysts expect a rebound in growth after the economy contracted in the previous quarter, the Wall Street Journal reported.Barclays economist Bumki Son said the economy is likely to show a growth of 1.2% on a quarterly basis and 3% on a yearly basis thanks to stronger exports and a recovery in private consumption and facility investment, the WSJ reported.A consumer confidence report is also due in South Korea.Hong Kong and Singapore will announce Inflation data for March.Singapore's March print will capture the initial impact of the energy shock from the Middle East conflict, the WSJ reported, citing DBS economists. According to Trading Economics, the rate of price increase could quick to 1.5% year on year from the 1.2% witnessed in February.In Hong Kong, Trading Economics expects inflation to rise marginally to 1.8% on the year from the 1.7% recorded in February.Hong Kong will also release unemployment data the same day.A number of macro releases are expected in Taiwan, covering March retail sales, industrial production, and unemployment.Similar to its export orders, ING said it expects Taiwan's industrial production to rebound to 25.7% year on year from the 17.8% growth recorded in the month prior.On the activity front, S&P Global releases its flash PMI reports covering manufacturing, services, and composite activity in India, Japan, and Australia.FRIDAY, April 24Markets will await March inflation data from Japan.Core inflation, which excludes fresh food but includes energy, is expected to cool to a rate of 1.8% year on year from the 2% witnessed in February, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.According to ING, efforts by Japan's government to stabilize gasoline prices should keep both headline and core inflation rates below 2%.March inflation data will also be due in Macao, which also reports unemployment rate the same day.Trading Economics estimates that March inflation could clock in at 1.2% year on year, modestly higher than the 1.16% witnessed in February.Unemployment, meanwhile, is expected to rise to 1.8% from 1.7% in the month prior, Trading Economics estimated.In Thailand, trade figures for March will be due.Trading Economics expects the country the post a trade deficit of $2 billion for the month, a reversal from the $2 billion surplus in February.A pair of reports covering business and consumer confidence in the first quarter will be due in the Philippines.A business confidence report covering the second quarter will similarly be made available in Hong Kong.

ASX 200Hang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225^NZ50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted
Asia

Australian Shares Close Modestly Higher; National Australia Bank Boosts Provisions to Reflect Middle East Conflict Impact

Australian shares were modestly higher at Monday's close as oil prices spiked and investors weighed the rising tensions between the ​US and Iran.The S&P/ASX 200 Index increased slightly by 6.4 points to close at 8,953.30.Tensions rose in the Middle East as the US seized an Iranian cargo ship and Iran's top military command said they would retaliate. The ceasefire between the two countries is set to expire on Tuesday.US President Donald Trump said he was sending envoys for talks in Pakistan and that he would launch new strikes on Iran if it didn't agree to his terms. However, Iran rejected new peace talks with the US, its state news agency reported.Brent crude oil futures were up by 5.7% to $95.50 per barrel.On the domestic front, ANZ said it expects Australia's underlying cash deficit to be little changed from the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook at AU$37 billion in fiscal 2025 to 2026 and AU$36 billion in fiscal 2026 to 2027, with deficits averaging about 1% of gross domestic product likely over the forward estimates through to fiscal 2029 to 2030.Australian households' fuel spend dropped 3.8% to AU$163.4 million in the week that started April 6, following a nearly 18% decline to AU$169.8 million in the week before.In company news, National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB) said it expects fiscal first-half credit impairment charges of AU$706 million as it lifts provisions to reflect risks stemming from the Middle East conflict. The AU$300 million net increase in forward-looking collective provisions includes a AU$201 million increase in forward-looking adjustments for potential stress in sectors that are more likely to see an impact from fuel supply and cost issues.Viva Energy Group (ASX:VEA) reported a 5.1% year-over-year increase in first-quarter sales volume to 4,302 megaliters, driven by an increase of 7.1% in commercial and industrial fuel volume. The company said its Geelong refinery does not typically source Middle Eastern crude.Lastly, Worley (ASX:WOR) said the adverse impact of the Middle East conflict on its fiscal 2026 underlying earnings before interest, tax, and amortization is estimated to range from AU$30 million to AU$40 million.

ASX 200ASX:NABASX:VEAASX:WOR
International

Australian Households' Fuel Spending Declines for Two Consecutive Weeks, Westpac Says

Australian households' fuel spend dropped 3.8% to AU$163.4 million in the week that started April 6, following a nearly 18% decline to AU$169.8 million in the week before, according to a Sunday report by Westpac.This is the first two-week decline in fuel spending since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, Westpac said. Average fuel transaction values rose 2.9% week on week to AU$59.21 despite lower pump prices, suggesting that spending increasingly reflects essential fuel use rather than precautionary fill‑ups.Fuel spend was up more than 16% on a year‑ago basis. Across a six‑week period, fuel spending was AU$236.7 million higher year on year. However, momentum is moderating as prices ease and households adjust, the report noted.Discretionary spending was above last year's levels overall. However, the last week of March recorded the first year‑on‑year fall in discretionary spending, indicating that household are managing their budgets more tightly as essential costs normalize.Fuel's share of wallet fell from multi‑year highs to 5.4% but remains above pre‑conflict norms, per the report.

ASX 200
International

ANZ Sees Little Change in Australia's Budget Deficit, Flags Cost-of-Living Relief

ANZ said it expects Australia's underlying cash deficit to be little changed from the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook at AU$37 billion in fiscal 2025 to 2026 and AU$36 billion in fiscal 2026 to 2027, with deficits averaging about 1% of gross domestic product likely over the forward estimates through to fiscal 2029 to 2030, according to a Monday note by the bank.ANZ said it expects the budget to include additional temporary cost-of-living relief for households and businesses in the near term, including a possible extension of the fuel excise reduction.The bank said it expects a medium-term focus on energy security, given Australia's reliance on imported refined petroleum products, including via the Future Made in Australia package, alongside a previously announced increase in defense spending.ANZ said changes to the taxation of investment properties are expected to strengthen the fiscal position over the next decade and provide a path for revenues as a share of GDP to rise.

ASX 200
Asia

ASX Midday Sector Update: Consumer Discretionary Stocks Gain, Energy Slides

Consumer discretionary stocks were rising 1% to lead gainers in midday trading Monday.Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) was advancing nearly 2% and Lottery Corp. (ALX:TLC) almost 1%.On the flip side, energy stocks were shedding almost 3% as oil prices gained amid renewed uncertainty surrounding the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz and a potential second round of talks between the US and Iran.Viva Energy Group (ASX:VEA) was down more than 5% after saying its fire-hit Geelong refinery is expected to produce diesel and jet fuel at about 80% of capacity and petrol at roughly 60% of capacity in the short term. The company also reported a 5.1% year-over-year increase in first-quarter sales volume.

ASX 200ASX:TLCASX:VEAASX:WES
Asia

ASX Preview: Australian Shares Set to Fall as US-Iran Tensions Escalate; Viva Energy's Geelong Refinery to Produce Petrol at 60% of Capacity Over Short Term

Australian shares are poised to fall on Monday as escalating US-Iran tensions, including the seizure of an Iranian cargo ship and threats of retaliation that have put a fragile ceasefire at risk, rattled global markets and pushed oil prices sharply higher.On April 17, the S&P 500, the Nasdaq Composite, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.2%, 1.5%, and 1.8%, respectively.In corporate news, Viva Energy Group (ASX:VEA) said its fire-hit Geelong refinery is expected to produce diesel and jet fuel at about 80% of capacity and petrol at roughly 60% of capacity in the short term.National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB) said it expects fiscal first-half credit impairment charges of AU$706 million as it lifts provisions to reflect risks stemming from the Middle East conflict.Australia's benchmark index fell 0.1% or 8.1 points to close at 8,946.90 on April 17.

ASX 200ASX:NABASX:VEA
Asia

Australian Shares End Slightly Lower; Zip Posts Higher Fiscal Q3 EBTDA, Upgrades Fiscal 2026 Outlook

Australian shares were slightly lower at Friday's close as investors awaited potential ​US-Iran diplomacy over the weekend.The S&P/ASX 200 Index slipped 0.1% or 8.1 points to close at 8,946.90.US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel and said talks between the US and Iran may take place over the weekend. Brent crude oil futures fell over 1% to $98.14 per barrel. Spot gold climbed nearly 1% to $4,830.82 per ounce.On the domestic front, card activity in Australia rose 1.2% over the March quarter, with quarterly momentum subdued and slowing on the 2% average seen over the June, September, and December quarters in 2025, according to a report by Westpac. The Westpac-DataX Card Tracker Index declined 2.2 points over the three weeks to April 11.In company news, Zip (ASX:ZIP) reported Friday fiscal third quarter cash earnings before taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBTDA) of AU$65.1 million per share, up from AU$46 million a year earlier. The company said it upgraded its fiscal 2026 group cash EBTDA guidance to be no less than AU$260 million.Alcoa (ASX:AAI) reported Friday first-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.40 per share, down from $2.15 a year earlier. The company expects 2026 total alumina segment production and shipments to remain unchanged from its prior projection, ranging between 9.7 million to 9.9 million metric tons, and between 11.8 million and 12 million metric tons, respectively.Lastly, Paladin Energy (ASX:PDN) said it now expects fiscal 2026 triuranium octoxide production of between 4.5 million and 4.8 million pounds, up from previous guidance of 4 million to 4.4 million pounds, from the Langer Heinrich Mine in Namibia. Its shares reached a near two-year peak during the trading session.

ASX 200ASX:AAIASX:PDNASX:ZIP
Asia

ASX Biggest Losers

Here are the seven ASX-listed companies with the biggest losses on Friday.4D Medical (ASX:4DX): -5%, AU$6.08Evolution Mining (ASX:EVN): -4%, AU$13.30Whitehaven Coal (ASX:WHC): -3%, AU$8.13Alcoa (ASX:AAI): -3%, AU$96.50Westgold Resources (ASX:WGX): -3%, AU$6.25New Hope (ASX:NHC): -2%, AU$5.33Capricorn Metals (ASX:CMM): -2%, AU$11.53

ASX 200ASX:4DXASX:AAIASX:CMMASX:EVNASX:NHCASX:WGXASX:WHC
Asia

ASX Biggest Gainers

Here are the five ASX-listed companies with the biggest gains on Friday.IGO (ASX:IGO): +6%, AU$9.27Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN): +5%, AU$62.47Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS): +5%, AU$5.99Paladin Energy (ASX:PDN): +4%, AU$14.75WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC): +3%, AU$46.56

ASX 200ASX:IGOASX:MINASX:PDNASX:PLSASX:WTC

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