Australia Shares Fall for Third Session to Open Week

2026-03-29 23:45 By Farida Husna 1 min. read

Australian shares fell 82 points, or 1.0%, to 8,434 in early Monday trade, marking a third straight decline as risk sentiment weakened.

The drop tracked softer U.S.

futures, with the Iran war entering its fifth week and raising concerns over broader economic fallout, particularly via higher energy costs.

Also, caution mounted ahead of key U.S.

NFP data this week, alongside global manufacturing and services PMI figures.

Economists expect these readings to show a slowdown in March, reflecting high energy prices linked to the conflict.

Meanwhile, the OECD last week warned that Australia could face one of the highest inflation rates among advanced economies.

Major players in the transport sector, including Uber and Qantas, are announcing price hikes, local media said.

Losses were broad-based, led by consumer, industrial services, logistics, and financial stocks.

Notable decliners included Wisetech Global (-5.5%), Xero Ltd. (-4.7%), Mineral Resources (-2.9%), and Ramsay Health Care (-2.2%).



News Stream
Australia Shares Fall for Third Session to Open Week
Australian shares fell 82 points, or 1.0%, to 8,434 in early Monday trade, marking a third straight decline as risk sentiment weakened. The drop tracked softer U.S. futures, with the Iran war entering its fifth week and raising concerns over broader economic fallout, particularly via higher energy costs. Also, caution mounted ahead of key U.S. NFP data this week, alongside global manufacturing and services PMI figures. Economists expect these readings to show a slowdown in March, reflecting high energy prices linked to the conflict. Meanwhile, the OECD last week warned that Australia could face one of the highest inflation rates among advanced economies. Major players in the transport sector, including Uber and Qantas, are announcing price hikes, local media said. Losses were broad-based, led by consumer, industrial services, logistics, and financial stocks. Notable decliners included Wisetech Global (-5.5%), Xero Ltd. (-4.7%), Mineral Resources (-2.9%), and Ramsay Health Care (-2.2%).
2026-03-29
ASX 200 Ends Week Higher Despite Market Jitters
The S&P/ASX 200 edged down on Friday, finishing at 8,516 and marking the second straight session of losses as fears of a prolonged energy shock from the Middle East war drove borrowing costs higher. President Trump warned Iran must strike a deal with the U.S. or face continued military pressure, adding that seizing control of Iran’s oil remained on the table. Separately, the OECD warned Australia could face one of the highest inflation rates among advanced economies and severe fertiliser supply disruptions amid geopolitical risks. RBA also cautioned that the longer the conflict drags on, the greater the strain on households and businesses. Genesis Minerals (-4.2%), Greatland Resources (-4.0%), Macquarie Group (-2.3%), and Qantas Airways (-1.1%) led declines. Still, the market gained 1.0% for the week, its first rise in four, buoyed by bargain hunting and news that Trump will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14–15, a summit rescheduled from March 31.
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Australian Stocks Fall Further But Head for Weekly Gains
Australian shares slipped 27 points, or 0.3%, to 8,498 in early Friday trade, extending losses from the prior day after U.S. markets posted their steepest drop since the Iran war began, driven by surging oil prices and uncertainty over talks. President Trump said he would extend his pause on threats to strike Iran’s energy infrastructure until April 6, citing a request from Tehran. Meanwhile, the OECD warned the conflict will test global resilience, with Australia exposed to higher rates and inflation. An RBA official also voiced concerns, noting prolonged tensions could lift inflation expectations. Consumer durables, non-energy minerals, and industrial services lagged, but gains in consumer non-durables and energy minerals capped further declines. Early losers included BHP Group (-0.7%), Northern Star Resources (-3.3%), Lynas Rare Earths (-3.2%), and Evolution Mining (-2.7%). Despite the weak open, the ASX is tracking its first weekly gain in four, up about 0.8% on bargain hunting.
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