AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
IND
Highlights
- ASX200 dips slightly amid global trade uncertainty
- HCW REIT surges over 15% after rent deferral deal
- Energy and tech stocks lag on weaker oil and mixed US cues
Australia’s sharemarket edged back from recent highs on Friday, as renewed trade tensions between the US and global partners clouded investor sentiment. The S&P/ASX200 index slipped 0.2% or 18.3 points to 8391.5 in the early session, breaking its three-month winning streak. Ten of the eleven sectors traded in the red, with energy stocks bearing the brunt of the decline.
Much of the nervousness stemmed from the United States, where the Trump administration received a green light to advance with trade tariffs, despite a recent court ruling against them. This rekindled market concerns about global trade stability. While the S&P 500 and Nasdaq eked out gains of 0.4%, the mood remained cautious.
Back in Australia, real estate stocks felt the heat, with sector heavyweight Goodman Group (ASX:GMG) easing 0.6%, compounding losses from the previous day. Despite strong cues from Wall Street, local tech stocks did not follow suit. WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) declined 1.9% and Life360 (ASX:360) slipped 1.3%, in contrast to Nvidia’s solid US session.
The energy sector also weakened as oil prices retreated. Brent crude slid 1.2%, nearing US$64 a barrel. Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS) dropped 1.8%, trimming what had otherwise been a strong week.
Among standout movers, HealthCo Healthcare & Wellness REIT (ASX:HCW) surged 15.8% following a deal with Healthscope and its receivers to defer some rent obligations—a move seen as boosting near-term flexibility and investor confidence.
Paladin Energy (ASX:PDN) came under pressure, falling 3.8% after disclosure of impending legal action by a class action firm in Victoria’s Supreme Court. Meanwhile, NRW Holdings (ASX:NWH) gained 2.3% after securing a $157 million contract from Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO), though Rio itself dipped 0.5%.
Elsewhere, Findi (ASX:FND) fell 4%, despite reporting a 54% rise in underlying profit to $6 million in FY2025. Investor enthusiasm appeared muted, possibly reflecting broader market caution.
In project-related updates, Viva Energy (ASX:VEA) received state approval for an environmental assessment of its planned LNG terminal—a critical milestone for the project. However, shares eased 1%.
While Friday’s market action was mixed, the broader performance of ASX dividend stocks remains a key theme for yield-seeking investors, especially amid rate uncertainties and global policy shifts. The latest moves in the ASX200 continue to reflect evolving market narratives—from macroeconomic headlines to company-specific catalysts.
