Aussie Stocks Log Best Week in Over 9 Months

2026-02-13 06:21 By Joshua Ferrer 1 min. read

The S&P/ASX 200 slipped 1.4% to close at 8,918 on Friday, snapping a two-session rally, but logged its biggest weekly gain since late April 2025, supported by a stellar corporate earnings season.

Banking stocks led the advance, rising 5.4% over the week, the strongest weekly move since mid-March 2022, though they fell 1% on the day.

Major lender Westpac hit a record high on Friday after reporting a higher quarterly profit, while Commonwealth Bank logged record half-year earnings on Wednesday, and ANZ Group posted quarterly profit that topped estimates on Thursday.

National Australia Bank is set to report its quarterly earnings next week, keeping market focus on the banking sector.

Meanwhile, weak cues from Wall Street capped gains, as a selloff in technology stocks intensified amid concerns over AI disruption.

Local technology shares plunged to a two-year low, led by software firm Wisetech Global, down -10.4%.

Gold miners also fell 3.4%, dragging the broader mining sector down 2.2%.



News Stream
ASX 200 Ends Subdued
The ASX 50 closed little changed at 8,822 on Monday, as gains in logistics, industrial services, and financials offset losses in electronic tech, consumer stocks, and healthcare. The muted tone followed two sessions of losses, with sentiment fragile even after reports said that U.S. and Iranian officials had agreed on a roadmap to reach a final deal within 60 days. Traders also awaited U.S. inflation data later this week for signals on the Fed’s policy path, while local focus turned to May CPI and labor figures that could shape expectations for the Reserve Bank of Australia’s next move after it held rates steady last week. SGH Ltd. jumped 3.3% after unveiling a buyback of up to AUD 500 million, while two of the big four banks rose between 0.3% and 0.6%. On the downside, Wisetech Global tumbled 16.1% after police opened a probe into its founder over alleged visa misconduct and exploitation claims. Other laggards included Xero (-3.5%), TPG Telecom (-3.2%), and Nextdc Ltd. (-2.8%).
2026-06-22
Australian Stocks Edge Lower as Week Begins
Australian shares inched down to around 8.819 on Monday, retreating for the third straight session. Sentiment weakened as U.S. stock futures slipped amid renewed uncertainty over the Middle East peace process. President Donald Trump threatened further military action against Iran despite VP JD Vance holding talks with Iranian officials under an interim peace agreement. Investors also awaited key U.S. inflation data later this week for clues on the Fed's policy path. Locally, attention is turning to May CPI and labor market data, which could shape expectations for the Reserve Bank's next policy move after it left interest rates unchanged last week. Tech, mining, and energy stocks led the decline, while logistics, industrial services, and healthcare offered support. BHP Group fell 1.3%, while two of the four major banks traded lower. Meantime, WiseTech Global tumbled 12% after police launched a probe into its founder over alleged visa-related misconduct and exploitation claims.
2026-06-22
ASX 200 Extends Slide But Logs Modest Weekly Rise
The ASX 200 lost 82 points or 0.9% to end at 8,829 on Friday, marking the second straight session of losses and retreating further from a two-month peak. Sentiment remained downbeat after the U.S. Fed struck a hawkish tone in its policy meeting earlier this week, raising prospects of higher U.S. interest rates later this year. Meanwhile, doubts grew over upcoming U.S.–Iran peace talks as Tehran seeks more signs of implementation of a recently signed memorandum of understanding with Washington. Non-energy minerals, commercial services, consumer durables, and industrials were among top losers. BHP Group tumbled 5.1% after flagging cost overruns at its Jansen Stage 2 potash project in Canada and booking a hefty impairment charge. Other steep laggards included Evolution Mining (-5.1%), PLS Group (-4.7%), and REA Group (-3.1%). Despite Friday’s slide, the index still advanced 0.3% for the week, its second straight weekly rise, lifted by the Reserve Bank’s pause on rate hikes.
2026-06-19