ASX 200 Closes 0.4% Higher

2026-07-15 06:40 By Farida Husna 1 min. read

The ASX 200 advanced 33 points, or 0.4%, to end at 8,841 on Wednesday, its strongest finish in a week after two muted sessions.

Sentiment improved as softer-than-expected U.S.

inflation data eased pressure for imminent rate hikes.

Meanwhile, China’s weakest annual GDP growth since 2022 in Q2 raised expectations of fresh stimulus in Australia's main trading partner, as officials cautioned that external risks remain high and demand lags supply.

However, gains were capped by vigilance ahead of domestic labor market data next week.

Electronic tech, commercial services, and producer manufacturing drove the gains, offset by declines in logistics, healthcare, and consumer non-durables.

Heavyweights stood out: BHP rallied 3.4% ahead of Thursday’s production update, Rio Tinto rose 1.2% after topping iron ore sales forecasts, and Macquarie climbed 1.6% to a record high.

In contrast, energy stocks retreated, with Woodside Energy down 1%, Santos off 0.7%, and Whitehaven Coal slipping 0.3%.



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ASX 200 Closes 0.4% Higher
The ASX 200 advanced 33 points, or 0.4%, to end at 8,841 on Wednesday, its strongest finish in a week after two muted sessions. Sentiment improved as softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data eased pressure for imminent rate hikes. Meanwhile, China’s weakest annual GDP growth since 2022 in Q2 raised expectations of fresh stimulus in Australia's main trading partner, as officials cautioned that external risks remain high and demand lags supply. However, gains were capped by vigilance ahead of domestic labor market data next week. Electronic tech, commercial services, and producer manufacturing drove the gains, offset by declines in logistics, healthcare, and consumer non-durables. Heavyweights stood out: BHP rallied 3.4% ahead of Thursday’s production update, Rio Tinto rose 1.2% after topping iron ore sales forecasts, and Macquarie climbed 1.6% to a record high. In contrast, energy stocks retreated, with Woodside Energy down 1%, Santos off 0.7%, and Whitehaven Coal slipping 0.3%.
2026-07-15
Australia Stocks Rise to One-Week High
Australian shares rose 40 points, or 0.5%, to 8,848 in Wednesday morning trade, snapping a two-day lull and touching their highest level in a week. The rebound tracked firmer U.S. futures after semiconductor stocks rallied overnight, while cooler-than-expected U.S. inflation sharply reduced odds of a July rate hike. Local sentiment also improved, with July consumer sentiment and June business mood recovering as geopolitical tensions eased. Gains, however, were capped by caution ahead of the Q2 GDP release from the main trading partner China, later today, with markets bracing for signs of slowing economic activity. Electronic tech led the advance alongside non-energy minerals, industrial services, and commercial services. Three of the big four banks posted modest rises, while heavyweight BHP Group surged nearly 4% on optimism over Chinese infrastructure demand. Other notable movers included Megaport (3.7%), Challenger Ltd. (2.6%), and Capricorn Metals (2.0%).
2026-07-15
ASX 200 Ends Muted, China GDP in Focus
The ASX 200 closed flat at 8,808 on Tuesday, marking a second subdued session as traders tracked escalating tensions in the Middle East. The U.S. launched a third night of strikes against Iran, while two tankers were hit in the Strait of Hormuz after Washington reinstated its blockade of Iranian shipping. Domestic data showed Australia's consumer sentiment rebounded in July but remained among the weakest readings in the survey’s 50-year history, underscoring vulnerability to global shocks. Business confidence, however, climbed to a four-month high in June. In main trading partner China, record June trade figures set the stage for Q2 GDP due Wednesday. Logistics, tech, and utilities slipped, offset by gains in energy, consumer services, and healthcare. Rio Tinto eased 0.3% ahead of production results, and the big four banks fell 0.9–1.5%. Nextdc, Pro Medicus, and Qantas also declined. On the upside, BHP rose 0.9%, along with Woodside (3.3%) and Santos (1.3%).
2026-07-14