ASX Extends Slide to End at 2-Week Low

2026-08-19 06:44 By Farida Husna 1 min. read

The ASX 200 lost 16 points, or 0.2%, to finish at 9,054 on Wednesday, marking a sixth straight decline and a two-week low.

Sentiment remained downbeat as U.S.

stock futures weakened, weighed by rising oil prices, elevated Treasury yields, and an extended drop in chip stocks on Wall Street.

Locally, Q2 wages in Australia rose 3.2% yoy, unchanged from the prior quarter and the weakest pace in five quarters, while caution built ahead of July labor data due Thursday.

Separately, RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser warned cash rates may need to rise again if inflation risks persist, stressing price growth remains “too high.” Tech led losses, followed by consumers, logistics, and financials.

Whitehaven Coal tumbled 2.4% on weak earnings, and Evolution Mining shed 0.9% despite stronger FY26 profit.

Three of the big four banks eased 0.1%–1.4%.

In contrast, Santos gained 2.5% on higher oil prices and an interim dividend aligned with estimates, reflecting its first-half operating free cash flow.



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ASX Extends Slide to End at 2-Week Low
The ASX 200 lost 16 points, or 0.2%, to finish at 9,054 on Wednesday, marking a sixth straight decline and a two-week low. Sentiment remained downbeat as U.S. stock futures weakened, weighed by rising oil prices, elevated Treasury yields, and an extended drop in chip stocks on Wall Street. Locally, Q2 wages in Australia rose 3.2% yoy, unchanged from the prior quarter and the weakest pace in five quarters, while caution built ahead of July labor data due Thursday. Separately, RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser warned cash rates may need to rise again if inflation risks persist, stressing price growth remains “too high.” Tech led losses, followed by consumers, logistics, and financials. Whitehaven Coal tumbled 2.4% on weak earnings, and Evolution Mining shed 0.9% despite stronger FY26 profit. Three of the big four banks eased 0.1%–1.4%. In contrast, Santos gained 2.5% on higher oil prices and an interim dividend aligned with estimates, reflecting its first-half operating free cash flow.
2026-08-19
Australian Shares Fall for 6th Session
Australian equities slipped 28 points, or 0.3%, to 9,042 in early trade on Wednesday, down for the sixth session and notching a two-week low. Sluggish U.S. stock futures weighed on sentiment after a losing session on Wall Street overnight amid a global bond rout and higher oil prices. Caution also grew ahead of the release of local data, including the Q2 wage price index later today and July labor data due Thursday. Consumer durables, financials, and logistics weighed on the ASX 200, though strength in healthcare, energy minerals, and tech capped declines. The four big banks retreated between 0.6% and 2.3%, reflecting drags from sharp declines in home-loan applications following May’s tax changes. Other major laggards included Goodman Group (-4.4%), Northern Star Resources (-1.5%), and Evolution Mining (-1.1%). In contrast, CSL (4.0%), Santos (23%), and Woodside Energy (0.9%) advanced. Traders now anticipate a speech by the Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser later in the day.
2026-08-19
ASX 200 Ends Muted as CSL Rally Counter Bank Losses
Australia’s ASX 200 closed nearly flat at 9,070 on Tuesday, halting a four-day slide after hitting a two-week low. Bargain hunters stepped in, while sentiment steadied as August consumer confidence improved, with mortgage holders less anxious about further rate hikes. Meanwhile, U.S. stock futures softened amid stalled U.S.–Iran peace talks. In China, July data showed slowing momentum with weaker spending and rising unemployment in Australia's top trading partner. Gains in healthcare, manufacturing, and consumer durables were offset by weakness in tech, consumer non-durables, and commercial services. BHP rose 3% after beating profit forecasts and declaring its highest dividend in four years. CSL surged almost 18% on strong 2027 growth guidance, its best session since 2001. Energy stocks Woodside (1.1%) and Santos (1.2%) gained on firmer oil prices. In contrast, the big four banks slipped 0.3%–1.3% after reporting sharp declines in home-loan applications following May’s tax changes.
2026-08-18