The ASX was lower today with a sharp sell-off across gold, copper and lithium stocks overwhelming solid gains in energy, utilities and communications. The index recovered from its session low but still ended the week marginally lower as renewed fighting in the Middle East, rising oil prices and the prospect of higher-for-longer interest rates weighed on risk appetite.
Materials were the clear pressure point, falling almost 3% as BHP declined for a second session and gold miners were hit by bullion slipping below US$4,000/oz. Asian markets were down 2-4% today, amplifying the negativity towards resources.