ASX 200 today ends higher as property and banks lift index while mining drags

3 min read | August 21, 2025 02:46 PM AEST | By Team Kalkine Media

 

Highlights

  • ASX 200 closed in positive territory after an early weak start

  • Property REITs and banking sector provided strong upward support

  • Mining and healthcare sectors moved lower during the session

The ASX 200 today began the trading session in negative territory but gradually shifted upward within the first phase of trade. The benchmark index reflected broader movement across sectors as momentum from property trusts and financial companies supported a rebound from the early weakness. The ASX 200, which represents large and mid-cap stocks, managed to finish with gains despite notable pressure from mining and healthcare shares.

Property sector performance

Property real estate investment trusts advanced during the day, marking one of the strongest performing groups within the session. The shift supported the overall upward move of the index and provided stability to the broader market sentiment. The strength within the property space came after recent underperformance, helping the sector re-establish a positive trend within the Australian equity landscape.

Banks drive gains

Major banking groups were key contributors to the improvement in the index. Financial institutions, including the four largest banks listed on the exchange, delivered a steady performance that offset losses seen elsewhere. The collective gains from this sector helped the benchmark maintain its positive position into the close.

Mining and healthcare decline

Mining shares weighed on the session, with large resource companies such as BHP Group (ASX:BHP) and Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) posting declines. Weakness across iron ore and diversified resources placed a drag on the broader index, preventing sharper upward momentum. The healthcare segment also struggled, with leading names like CSL Limited (ASX:CSL) under pressure, adding to the downside balance within the day’s performance.

Broader sector movements

Aside from the standout moves in property, banks, mining, and healthcare, other sectors recorded mixed activity. Energy names including Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS) remained relatively flat, while consumer-focused stocks traded with modest movement. Technology names showed marginal improvement, reflecting resilience despite broader market fluctuations. The balance across sectors ultimately shaped the index’s overall outcome, leaving the session in positive territory.

Market context

The session highlighted the interplay of different industries within the Australian share market. Strength in traditional income-generating segments such as banks and property offset weakness in cyclical and defensive areas like mining and healthcare. This blend of movements underscored the diversity within the ASX 200 index and its representation of varied sectors that drive overall performance. The outcome reflected stabilisation after an uncertain opening phase, supported by steady financial and property participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What lifted the ASX 200 during the session?
    Property REITs and banking companies were the main contributors.
  • Which sectors faced declines?
    Mining and healthcare sectors moved lower.
  • Which companies were mentioned in the session?
    BHP Group (ASX:BHP), Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO), CSL Limited (ASX:CSL), and Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS).

Disclaimer

The content, including but not limited to any articles, news, quotes, information, data, text, reports, ratings, opinions, images, photos, graphics, graphs, charts, animations and video (Content) is a service of Kalkine Media Pty Ltd (Kalkine Media, we or us), ACN 629 651 672 and is available for personal and non-commercial use only. The principal purpose of the Content is to educate and inform. The Content does not contain or imply any recommendation or opinion intended to influence your financial decisions and must not be relied upon by you as such. Some of the Content on this website may be sponsored/non-sponsored, as applicable, but is NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold the stocks of the company(s) or engage in any investment activity under discussion. Kalkine Media is neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice through this platform. Users should make their own enquiries about any investments and Kalkine Media strongly suggests the users to seek advice from a financial adviser, stockbroker or other professional (including taxation and legal advice), as necessary. Kalkine Media hereby disclaims any and all the liabilities to any user for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising from any use of the Content on this website, which is provided without warranties. The views expressed in the Content by the guests, if any, are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Kalkine Media. Some of the images/music that may be used on this website are copyright to their respective owner(s). Kalkine Media does not claim ownership of any of the pictures displayed/music used on this website unless stated otherwise. The images/music that may be used on this website are taken from various sources on the internet, including paid subscriptions or are believed to be in public domain. We have used reasonable efforts to accredit the source wherever it was indicated as or found to be necessary.


AU_advertise

Advertise your brand on Kalkine Media

Sponsored Articles


Investing Ideas

Previous Next
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.