ASX 200 Trims Early Advance at Finish

2026-07-23 06:42 By Farida Husna 1 min. read

Australia's ASX 200 added 16 points or 0.2% to close at 8,839 on Thursday, up for the third session amid strength in non-energy minerals, utilities, and tech.

However, markets trimmed morning gains after June's robust employment data raised prospects of another rate hike by the Reserve Bank.

The central bank has raised cash rates three times this year to 4.35% to curb inflation, fully reversing the policy easing made in 2025.

Meanwhile, the jobless rate held steady at 4.4%, in line with market estimates.

Traders also cautiously braced for the flash PMI readings for July, set to be due Friday.

Woodside Energy rose 0.5% amid the deepening Middle East tensions while Santos edged up 0.3% despite missing its second-quarter sales revenue.

A rise in gold prices supported miners, boosting Northern Star Resources (2.6%) and Evolution Mining (2.1%).

Meanwhile, the four major banks gained between 0.5% and 1.3%.

In contrast, Macquarie fell 0.6% after announcing the retirement of its longtime CEO.



News Stream
ASX 200 Trims Early Advance at Finish
Australia's ASX 200 added 16 points or 0.2% to close at 8,839 on Thursday, up for the third session amid strength in non-energy minerals, utilities, and tech. However, markets trimmed morning gains after June's robust employment data raised prospects of another rate hike by the Reserve Bank. The central bank has raised cash rates three times this year to 4.35% to curb inflation, fully reversing the policy easing made in 2025. Meanwhile, the jobless rate held steady at 4.4%, in line with market estimates. Traders also cautiously braced for the flash PMI readings for July, set to be due Friday. Woodside Energy rose 0.5% amid the deepening Middle East tensions while Santos edged up 0.3% despite missing its second-quarter sales revenue. A rise in gold prices supported miners, boosting Northern Star Resources (2.6%) and Evolution Mining (2.1%). Meanwhile, the four major banks gained between 0.5% and 1.3%. In contrast, Macquarie fell 0.6% after announcing the retirement of its longtime CEO.
2026-07-23
Australia Shares Jump to 5-Week High
Australian stocks climbed 94 points or 1.1% to 8,917 on Thursday morning, rising for the third straight session and notching their highest level in five weeks. Stronger U.S. equity futures boosted risk appetite despite an overnight weakness on Wall Street after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iranian infrastructure in response to any attacks on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. However, gains were capped by vigilance ahead of June domestic labor market data later today after May’s solid jobs growth contrasted with a near four-year high in the jobless rate. Meanwhile, the flash PMI readings for July will also be due on Friday. Gains were broad-based, led by tech, non-energy minerals, financials, and industrial services. The four big banks jumped between 1.1% and 1.4% while heavyweight BHP Group advanced 1.1%. Other top performers were Mineral Resources (2.9%), PLS Group (2.7%), Goodman Group (2.4%), and Brambles Ltd. (1.2%),
2026-07-23
Stocks in Australia Hit 5-week High
ASX200 increased to 8873.00 Index Points, the highest since June 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Australia Stock Market Index (AU200) gained 0.7%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 1.84%.
2026-07-23