FX.co ★ Australian Shares Hit 2-Week Low

The S&P/ASX 200 index declined by 0.4% to fall below the 8,500 mark on Friday, registering its fourth consecutive session of losses and hitting a two-week low. This downturn is largely attributed to escalating tensions in the Middle East, which continue to negatively impact global markets. The index is heading for its first weekly decline in six weeks. Meanwhile, investors are anxiously awaiting a forthcoming decision from the United States—anticipated within the next fortnight—regarding possible measures against Iran, which has heightened a risk-averse sentiment among investors and driven up oil prices.

Domestically, weaker-than-anticipated employment data has led to increased speculation about a possible interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Conversely, data from Westpac indicated that consumer spending has stabilized, with the fastest quarterly growth observed since late 2022. Market participants are now looking forward to the release of upcoming PMI figures to gain a clearer picture of Australia’s economic status.

In the corporate arena, the financial sector exhibited mixed performance, even as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) approached record high levels. However, significant declines in major mining companies, including BHP (down 0.6%) and Rio Tinto (down 2.3%), exerted pressure on the broader market. Nonetheless, energy and gold stocks provided some positive contributions, offering a measure of support amidst the downturn.