How did gold and crude oil perform?

Gold futures eased slightly while crude oil recorded a small rise.

Australia equity market rises as S&P/ASX 200 closes at record high

2 min read | August 13, 2025 03:22 PM AEST | By Team Kalkine Media

Australia equity market rises as S&P/ASX 200 closes at record high — Image source: Shutterstock

Top Performers

JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX:JBH) led the upward momentum, supported by strong retail demand trends. CAR Group Ltd (ASX:CAR) followed with an advance driven by heightened market interest in automotive platforms. Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX:IAG) also moved higher, reflecting ongoing stability within the insurance space.

Notable Decliners

In contrast, SGH Ltd (ASX:SGH) registered a decline, marking a notable move in the legal and advisory segment. Idp Education Ltd (ASX:IEL) retreated amid shifts in the education services sector. Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX:RSG) also eased as gold-focused miners faced a softer precious metals environment.

Sector Trends

Gains in Utilities were underpinned by consistent demand dynamics, while Financials benefitted from steady activity in banking and insurance segments. The Consumer Discretionary sector advanced as select retail and service-oriented businesses maintained solid operational momentum.

Commodity Market Snapshot

In commodities, crude oil futures rose as energy markets responded to supply cues, while Brent oil prices also edged higher. Gold futures moved slightly lower, influenced by currency strength and shifting safe-haven flows.

Currency Movements

The Australian Dollar traded in a narrow range against the US Dollar and the Japanese Yen. Currency moves reflected broader global market sentiment and ongoing adjustments in interest rate expectations.

Volatility Indicators

The S&P/ASX 200 VIX recorded a modest decline, indicating a relatively stable short-term sentiment among options market participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sectors led the gains on the S&P/ASX 200?
Utilities, Financials, and Consumer Discretionary sectors led the gains.
Which companies were the top performers?
JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX:JBH), CAR Group Ltd (ASX:CAR), and Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX:IAG) topped the list.
How did gold and crude oil perform?
Gold futures eased slightly while crude oil recorded a small rise.

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.