Stocks in Australia Hit 4-week Low

ASX200 decreased to 8790.00 Index Points, the lowest since February 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Australia Stock Market Index (AU200) lost 0.85%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 10.65%.

The S&P/ASX 200 slipped 1.2% to below 8,840 in early Friday trade, heading for a one-month low and nearly a 4% weekly loss, its biggest in a year. The downturn mirrored a broader global risk-off move as the Middle East war escalated into a seventh day, which fueled supply concerns and pushed oil prices higher. Sentiment was further pressured by renewed uncertainty over global trade policy, after fresh legal challenges emerged against the tariff program introduced by President Trump. Heavyweight sectors led the losses, including banking, mining, and gold stocks. The four largest lenders traded in the red, led by NAB, down over 1%. Mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto fell more than 4% each. China has expanded restrictions on BHP iron ore purchases amid a prolonged contract dispute, weighing on sales and building stockpiles at ports. Gold miners Northern Star slid around 5%, while Newmont and Evolution Mining fell 2% and 4%, respectively. Meanwhile, energy firms and tech stocks outperformed.

The S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.4% to close at 8,940 on Thursday, after shedding more than 3% over the previous two sessions, as Wall Street’s strong lead amid easing concerns over surging oil prices supported risk sentiment. Investors also continued to weigh the inflationary impact of the widening Middle East conflict alongside stronger-than-expected domestic GDP data a day ago. This added to concerns over the risk of an earlier rate hike by the Reserve Bank. Sector-wise, banking, healthcare, and technology stocks led the advance. Three of the four largest banks gained between 1% to 2%, while ANZ added 0.5%. Additionally, biotech giant CSL climbed 2.8%, while its peer Telix Pharmaceuticals surged 6.9%. Logistics software stocks Xero and Technology One surged over 3% each, while Wisetech Global jumped 5.4%, tracking their US peers higher. On the downside, gold miners mostly weighed on the index, down 1.5%, extending losses for a third straight session.