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It was a better week for local stocks, with the ASX 200 bouncing 1.8% on broad-based gains, which saw all 11 major sectors advance, led by an unusual combination of consumer staples and energy stocks. Following a tough four weeks, the Australian share market notched its best weekly positive performance of 2025, but with new tariffs due on April 2nd, it could still become the calm before the storm. The lack of fresh tariff news and encouraging developments on the interest rate front was enough to “stop the rot” in equity land, but how the market deals with the next wave of bad news will tell us the real story.
Fridays have generally been weak on the ASX with traders showing little appetite to hold stocks over the weekend given Trump’s propensity to make headlines, however, this week was characterized by fewer headlines from the Whitehouse and stocks bounced back as a result, with the main board up 1.8% over the 5 sessions with all sectors finishing in the green.
The ASX 200 enjoyed its best day in six weeks, surging 1.2% on Thursday, clearing 7,900 on broad-based buying, which saw over 80% of the main board close higher. Positive economic news from both the US and domestic markets, particularly regarding interest rates, spurred the rally in equities.
A very solid bounce back on the ASX today with ~85% of the main board finishing higher. Risk was back on with technology + market linked stocks leading the way, though resources lagged.
The ASX 200 retreated 0.4% on Wednesday due to broad-based selling, with over 75% of the main board closing lower. The rate-sensitive utilities and real estate sectors underperformed, both falling by more than 1.3%, while the healthcare sector’s 0.5% gain was the main glimmer of hope for the bulls.
The worst of the session was seen early with the market attracting some bargain hunters as the day progressed despite a mixed bag in term of corporate updates. WiseTech (WTC) and Mineral Resources (MIN) in focus for the wrong reasons, while Myer (MYR) was also volatile after they released 1H25 results.
Tuesday saw local shares pare early gains to finish only slightly higher as US futures slipped away on escalating conflict in the Middle East. The ASX200 closed up just 6 points, surrendering almost 90% of its early morning gain, although over 60% of the main board managed to advance.
A solid start to trade this morning with the main board rallying back above 7900, however, sellers kicked into gear from just before midday with the index finishing ~60pts below the morning highs.
The ASX200 enjoyed its best day in two weeks on Monday, rallying +0.8%. Gains were driven by a strong performance from the miners and a solid supporting role by the banks; the combination of BHP, CBA, and ANZ contributed over 50% of the main boards’ advance.
The ASX closed in positive territory for a second consecutive trading session, not seen since the market all-time high of 8615 was set back on February 14. The market opened strongly and didn’t look back as news that China would implement stimulus to support its share market and property market, as well as intent to boost real incomes, provided a broad boost to sentiment. Promising Chinese consumer data was out mid-morning, sustaining the move up through to the close.
