AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
FRA
GER
ESP
ITA
NLD
PRT
SWE
GRC
IND
POL
BRA
ZAF
RUS
CHN
UAE
Highlights
- ASX200 rises on global trade optim
- Strong gains in financial and energy sectors
- Domain acquisition deal lifts media and tech shares
The Australian share market saw a notable midday rebound, with the S&P/ASX200 index climbing 0.4% or 30.1 points to reach 8221.8, echoing strong momentum from Wall Street overnight. The positive tone came as global trade negotiations stirred optimism, particularly ahead of talks between US and Chinese officials in Switzerland this weekend.
Investor confidence was buoyed by news that US and UK authorities had agreed on a trade “framework” aimed at reducing tariffs on British imports such as cars and metals. This development helped lift sentiment across global markets, with the ripple effect reaching the Australian Securities Exchange.
Financial stocks were among the top contributors to the ASX200’s gains. Macquarie Group (ASX:MQG) jumped 4.4% after posting a 5% profit rise, leading the banking sector’s rally. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) added 1.1%, reflecting the broader risk-on mood, while Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX:ANZ) moved in the opposite direction with a slight dip.
Energy shares also advanced, driven by stronger oil prices. Woodside Energy Group (ASX:WDS) gained 1.9% and Santos Limited (ASX:STO) added 2.2%, reflecting higher demand forecasts and commodity optimism linked to potential trade easing.
Despite an uptick in iron ore futures, mining heavyweights showed a mixed performance. BHP Group (ASX:BHP), a major iron ore player, declined 1%.
Among the notable stock moves, Domain Holdings Australia (ASX:DHG) surged 2.8% after US-based CoStar announced a $3 billion acquisition deal. Domain’s parent company Nine Entertainment (ASX:NEC) climbed 6.5%, making it the top-performing ASX300 stock at midday.
Meanwhile, diagnostic imaging group Healius (ASX:HLS) saw the sharpest decline, tumbling 25.7% after trading ex-dividend. Avita Medical (ASX:AVH) dropped 18.1%, despite maintaining its full-year commercial revenue growth guidance of 55% to 65%.
REA Group (ASX:REA) fell 1.2%, even as it reported an 18% increase in commercial revenues for the nine months to March—potentially overshadowed by Domain’s acquisition news.
In leadership news, Alcoa Corporation (ASX:AAI) rose 3.7% after appointing former Brambles chief executive Thomas Gorman as chairman.
This session highlights the dynamic nature of ASX dividend stocks, especially during key global economic events.
With eight of the 11 sectors on the ASX200 in positive territory, investors appeared encouraged by geopolitical developments and stronger commodity pricing, setting a constructive tone heading into the weekend.
