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569 stories mentioning S&P/ASX 200Updated 2d ago

Australian shares traded mixed, with energy stocks like Woodside advancing while consumer discretionary names slipped amid softening consumer confidence.

Asia

ASX Preview: Australian Shares to Fall as Oil Prices Surge on Escalating Middle East Tensions; Newmont Posts Higher Q1 Adjusted Earnings, Sales

Australian shares are poised to fall on Friday as oil prices surge amid renewed tensions in the Middle East, including reports of military activity near Tehran and growing fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.Broader risk sentiment is also under pressure due to uncertainty over the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extension and continued clashes in southern Lebanon.Overnight, the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average each fell 0.4%, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.9%.In the macroeconomy, investors are eyeing the release of Australia's consumer price index report next week.In corporate news, Newmont (ASX:NEM) reported Friday first-quarter adjusted earnings of $2.90 per share on revenue of $7.31 billion, compared with adjusted earnings of $1.25 on revenue of $5.01 billion a year earlier.Fortescue (ASX:FMG) reported total iron ore shipments of 48.4 million wet metric tonnes for the quarter ended March 31, up from 46.1 million wet metric tonnes in the year-earlier period.Australia's benchmark index fell 0.6% or 50.2 points to close at 8,793.40 on Thursday.

ASX 200ASX:FMGASX:NEM
Asia

Australian Shares Continues to Decline; Santos Reports Lower Q1 Revenue, Higher Production

Australian shares again fell at Thursday's close as oil prices gained on the continued closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East.The S&P/ASX 200 Index declined 0.57%, or by 50.20 points, to close at 8,793.40.Brent crude oil futures gained 1.4% on Thursday to reach $103.3 per barrel. Iran captured two container ships ​seeking to exit the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz.On Wall Street, the S&P 500 rose 1.1%, and the Nasdaq climbed 1.6% to reach new record ​high points as the earnings season started. The Dow Jones rose 0.7%.On the domestic front, The Flash Australia PMI Composite Output Index rose to 50.1 in April from 46.6 in March, moving above the neutral threshold as renewed growth in services activity offset a faster decline in manufacturing output, according to a survey by S&P Global.Australia's private sector activity stabilized in April after March's decline, as a modest recovery in services was offset by continued weakness in manufacturing amid soft domestic demand, rising cost pressures, and supply chain disruptions linked to Middle East tensions.Job advertisements in Australia in March fell 0.4% month on month, 1.3% quarter on quarter, and 2.9% year on year, according to data published by Seek.In company news, Santos (ASX:STO) reported first-quarter sales revenue of about $1.27 billion, down from $1.29 billion in the year-ago period. Sales volume for the quarter was 24.2 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe), up from 23.3 mmboe a year earlier, while total production increased to 22.5 mmboe in the first quarter from 21.9 mmboe a year ago. Its shares rose 3% on market close.Ampol (ASX:ALD) submitted its final remedy package to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Wednesday for its proposed acquisition of EG Australia, offering to increase the number of planned divestments to 41 sites from 37. Its shares closed up over 1%.Lastly, Mirvac Group (ASX:MGR) said residential sales for the fiscal third quarter reached 592 sales, up 12% year on year. The company said year-to-date settlements reached 1,076, up 15% year on year, with about 96% of the fiscal 2026 target lot settlements secured and margins on track to be within the 18% to 22% target range. Its shares were down over 1% on market close.

ASX 200ASX:ALDASX:MGRASX:STO
International

Australia's Job Ads Fall in March

Job advertisements in Australia in March fell 0.4% month on month, 1.3% quarter on quarter, and 2.9% year on year, according to data published by Seek on Thursday.Job ads have declined at the same pace since September, while applications per job ad slipped 0.4% month on month.Hiring activity slowed on a monthly basis across the eastern seaboard, but grew in Western Australia by 0.4% and in the Northern Territory by 0.2%.Western Australia is the only state or territory where ad volumes have grown annually, up 1.6%.Job ad volume rose in five industries month on month, led by mining, resources, and energy, up 1.7%, engineering, up 1.4%, and consulting and strategy, up 0.6%.Annual growth in hiring was restricted to resources, trades, and infrastructure-related industries, with engineering leading at 7.9%.References to artificial intelligence-related skills within job ads have risen past 75% year on year.

ASX 200
Asia

ASX Midday Sector Update: Energy Stocks Gain, Real Estate Slides

Energy stocks were the only sector in the green around midday trading Thursday, rising 2% as oil prices ticked higher amid continuing tensions between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.Santos (ASX:STO) was advancing over 2% after saying first-quarter production increased to 22.5 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) from 21.9 mmboe a year earlier.Meanwhile, real estate stocks bore the brunt of broader market declines and were down 1.6%.Mirvac Group (ASX:MGR) reported 592 residential sales for the fiscal third quarter, up 12% year on year. The company's shares slid nearly 2%.

ASX 200ASX:MGRASX:STO
International

Australia's Private Sector Stabilizes in April as Services Rebound

Australia's private sector activity stabilized in April after March's decline, as a modest recovery in services was offset by continued weakness in manufacturing amid soft domestic demand, rising cost pressures, and supply chain disruptions linked to Middle East tensions, according to a survey by S&P Global released Thursday.The Flash Australia PMI Composite Output Index rose to 50.1 in April from 46.6 in March, moving above the neutral threshold as renewed growth in services activity offset a faster decline in manufacturing output, the report said.A reading above the 50-point threshold indicates expansion.The Flash Services PMI Business Activity Index rose to 50.3 in April from 46.3 in March. The Flash Manufacturing Output Index edged down to 48.2 from 49.4, while the Flash Manufacturing PMI increased to 51 from 49.8.New business at Australian firms fell for a second consecutive month in April as geopolitical tensions weighed on client confidence and domestic demand, even as modest gains in export orders offered a partial offset, per the report.Business confidence slipped to its weakest level in nearly two and a half years in April amid rising cost and demand pressures, even as a pickup in private hiring helped firms clear backlogs at the start of the second quarter.Private sector inflation in Australia accelerated in April to its fastest pace since August 2022, as higher fuel and shipping costs drove up input prices and businesses passed on more of the burden to customers than at any time in three and a half years, the report said.Australia's manufacturing sector remained in contraction in April, with production falling for a third consecutive month and output declining at its fastest pace since late 2024, even as job and inventory reductions eased slightly.Manufacturers faced the sharpest supply chain disruption since mid-2022 in April, as Middle East conflict-driven shipping delays pushed input delivery times higher and drove inflation in both costs and selling prices to multi-year highs.

ASX 200
Asia

ASX Preview: Australian Shares to Fall as Oil Prices Surge on Strait of Hormuz Shipping Attacks; Regis Resources' Gold Production Rises in Fiscal Q3

Australian shares are poised to fall on Thursday after oil prices surged more than 3% overnight amid fears of supply disruption triggered by attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a surprise drawdown in US fuel inventories, and renewed geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the US, and ceasefire uncertainty.Overnight, the S&P 500, the Nasdaq Composite, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.1%, 1.6%, and 0.7%, respectively.In the macroeconomy, Australia's private sector activity stabilized in April after March's decline, as a modest recovery in services was offset by continued weakness in manufacturing amid soft domestic demand, rising cost pressures, and supply chain disruptions linked to Middle East tensions, according to a survey by S&P Global released Thursday.In corporate news, Regis Resources (ASX:RRL) reported gold production of 90,592 ounces for the fiscal third quarter ended March 31, with an all-in sustaining cost of AU$2,807 per ounce, compared with 89,666 ounces at AU$2,538 per ounce in the same quarter a year earlier.Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) said co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Coulter will transition to the role of executive chair, with Susie Sugden appointed as the company's next CEO, effective July 1.Australia's benchmark index fell 1.2% or 105.8 points to close at 8,843.60 on Wednesday.

ASX 200ASX:RRLASX:TPW
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.

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