ASX 200 Steady as NEXTDC (ASX: NXT) Boosts Utilisation; Markets Eye US Fed Decision

Highlights:

• Australian shares remained flat as investors awaited the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy update.

• Data centre operator NEXTDC (ASX:NXT) reported higher contracted utilisation as of March.

• Broader indexes including ASX 200 and All Ordinaries showed minimal movement during the session.

Australian shares traded in a narrow range as market participants looked toward the upcoming policy decision from the US Federal Reserve. The ASX 200 and All Ordinaries indexes showed little movement during early trading, reflecting subdued sentiment across most sectors. The technology and real estate segments remained under focus, with selected announcements influencing stock-level activity.

NEXTDC (ASX:NXT) Reports Increased Contracted Utilisation

Technology infrastructure company NEXTDC Limited (ASX:NXT) provided an update on its data centre operations, revealing a rise in contracted utilisation as of March. The company noted growth across key metrics, aligned with ongoing demand for cloud services and enterprise data storage. NEXTDC operates a portfolio of facilities across multiple Australian cities, catering to domestic and international digital clients.

The company highlighted that its utilisation levels had grown compared to earlier periods, supported by strong tenant demand and expansion across strategic locations. This operational update follows a period of continued investment in infrastructure, including ongoing development in existing and new facilities.

Financial Sector Trades Flat Ahead of Global Cues

Financial services stocks remained largely unchanged during the session, with limited activity across major banks and insurance groups. Market sentiment was cautious as participants awaited signals from overseas central banks, particularly the US Federal Reserve, whose policy direction could influence global capital flows.

Major financial institutions including Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA), Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX:WBC), Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX:ANZ), and National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB) saw marginal fluctuations throughout the session.

Resource Stocks Show Mixed Performance

Energy and materials sectors displayed a mixed pattern, with companies responding to shifts in commodity pricing and production updates. Resource firms such as BHP Group Limited (ASX:BHP), Rio Tinto Limited (ASX:RIO), and Fortescue Ltd (ASX:FMG) reflected marginal moves amid a quiet session. Market attention remained on global trade flows and supply-related developments affecting base metals and bulk commodities.

Meanwhile, energy companies including Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX:WDS) and Santos Ltd (ASX:STO) also witnessed subdued trading as oil prices remained range-bound during the session. Market participants continued to monitor global energy trends and domestic project updates.

Real Estate and Infrastructure Firms Monitor Rate Environment

Real estate and infrastructure-related stocks tracked sideways, influenced by market speculation over future interest rate settings. Key players such as Goodman Group (ASX:GMG), Dexus (ASX:DXS), and Mirvac Group (ASX:MGR) showed restrained activity. The sector remains sensitive to changes in borrowing costs and capital availability, both domestically and abroad.

Infrastructure developers and operators continued to maintain a focus on project delivery timelines and cost structures, while observing demand trends in commercial and industrial leasing markets.

Healthcare Sector Holds Steady

The healthcare sector maintained stability, with companies such as CSL Limited (ASX:CSL), Cochlear Limited (ASX:COH), and ResMed Inc. (ASX:RMD) trading without significant directional change. Activity in the sector remained low-key, with ongoing developments in product distribution and research activities shaping the broader sentiment.

Healthcare stocks often move independently of broader economic cycles, with demand linked to essential services and long-term innovation pipelines.

Technology Segment Gains Attention Amid NEXTDC Update

The update from NEXTDC (ASX:NXT) brought renewed focus to the technology segment, highlighting growing infrastructure demand. Broader tech-related names including Xero Limited (ASX:XRO), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX:WTC), and Altium Limited (ASX:ALU) experienced varied trading during the session.

Digital transformation across enterprises and institutions has sustained attention on the technology sector, even as broader market momentum remained subdued.

Consumer Stocks Trade Cautiously

Retail and consumer-focused stocks showed mixed sentiment, with companies navigating evolving demand trends and input cost pressures. Notable names such as Wesfarmers Limited (ASX:WES), Woolworths Group Limited (ASX:WOW), and Coles Group Limited (ASX:COL) saw stable performance across intraday trading.

Consumer sentiment metrics and spending behaviours remain key indicators for movement in this sector, especially amid macroeconomic crosswinds.