The ASX 200 tumbled 125 points or 1.4% to end at 8,593 on Thursday, reversing strength in the prior session and marking a one-week low. Sentiment was hit by fresh data showing Australia's household spending fell for the first time in four months in April, highlighting the impact of the RBA’s three interest rate hikes since the start of 2026. Meanwhile, U.S. stock futures moved lower, as news of a fresh US military strike in Iran challenged investor optimism on a near-term peace deal. Still, a solid rebound in Q1 capital expenditure helped limit losses, mainly lifted by stronger spending on plant machinery. In addition, softer-than-expected April inflation eased concerns that the RBA could maintain a tightening bias. Losses were broadly spread, led by falls in mining, consumer, financial, and healthcare stocks. The four major banks dropped between 1.4% and 2.2%. Other notable laggards included BHP Group (-1.3%), Northern Star Resources (-7.4%), and Evolution Mining (-7.3%).

Australia's main stock market index, the ASX200, fell to 8617 points on May 28, 2026, losing 1.16% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has declined 0.81%, though it remains 2.46% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Australia. Historically, the Australia Stock Market Index reached an all time high of 9202.90 in February of 2026. Australia Stock Market Index - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on May 28 of 2026.

Australia's main stock market index, the ASX200, fell to 8617 points on May 28, 2026, losing 1.16% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has declined 0.81%, though it remains 2.46% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Australia. The Australia Stock Market Index is expected to trade at 8587.92 points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 8020.71 in 12 months time.



Indexes Price Day Month Year Date
ASX200 8,616.70 -124.75 -1.43% -0.81% 2.46% May/28

Components Price Day Year MCap Date
BHP Group 60.55 -0.73 -1.19% 58.72% 204.84B May/28
Commonwealth Bank 161.41 -3.40 -2.06% -7.47% 192.32B May/28
Newmont Corporation 145.77 -11.34 -7.22% 78.71% 119.3B May/28
Westpac Banking 35.92 -0.47 -1.29% 13.28% 93.59B May/28
Amcor PLC 54.40 0.56 1.04% -23.22% 91.12B May/28
National Australia Bank 37.10 -0.65 -1.72% -1.07% 86.97B May/28
ANZ Banking 34.89 -0.68 -1.91% 20.64% 77.76B May/28
Wesfarmers 78.48 0.92 1.19% -5.45% 61.51B May/28
Macquarie 236.06 -0.15 -0.06% 10.51% 50.51B May/28
CSL 97.59 -1.67 -1.68% -60.65% 50.49B May/28




Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Australia Inflation Rate 4.20 4.60 percent Apr 2026
Australia Interest Rate 4.35 4.10 percent May 2026
Australia Unemployment Rate 4.50 4.30 percent Apr 2026

Australia Stock Market Index
The Australia Stock Market Index is one of the leading benchmarks for the Australian equity market and is widely followed by investors, financial institutions, and policymakers as an indicator of economic and market conditions in Australia. Stock index prices displayed on Trading Economics are based on over-the-counter (OTC), contract for difference (CFD), perpetual futures, and other derivative financial instruments intended to provide a general market reference only. These prices do not represent official exchange-traded index values or official licensing data from exchanges or index providers. Users seeking official real-time, delayed, or settlement data should obtain it directly from the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) or authorized market data providers. The data is supplied by third-party providers and may differ from official market prices, settlement values, or real-time exchange data. While efforts are made to ensure reliability, Trading Economics does not independently verify the data and makes no representations or warranties regarding its accuracy, completeness, or fitness for any particular purpose.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
8616.70 8717.65 9202.90 1358.50 1992 - 2026 points Daily

Market Data Coverage: Australia

News Stream
ASX 200 Under Pressure at Close
The ASX 200 tumbled 125 points or 1.4% to end at 8,593 on Thursday, reversing strength in the prior session and marking a one-week low. Sentiment was hit by fresh data showing Australia's household spending fell for the first time in four months in April, highlighting the impact of the RBA’s three interest rate hikes since the start of 2026. Meanwhile, U.S. stock futures moved lower, as news of a fresh US military strike in Iran challenged investor optimism on a near-term peace deal. Still, a solid rebound in Q1 capital expenditure helped limit losses, mainly lifted by stronger spending on plant machinery. In addition, softer-than-expected April inflation eased concerns that the RBA could maintain a tightening bias. Losses were broadly spread, led by falls in mining, consumer, financial, and healthcare stocks. The four major banks dropped between 1.4% and 2.2%. Other notable laggards included BHP Group (-1.3%), Northern Star Resources (-7.4%), and Evolution Mining (-7.3%).
2026-05-28
Australia Stocks Trade Notably Lower
Australian equities fell 75 points or 0.9% to 8,643 in early Thursday trade, erasing prior-session gains as investors weighed mixed signals from U.S.–Iran talks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted progress toward a deal, but President Donald Trump stressed unresolved issues remain. Domestic caution also grew ahead of key releases, including Q1 capital spending and April household spending later today, as well as private credit growth on Friday. Still, losses were cushioned by a softer-than-expected April inflation print, which tempered expectations for further rate hikes. At the same time, Q1 construction output proved resilient, climbing 3.4% — the fastest pace in three years. Sector breadth was weak, with declines across electronic tech, consumers, non-energy minerals, and financials. Among major decliners were Northern Star Resources (-3.5%), Brambles Ltd. (-3.1%), and Lynas Rare Earths (-2.6%). The four big banks slipped between 0.9% to 1.3%.
2026-05-28
ASX 200 Erases Earlier Losses
The ASX 200 rose 0.69% to close at 8,718 on Wednesday, reversing earlier losses and reaching its highest level in more than two weeks, as cooler-than-expected inflation data eased concerns about additional interest rate increases. The headline annual inflation rate ticked down to 4.2% in April from 4.6% previously, below market expectations of 4.4%. Meanwhile, the annual trimmed mean CPI, a key gauge of underlying inflation, matched expectations at 3.4% and reached its highest level since September 2024, while the weighted median CPI held steady at 3.5%. The latest inflation figures reinforced expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia could keep interest rates unchanged in June, while market pricing for an August rate hike fell to 33.7% from 45% prior to the data release. The financial sector edged up 0.1%, with Commonwealth Bank rising 0.31%. Other notable gainers included BHP Group (1.54%), Newmont Corporation (1.26%), Wesfarmers (1.41%), and Goodman Group (3.73%).
2026-05-27