Downside Momentum Persists in Australian Stocks

2026-04-28 01:27 By Farida Husna 1 min. read

Australian shares fell 57 points, or 0.7%, to 8,709 in Tuesday morning trade, marking a sixth straight decline and the lowest level in three weeks.

Sentiment remained cautious ahead of March inflation data due Wednesday, with markets expecting a reading of around 4.7%, potentially the highest since the report began in April 2025, amid persistent price pressures since H2 of 2025 and outside the Reserve Bank’s 2–3% target range.

Traders also looked ahead to the central bank’s policy meeting next week, as economists widely anticipate another rate hike.

Still, losses were capped by a modest rise in U.S.

stock futures after record closes on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Monday, as markets monitored developments in U.S.–Iran negotiations.

All sectors in the ASX 200 fell, led by consumer non-durables, non-energy minerals, retail trade, and healthcare.

Among notable laggards were Origin Energy (-5.5%), Ramelius Resources (-2.3%), and BHP Group (-1.0%).

Three of the four major banks also traded lower.



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Downside Momentum Persists in Australian Stocks
Australian shares fell 57 points, or 0.7%, to 8,709 in Tuesday morning trade, marking a sixth straight decline and the lowest level in three weeks. Sentiment remained cautious ahead of March inflation data due Wednesday, with markets expecting a reading of around 4.7%, potentially the highest since the report began in April 2025, amid persistent price pressures since H2 of 2025 and outside the Reserve Bank’s 2–3% target range. Traders also looked ahead to the central bank’s policy meeting next week, as economists widely anticipate another rate hike. Still, losses were capped by a modest rise in U.S. stock futures after record closes on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Monday, as markets monitored developments in U.S.–Iran negotiations. All sectors in the ASX 200 fell, led by consumer non-durables, non-energy minerals, retail trade, and healthcare. Among notable laggards were Origin Energy (-5.5%), Ramelius Resources (-2.3%), and BHP Group (-1.0%). Three of the four major banks also traded lower.
2026-04-28
ASX 200 Pares Losses at Finish
The S&P/ASX 200 inched down 20 points, or 0.2%, to close at 8,766 on Monday, marking a fifth straight decline and hovering near a two-week low. Sentiment was weighed by weaker U.S. futures and caution over renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which lifted oil prices. Focus also turns to the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate decision on Wednesday, which would mark Jerome Powell’s final meeting before Kevin Warsh is expected to assume the chair in May. Locally, March inflation data in Australia due later this week has stoked concern over persistent price pressures after February’s reading exceeded the RBA’s 2–3% target. Still, early losses eased after data from top trading partner China showed robust growth in industrial profits for March and Q1. Energy minerals led declines, followed by communications, logistics, and industrial services. Major laggards included Origin Energy (-5.0%), Wisetech Global (-3.2%), Endeavor Group (-2.6%), and Ampol (-1.1%).
2026-04-27
Australia Shares Fall for Fifth Session to Kick off Week
Australian equities dropped 52 points or 0.6% to 8,734 in early deals on Monday, extending losses for the fifth straight session and lingering at a two-week low amid a retreat in U.S. stock futures following renewed diplomatic setbacks between Washington and Tehran. U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday scrapped plans to send U.S. envoys to Islamabad, Pakistan, for negotiations with Iran, despite Iran's foreign minister pressing ahead with visits to intermediary nations. Traders stayed cautious ahead of March inflation data due later this week. In February, Australia's CPI stood at 3.7% yoy, still above the RBA’s 2–3% target, underscoring persistent price pressures since H2 2025. Sector weakness was broad, led by energy minerals, logistics, and healthcare, though gains in non-energy minerals helped cap declines. Among major laggards were Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. (-2.9%), Mineral Resources (-2.3%), and Yancoal Australia (-1.1%). The four big banks slipped between 0.7% to 1.1%.
2026-04-27