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.
Australia's main stock market index, the ASX200, fell to 8988 points on August 19, 2026, losing 0.90% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 2.24% and is up 0.79% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Australia. Historically, the Australia Stock Market Index reached an all time high of 9296.70 in August of 2026. Australia Stock Market Index - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on August 19 of 2026.
Australia's main stock market index, the ASX200, fell to 8988 points on August 19, 2026, losing 0.90% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 2.24% and is up 0.79% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Australia. The Australia Stock Market Index is expected to trade at 9020.62 points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 8396.92 in 12 months time.