Global markets ended the week on a mixed note, largely driven by heightened geopolitical tensions and trade policy developments. Overnight airstrikes by Iran on U.S. bases in Qatar have sharply escalated tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns over regional stability and has rattled investor sentiment, sending oil prices surging and broader indices lower, reversing gains from earlier in the week.
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Despite a turbulent end to the week, the ASX 200 managed to close slightly higher, rising 0.4%. Gains were concentrated in energy and utilities stocks, which rallied as oil and gold prices jumped following news that Israel had launched airstrikes on Iran. While the Middle East tensions caused concern, some relief came in the form of a slight improvement in consumer sentiment locally, buoyed by the RBA’s recent rate cut.
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The Australian share market rose modestly this week, with the ASX 200 finishing up 1.0%. While eight of the eleven major sectors posted gains, the moves were relatively small. Australia’s March quarter GDP growth came in at just 0.2%, falling short of expectations and reinforcing signs of a slowing economy. Household spending in April rose slightly by 0.1%, but overall, consumer activity has been flat in recent months — reflecting the ongoing impact of cost-of-living pressures and high interest rates.
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While global markets remain sensitive to trade headlines, the ASX 200 climbed 0.9% this week with strength across most sectors. Locally, April inflation data showed that price growth has largely settled within the RBA’s target range, helping support investor confidence. A more dovish tone from the central bank following its May meeting has markets leaning towards another interest rate cut as soon as July. Technology led sector gains, buoyed by Wisetech’s 7.1% lift after announcing the acquisition of US supply chain platform E2Open.
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The ASX 200 ended the week slightly higher, rising 0.2% after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut interest rates from 4.10% to 3.85%. This decision was expected by most economists, as the RBA noted that global trade tensions — particularly from rising US tariffs — could slow down economic growth. Five of the eleven major sectors finished in positive territory, led by gains in Telecommunications and Technology. While the rate cut may offer some short-term relief, the outlook remains cautious as international uncertainty continues.
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The ASX 200 rose 1.4% this week, extending its recent recovery and reflecting a broader lift in global sentiment. Locally, gains were spread across eight of the eleven major sectors, with Energy and Technology leading the charge. While overall market activity was relatively quiet, earnings surprises drove some of the biggest stock movements. On the economic front, April delivered a strong jobs report, with 89,000 new roles added and the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.1%. Business confidence improved slightly but remains below long-run averages — another reminder that market conditions can be mixed, even in a rising environment.
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In Australia, the ASX 200 closed the week slightly lower, down 0.1%, as the financial sector weighed on the index following mixed first-half results from the big four banks. Despite this, eight of the eleven major sectors ended in the green, led by Utilities and Technology. Economic data showed real household spending remained flat in the March quarter, indicating ongoing consumer caution. With monetary policy still tight and trade uncertainties persisting, expectations are mounting for the RBA to implement a 0.25% rate cut in its upcoming May meeting.
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The ASX 200 ended the week up 3.4%, with all eleven major sectors finishing in the green for a second consecutive week. Locally, investor sentiment was boosted by the re-election of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party, marking the first time in decades a sitting PM has won a second term. The strong performance in equities was further supported by March quarter inflation data, which showed both headline (2.4% YoY) and underlying inflation (2.9% YoY) remaining within the RBA’s target range—strengthening expectations for a rate cut later this month. Technology stocks led the charge, particularly Wisetech, which surged after confirming it’s in talks to acquire US supply chain provider e2open.
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