AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
FRA
GER
ESP
ITA
NLD
PRT
SWE
GRC
IND
POL
BRA
ZAF
RUS
CHN
UAE
Highlights
Energy sector edges higher amid geopolitical escalation in the Middle East
Financials provide modest support, while materials and industrials drag
Conflict-driven oil surge offsets broader market caution
The ASX 200 concluded the trading day slightly lower, continuing its downward streak as heightened geopolitical tensions weighed on market sentiment. A major development in the Middle East — a bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites — initially triggered steep losses before the domestic bourse trimmed declines in late trade. The broader All Ordinaries also ended in negative territory, reflecting cautious investor positioning.
Sectors tied to industrial operations and consumer staples experienced notable softness, while energy and financials offered limited support.
Energy Segment Resilient Amid Oil Price Surge
The energy sector emerged as a relative outperformer on the back of rising global oil benchmarks. Companies such as Santos Ltd (ASX:STO) and Ampol Ltd (ASX:ALD) recorded modest gains, aided by stronger crude pricing linked to concerns about supply disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX:WDS) traded largely flat, while Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX:YAL) underperformed among the energy majors. Market attention has turned to the sustainability of oil strength should further escalation unfold in the region.
Gold Stocks Reflect Cautious Safe-Haven Sentiment
Gold producers delivered a mixed performance despite geopolitical uncertainty. Newmont Corporation (ASX:NEM) saw an uptick as investors temporarily gravitated towards haven assets, while other key names in the space such as Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX:EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX:NST) closed lower.
The movement in precious metals remained tied to global risk perception, though gains in bullion prices softened toward the session’s end as broader market steadiness emerged.
Miners, Industrials and Airlines Pull Index Lower
Heavyweight materials stocks contributed to the market’s downward drift. BHP Group Ltd (ASX:BHP), Fortescue Ltd (ASX:FMG), and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO) all posted losses. Sentiment around the mining sector has cooled amid reduced appetite for cyclical exposures.
The industrials segment also lagged, with Brambles Ltd (ASX:BXB) and Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX:QAN) retreating, the latter impacted by route adjustments due to flight diversions from the Middle East. Auckland International Airport Ltd (ASX:AIA) mirrored similar declines.
Mixed Outcome for Banks and Consumer Staples
Among the major banks, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) and Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX:WBC) finished stronger, while National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX:NAB) and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX:ANZ) closed weaker. The financials segment managed to close modestly higher overall.
In the consumer space, Metcash Ltd (ASX:MTS) climbed following its revenue and profit update. The company also announced upcoming dividends asx, which supported its performance on the day. Conversely, Adairs Ltd (ASX:ADH) fell sharply after outlining margin pressures in its trading update.
