S&P/ASX 200 index in Australia closes down 0.36%

S&P/ASX 200 index in Australia closes down 0.36%

The Australian stock market experienced a mixed day on Monday, with the S&P/ASX 200 index closing down 0.36% to 8,452.00. This follows a trend of losses in the previous four sessions, partially offset by gains in gold miners and energy stocks. The benchmark index is now well below the 8,500.00 level [1].

Among the major miners, BHP Group and Fortescue Metals lost 1.5% each, while Rio Tinto and Mineral Resources fell by almost 1%. Oil stocks, however, showed resilience, with Origin Energy and Santos gaining almost 1% each, and Beach Energy advancing more than 3% [1].

In the technology sector, Block, the owner of Afterpay, gained almost 1%, while Appen, WiseTech Global, Zip, and Xero saw declines of more than 5%, 2%, 4.5%, and 1% respectively. Gold miners, including Newmont, Gold Road Resources, and Resolute Mining, showed significant gains, with Newmont advancing almost 2% and Resolute Mining surging more than 5% [1].

The big four banks experienced mixed performance, with National Australia Bank and Westpac losing almost 1% each, Commonwealth Bank edging down 0.3%, and ANZ Banking declining 1.5%. Shares in Adairs tumbled almost 26% after the homewares and furniture retailer trimmed its profit outlook for the year [1].

The Aussie dollar traded at $0.642 on Monday, reflecting the market's overall sentiment. The S&P/ASX 200 index has increased by 202 points or 2.47% since the beginning of 2025, according to data from Trading Economics [2].

The market's retreat from record highs amid escalating Middle East tensions has led to a period of consolidation, with defensive stocks and a handful of uranium and REIT plays showing momentum. The S&P/ASX 200 industrials and other sectors hit 52-week highs, while a few stocks reached 52-week lows [3].

Looking ahead, the market's outlook remains uncertain, with investors closely monitoring geopolitical tensions and central bank policies. The Reserve Bank of Australia's dovish stance and potential for further monetary easing could provide support to the market, but the escalating Middle East tensions could pose further risks [1][2].

References:
[1] https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/australian-market-trims-early-losses-mid-market-6
[2] https://tradingeconomics.com/australia/stock-market
[3] https://www.tradingview.com/news/marketindex:ec8cdfdc8094b:0-asx-200-stocks-hitting-fresh-52-week-highs-and-lows-week-26/