ASX 200 Live: Why Monday’s Market Open Looks Shaky (22 June 2026)

Highlights

• The ASX 200 is set for a softer start as Middle East tensions and weaker US futures weigh on sentiment.
• Oil prices are in focus after renewed concerns around the Strait of Hormuz.
• Company updates from Metcash, Accent Group, a2 Milk, WiseTech, SGH and Perenti may drive stock-specific moves.

The ASX 200 is set for a cautious Monday open as Hormuz tensions lift oil concerns, US futures weaken and several ASX-listed companies release market-moving updates.

The Australian share market is heading into Monday with a cautious tone as global investors react to renewed geopolitical uncertainty, softer US futures and volatile commodity moves. The [ASX 200] is expected to open lower after US-Iran negotiations appeared to lose momentum in Switzerland, while developments around the Strait of Hormuz kept oil supply concerns firmly in focus. With energy, gold, retail, infrastructure and technology names all facing fresh catalysts, Monday’s session could bring a busy start for local traders.

Global Caution Sets The Tone

Wall Street was closed on Friday for the Juneteenth holiday, leaving traders to take direction from futures markets and offshore developments.

US futures moved lower as markets responded to renewed uncertainty in the Middle East. European equities also softened, with investors weighing the impact of delayed talks between Tehran and Washington.

Oil prices gained as traders assessed possible disruption risks around one of the world’s most important shipping routes. Gold moved lower despite the geopolitical backdrop, while copper remained relatively steady.

These moves are likely to keep ASX Energy Stocks, ASX Gold Stocks and ASX Metal & Mining Stocks in focus through the session.

Hormuz Tensions Put Oil Back In Focus

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to global market attention after Iran again claimed the waterway had been closed.

US officials disputed that claim, saying traffic continued to move through the region. Still, the announcement was enough to reignite concerns about energy supply security and shipping risks.

Any sustained disruption around Hormuz could affect oil flows, freight costs and inflation expectations. That makes energy names an important watch area for the local market.

ASX Company Updates To Watch

Accent Group Rejects Frasers Offer

Accent Group (ASX:AX1) is in focus after its independent board committee urged shareholders to take no action on Frasers’ on-market offer.

The board described the offer as opportunistic and argued it undervalued the retailer. The update places Accent firmly within the ASX Retail Stocks conversation as discretionary retail conditions remain under pressure.

Inghams Flags WA Bird Flu Detection

Inghams Group (ASX:ING) said H5N1 avian influenza was detected in wild birds in Western Australia, away from the company’s operations.

The poultry producer said there was no impact on its commercial poultry operations or supply chain. Biosecurity measures have been heightened across WA operations.

Metcash Delivers Guidance-Aligned Result

Metcash (ASX:MTS) reported underlying profit broadly in line with guidance, supported by resilience across food, liquor and hardware.

The company also pointed to improving trading momentum into June and expected cost savings in the next financial year. The update may keep consumer and wholesale distribution names in focus.

Centuria Taps Market For Data Centre Growth

Centuria Capital (ASX:CNI) is reportedly preparing a capital raising to support growth in its ResetData data centre business and real estate funds.

The move highlights continuing interest in digital infrastructure and AI-linked assets, keeping ASX Infra & Real Estate Stocks in focus.

SGH Announces On-Market Buyback

SGH Limited (ASX:SGH) approved an on-market buyback following strong cash flow and balance sheet improvement.

The company said the program would not restrict investment in existing businesses or future growth opportunities.

WiseTech Faces Fresh Governance Pressure

WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) is likely to attract attention after reports linked executive chairman Richard White to a federal investigation.

The update adds another layer of scrutiny for the logistics software company, which has already faced pressure from governance concerns and broader software sector weakness.

Perenti Wins Major Mining Contract

Perenti (ASX:PRN) said its Barminco business secured an underground mining services contract for Barrick’s Fourmile project in Nevada.

The update supports Perenti’s push into North American hard-rock mining services and keeps mining services activity in focus.

a2 Milk Clears China Regulatory Step

a2 Milk Company (ASX:A2M) secured Chinese regulatory approval linked to product registrations from the a2 Pokeno facility.

The company expects to proceed with a special dividend, while the approval supports its broader China strategy and supply chain transformation.

Copper Outlook Remains Firm

Copper also remains an important market theme after UBS reiterated a constructive view on the metal.

The bank pointed to ongoing supply tightness and expectations of a market deficit. Copper remains closely linked to electrification, infrastructure and industrial demand, making mining names a key area to watch.

Property Market Weakness Adds To Local Concerns

Auction clearance rates are also drawing attention after preliminary data pointed to weaker buyer sentiment across capital cities.

Higher rates, tax policy debate and softer housing confidence have weighed on property activity. This could influence sentiment around housing-linked retailers, lenders and real estate-related companies.

What Could Drive The Session?

Monday’s market direction is likely to be shaped by several forces: Middle East headlines, oil price moves, US futures, local company updates and commodity sentiment.

Energy names may benefit from stronger oil, while gold miners could face pressure if bullion remains weaker. Technology and retail stocks may see company-specific moves, especially where governance, earnings or takeover updates are involved.

The Australian market begins the week with a risk-off tone as geopolitical uncertainty returns to centre stage. While the broader index is expected to open lower, company updates across retail, food distribution, technology, infrastructure and mining services could create active stock-specific trading.

For now, investors will be watching whether Hormuz tensions ease, oil stabilises and US futures recover later in the day.