Another session where the index struggled to break out of its recent range, with the ASX 200 finishing marginally lower despite strong support from energy stocks. The benchmark has now closed little changed in five of the past seven sessions, as investors contend with competing signals from rising oil prices, Middle East tensions and ongoing volatility across technology and resources.
Brent crude pushed above US$90/barrel following renewed US-Iran hostilities and reduced shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz. Energy acted as the market’s key support, while defensive areas were also well supported.