Daily Market Update: 23 June, 2025

The key takeaways from the last 24 hours

Australian market edges lower amid banking sector drag

The Australian share market declined for a fourth consecutive session, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) falling 18.2 points, or 0.2 per cent, to close at 8505.5 — its lowest level since early June. The retreat came as investors adopted a cautious stance amid escalating geopolitical concerns, particularly regarding potential US involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran. Six of the 11 market sectors closed in negative territory, leading to a modest weekly drop of 0.5 per cent for the benchmark index. The financial sector weighed heavily, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), National Australia Bank Limited (ASX: NAB), Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC), and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ASX: ANZ) all recording losses.

 

Healthcare gains and mining divergence

In contrast, defensive sectors saw renewed investor interest. Healthcare stocks performed strongly, with Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME), ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), and Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH) all posting gains, the latter climbing 2.5 per cent to $295.64. The mining sector delivered mixed results following a Citi downgrade of lithium price forecasts. Liontown Resources Limited (ASX: LTR) rebounded slightly despite initial losses, while Pilbara Minerals Limited (ASX: PLS) and Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) fell sharply. In corporate developments, Betr rose 5.3 per cent after submitting an all-share bid to acquire PointsBet Holdings Limited (ASX: PBH), while Bowen Coking Coal Limited (ASX: BCB) plunged 48.6 per cent after warning of potential mine suspensions due to market conditions and state royalties.

 

US markets decline amid war fears

On the global front, the US500 Index (CBOE: SPX), the primary benchmark for US equities, fell to 5948 points on June 22, marking a 0.32 per cent decline from the previous session. The downturn was driven by rising geopolitical instability following reports that the United States carried out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, stoking investor concerns over a broader regional conflict. Despite the short-term dip, the index has climbed 2.21 per cent over the past month.

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Daily Market Update: 6 June, 2025

The key takeaways from the last 24 hours

ASX holds near record as investors await next catalyst

 

The Australian share market traded in a tight range on Thursday, closing slightly lower as investors paused following recent gains and looked ahead to potential macro catalysts. The S&P/ASX 200 Index dipped just 2.9 points to 8538.9, holding within 20 points of its all-time record close. Seven of the 11 sectors advanced, with healthcare in the lead, though index heavyweight CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) fell 1.3 per cent to $242.96.

Bank stocks finished mixed. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) edged up 0.1 per cent to a fresh record of $181.34, while National Australia Bank Limited (ASX: NAB) and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ASX: ANZ) closed marginally lower. In the mining sector, iron ore names gained despite a 1 per cent drop in Singapore futures to $US94.55—Fortescue Limited (ASX: FMG) rose 1.5 per cent to $15.49 and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) added 0.3 per cent to $110.01. A surge in lithium and rare earth stocks lifted resources, driven by U.S. government support for domestic critical minerals production. Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) jumped 14.8 per cent to $23.19, Liontown Resources Limited (ASX: LTR) climbed 5.7 per cent to 64.5 cents, and Lynas Rare Earths Limited (ASX: LYC) soared 12.5 per cent to $9.26 following reports that European carmakers were facing supply disruptions due to China’s export restrictions.

 

Stocks in focus

 

IperionX Limited (ASX: IPX) was the day’s standout performer, surging 28.8 per cent to $4.78 after securing a contract worth up to $US99 million with the U.S. Department of Defence to supply titanium components, part of a broader U.S. strategy to secure critical mineral supply chains.

On the downside, Tyro Payments Limited (ASX: TYR) dropped 10.4 per cent to 82 cents after announcing the resignation of Chief Executive Jon Davey, who is leaving to head a private-equity backed company. Pacific Current Group Limited (ASX: PAC) fell 4.9 per cent to $10.80 following a media report alleging that U.S.-listed Abacus Global Management had “systematically overvalued” its assets. Meanwhile, Catapult Group International Limited (ASX: CAT) slipped 1 per cent to $6.16 after acquiring U.S. sports technology company Perch for $US18 million.

Wall Street dips as rate cut hopes rise

 

U.S. equity markets retreated on Thursday, as softer-than-expected economic data prompted a reassessment of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate path. The S&P 500 Index fell 0.5 per cent to 5939.30, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.3 per cent to 42,319.74, and the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 0.8 per cent to 19,298.45. Jobless claims unexpectedly rose, and a key services activity gauge dipped into contraction territory, adding weight to market expectations for at least two rate cuts before year-end. Despite the pullback, traders remained focused on Friday’s non-farm payrolls report for further clues on labour market health.

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) sank 14.3 per cent amid a high-profile clash between CEO Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, who threatened to revoke government subsidies for Musk’s companies. Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG) fell 1.9 per cent after announcing plans to cut 7,000 jobs globally over the next two years. In contrast, Circle Internet Financial Limited (NYSE: CRCL) soared 168 per cent on its first trading day, underscoring strong investor demand for crypto-adjacent listings. MongoDB Inc. (NASDAQ: MDB) rallied nearly 13 per cent after lifting its full-year revenue guidance, citing continued momentum in cloud database adoption.

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Daily Market Update: 10 June, 2025

The key takeaways from the last 24 hours

ASX closed on Monday, and finished modestly lower on Friday the 6 of June

The Australian share market extended its rally for a fourth consecutive week, buoyed by optimism surrounding renewed trade negotiations between the United States and China. Market sentiment improved following comments from US President Donald Trump, who indicated trade talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping would resume after a “very good” phone call focusing on critical mineral exports. Despite the positive backdrop, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) ended Friday down 0.3 per cent, or 23 points, to 8515.7 points, with eight out of 11 sectors closing in negative territory. However, the index still posted a 1 per cent weekly gain. The broader All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) also dipped 0.3 per cent.

Mixed results for material stocks on Friday

The recommencement of trade discussions helped alleviate fears of weakened Chinese commodity demand, resulting in gains for resource-linked stocks. Iron ore futures in Singapore advanced 0.8 per cent to USD95.65 per tonne, supporting miners such as BHP Group Limited (ASX: BHP), which rose 0.7 per cent to AUD38.23, and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG), up 1 per cent to AUD15.65. In contrast, critical minerals stocks faced headwinds amid speculation that China may relax export restrictions on rare earths. Pilbara Minerals Limited (ASX: PLS) dropped 5.2 per cent to AUD1.28, while IGO Limited (ASX: IGO) fell 3.5 per cent to AUD4.19. Broader weakness swept through the index ahead of key US employment data, prompting profit-taking across bank and tech names, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) retreating 0.8 per cent to AUD179.90.

Softening US labour and US dollar

Currency markets reacted to softening US labour market signals, with the US dollar weakening and the Australian dollar climbing to a six-month high of USD0.6537. In corporate news, Ora Banda Mining Limited (ASX: OBM) plunged 14.1 per cent to AUD1.10 after flagging that full-year gold production would fall short of guidance due to downtime at its Davyhurst project. Meanwhile, Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) gained 3.5 per cent to AUD10.76 following news that competitor Virgin Australia Holdings Limited had secured strong demand for its AUD685 million IPO, albeit with some investor allocations being scaled back.

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Daily Market Update: 11 June, 2025

The key takeaways from the last 24 hours

ASX rallies after King’s Birthday, up 0.8 per cent, retail, tech jumps, as CBA hits new high

The local market posted another strong session as negotiations between the US and China on a renewed trade pact continued to support more positive sentiment in markets; the All Ords gained 0.8 per cent. The industrials sector was the only real detractor, falling 0.1 per cent, while both the retail and technology sectors gained more than 1.5 per cent, energy also performed well, latter boosted by hopes that global trade will return to normal. Shares in the Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) continued to power high, gaining 1.2 per cent, a new all-time high as the business retains its $300 billion valuation despite a growing chorus of those suggesting the company is overvalued. The likes of Next DC (ASX:NXT) which reversed a recent trend, and WiseTech (ASX:WTC) both rallied by 5 and 2 per cent respectively, as attention turns back to a risk on market focus on earnings growth as opposed to defensive protection. 

Johns Lyng in trading halt, Korean firm looks to up Austal stake, Monash IVF sinks on errors, government investigation

Shares in Monash IVF (ASX:MVF) plummeted during the session after the group reported a second instance of transferring an embryo into the wrong patient, falling 24 per cent. The state government has launched a full investigation into the issues, at the same time the business is undertaking an internal review. Ship builder Austal (ASX:AST) managed a near 7 per cent gain after the companies large shareholder, South Koren Hanwha Group was seemingly given the greenlight by the US foreign review board to buyout the local company. It will still need to be reviewed by the local regulator given the defence contract the business retains. Property services provider Johns Lyng Group (ASX:JLG) started the day in a trading halt following news that Pacific Equity Partners was considering a takeover bid for the company. Similarly, Metcash (ASX:MTS) gained slightly after management confirm its intention to merge its Mitre 10 and Home Hardware brands.

US markets near all-time highs as trade deals emerge, Mexico, China near agreements, Tesla rallies on automated Taxi

The S&P500 and Nasdaq led the way overnight, both gaining 0.6 per cent, with the former just 2 per cent away from a prior record high. Shares in GameStop (NYSE:GME) continued to struggle in after-hours trading as quarterly sales fell and a pivot to crypto wasn’t enough to offset the decline. The Dow also added 0.3 per cent after positive news emerged from both China and Mexico, that could be set to see punitive tariffs levels reduced on key imports including steel, in the coming months. Markets are paused ahead of new inflation data which comes after bond yields around the world increased on debt and inflation concerns. Shares in Tesla (NYSE:TSLA) gained more than 5 per cent after Elon Musk released a video showing a Tesla driving through Austin, Texas without a driver, suggesting that autonomous taxi’s may be set to launch sooner than expected. Boeing (NYSE:BA) has seen the highest monthly intake of orders in more than a year, triggered by Donald Trump’s trip to the middle east last month. 

 

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Daily Market Update: 12 June, 2025

The key takeaways from the last 24 hours

ASX reaches all-time high, CBA flat, energy, property gain on US-China deal, Woodside (ASX: WDS) gains

The local market reached a fresh intra-day high during the session on Wednesday, albeit only closing a meagre 0.1 per cent higher. The result was driven by a further easing in trade tensions between the US and China, with expectations a fresh agreement will be hammered out in the coming days and weeks. The energy and property sectors gains 0.8 and 0.9 per cent, with Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS) a standout, rallying 1.9 per cent, and BHP (ASX:BHP) also gaining more than 1.5 per cent as iron ore prices improved in Singapore. The Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) underperformed, while both ANZ Bank (ASX:ANZ) and Westpac (ASX:WBC) posted small gains to buoy the market. Shares in property services provider Johns Lyng Group (ASX:JLG) posted a massive 17.7 per cent gain after the company confirmed a $3 offer from Pacific Equity Partners to take the company private.

Zip pops 16 per cent, Fletcher Building rallies on possible sales, Qantas (ASX: QAN) cuts Asia experiment

Buy now pay later group Zip (ASX:ZIP) topped the market, posting a 15 per cent gain on Wednesday, as the company upgraded earnings guidance for the financial year. It now expects earnings of $160 million, up from $153 million, driven primarily by solid transaction growth in the profitable US market. Shares in Fletcher Building (ASX:FBU) were also among the leaders, finishing 10 per cent higher, after the company revealed it had received inbound enquiries about potentially selling parts of its business, including construction, in an effort to release value from the business. Shares in Qantas (ASX:QAN) were more than 1 per cent lower after the company announced an immediate exit from Jetstar Asia, a 20 year experience, with 13 planes to be returned to service in Australia. Monash IVF (ASX:MVF) posted a dead cat bounce, with shares gaining 11 per cent as the embattled provider seeks to move forward after a number of massive issues. 

S&P500 pulls back from highs, big tech falls on Apple weakness, Oracle jumps on upgrade

The Dow Jones finished flat, outperforming both the S&P500 and Nasdaq which fell 0.3 and 0.5 per cent respectively on weakness in Big Tech. Apple (NYSE:AAPL) fell by more than 2 per cent, while Tesla (NYSE:TSLA) reversed a 3 per cent gain to finish flat. The broader sentiment continues to improve, as Donald Trump all but confirmed a deal had been made between the US and China, which would include rare earth imports, while inflation data came in weaker than expected suggesting companies were not passing on tariff-related increased just yet. Bond yields fell, buoying bond prices on hopes that weaker inflation would support another round of rate cuts. Shares in Oracle (NYSE:ORCL) were stronger in after market trade as the company flagged surging growth in cloud sales, while Nintendo (TYO:7974) reported strong sales of it’s first new console in 15 years, the Switch 2, which sold 3.5 million in just four days.

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Daily Market Update: 13 June, 2025

The key takeaways from the last 24 hours

Energy holds up ASX, Santos (ASX:STO) rallies, Newmont (ASX:NEW) leads gold miners higher on US-Iran worries

The local market posted a 0.3 per cent loss on Thursday, despite seven of the 11 sectors rallying, led by energy. The banking sector was the biggest detractor, with the likes of the Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) and Westpac (ASX:WBC) falling slightly. The energy sector was boosted by Santos (ASX:STO) which rallied 0.2 per cent as the oil price moved back above US$70 per barrel. The gold price also rallied, supporting Northern Star (ASXNST) which gained 1.2 per cent, on media reports that President Trump was growing increasingly concerned that Iran would cease enriching uranium amid a threa of strikes between the nations. Monash IVF (ASX:MVF) remains in the news, with CEO Michael Knaap stepping down following a second embryo bungle by the company amid an environment where investors are demanding significantly greater transparency from boards. Long suffering shareholders in packaging group Pact (ASX:PGH) will have just four weeks to get rid of their shares before the company formally delists from the ASX.

Cettire (ASX:CTT) tanks on further downgrade, Cochlear maintains despite earnings reduction

Luxury online retailer Cettire (ASX:CTT) felt the brunt of the market and falling expectations with shares tanking by more than 30 per cent during the session. CEO Dean Mintz warned of weaker demand from the US, with the company reporting just 1.7 per cent growth in sales for the full year well below expectations. The company remains fixated on further expansion despite growing global challenges for luxury retailers. AGL Energy (ASX:AGL) confirmed that it is considering the sale of its 29 per cent investment in Tilt Renewables, amid a cleaning up of its balance sheet, shares were 0.9 per cent lower. In a sign of growing demand for higher quality earnings, shares in Cochlear (ASX:COH), which producing ear implants, rallied 0.7 per cent despite the company downgrading earnings guidance. The market was clearly expecting worse, with the company suggesting a new range of $390 to $400 million, down from $410 to $430 million as sales slowed.

Rally gathers steam, as inflation, bond yields surprise on the positive, Oracle surge continues

The Nasdaq and Dow Jones both posted 0.2 per cent gains overnight, as another round of positive inflation data supported hopes of a rate cut. Yields fell to 4.8 per cent after a massive US government bond auction, allaying fears of growing debt issues, and also boosting the S&P500. Inflation for companies, being the producer price index rose 0.1 per cent, weaker than expected and Cathie Wood of ARK Invest flagged an improving outlook for capital expenditure from the world’s largest companies, particularly around AI and computing power. US auto tariffs may be raised next, with both Ford (NYSE:F) and Stellantis faling briefly. Shares in Oracle (NYSE:ORCL) posted a massive double digit gain after the company flagged hopes that cloud infrastructure sales with jump by more than 70 per cent this financial year.

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Daily Market Update: 16 June, 2025

The key takeaways from the last 24 hours

ASX retreats from record amid Israel-Iran strikes, Woodside, oil prices surge, Cettire struggles continue

The local market fell 0.2 per cent on Friday, with eight of the 11 sectors declining, the standout once again being energy and materials. Israel’s strike against Iran’s nuclear program sent the price of oil surging more than 10 per cent, which pushed the price of Woodside (ASX:WDS) up by more than 7 per cent, while Santos (ASX:STO) also added 3.7 per cent on concerns about the impact on supply. It was a similar story for gold miners, as investors flocked back towards the safe haven, with the price once again nearing a record high, as Newmont (ASX:NEM) adding close to 6 per cent for the session. Cettire (ASX:CTT) continues its struggled, tanking another 20 per cent on Friday, taking losses to 50 per cent of an already depressed share price, on the back of another profit downgrade. It was a similar story for Accent (ASX:AX1) which fell close to 25 per cent as the owner of the Hype and Platypus retail chains flagged weak sales since Christmas. Over the week, the ASX finished slightly higher as investors reposition for a busy second half of the year.

Iranian retaliation spooks markets, S&P, Nasdaq sink, as airlines hit by closures

An escalation between Iran and Israel over the weekend has sent concerns through global markets, with the Dow Jones falling 1.8 per cent, the Nasdaq 1.3 and the S&P500 1.1 per cent. The weakness was broad-based, with oil and gold mining companies benefitting but airline and travel companies tumbling on the back of closures of air space around the Middle East. The likes of American Airlines (NYSE:AA) and United Airlines (NYSE:UAl) both fell more than 4 per cent in after-market trading as hundreds missiles were fired by Iran into Israel. Shares in Adobe (NYSE:ADBE) fell by more than 5 per cent as the company gave a weaker than expected outlook for sales in 2025, as the company faces competition from the likes of Canva amid the surge of interest in AI tools and support. Despite this, sales remained relatively strong, with its core creative segment showing 11 per cent growth. Across the week, losses were broad with the Nasdaq and S&P500 falling by around 0.5 per cent.

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Daily Market Update: 17 June, 2025

The key takeaways from the last 24 hours

Energy surge lifts ASX amid geopolitical tension

The Australian share market remained resilient on Monday, navigating geopolitical uncertainty and a sell-off in the United States by edging slightly higher. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) ended the day up just 1 point at 8548.4 points, supported by a strong rally in energy shares following a sharp spike in oil prices and confirmation of a $30 billion takeover of Santos Limited (ASX: STO). Other oil stocks rose in tandem, with Woodside Energy Group Limited (ASX: WDS) up 3 per cent to $26, Beach Energy Limited (ASX: BPT) gaining 1.9 per cent to $1.33, and Karoon Energy Limited (ASX: KAR) climbing 2.3 per cent to $2.03. Meanwhile, uranium shares also spiked after news that the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust (TSX: U.UN) would raise $US100 million to purchase uranium. Shares in Deep Yellow Limited (ASX: DYL) surged 21.2 per cent to $1.60, Paladin Energy Limited (ASX: PDN) rose 15.6 per cent to $7.30, Boss Energy Limited (ASX: BOE) gained 17.7 per cent to $4.30, and Silex Systems Limited (ASX: SLX) soared 23.9 per cent to $4.

Financials and gold weigh on broader market

Despite energy’s strong performance, broader gains were capped by weakness in financials and gold stocks. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) slipped 0.03 per cent to $179.40, while National Australia Bank Limited (ASX: NAB), Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC) and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ASX: ANZ) also declined. Among gold miners, Evolution Mining Limited (ASX: EVN) dropped 8 per cent to $8.45 after UBS Group AG (SWX: UBSG) downgraded it to a “sell”, and Northern Star Resources Limited (ASX: NST) fell 8.2 per cent to $20.68 following a downgrade to “neutral”. ASX Limited (ASX: ASX) declined 6.7 per cent to $67.90 after Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) launched an inquiry into its governance practices. In contrast, Bubs Australia Limited (ASX: BUB) rose 6.3 per cent to 17 cents on US regulatory progress, while Tourism Holdings Limited (ASX: THL) soared 56 per cent to $2.10 after receiving a $471 million buyout offer from BGH Capital and the Trouchet brothers.

 

Wall Street rises despite Middle East tensions

United States markets rebounded on Monday ahead of the United States Federal Reserve’s policy decision. The S&P 500 Index (NYSE: SPX) rose 0.9 per cent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (NYSE: DJI) gained 0.7 per cent, and the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: IXIC) jumped 1.4 per cent. Hopes of de-escalation between Iran and Israel supported gains, particularly in tech and consumer stocks, with Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META), Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE: PLTR), and Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) all advancing. Energy shares lagged as oil prices fell. Meanwhile, United States Steel Corporation (NYSE: X)climbed 5.1 per cent after approval of its sale to Nippon Steel Corporation (TYO: 5401), and Roku Inc. (NASDAQ: ROKU) soared 10.4 per cent on a new advertising deal with Amazon Ads, part of Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN).

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Daily Market Update: 18 June, 2025

The key takeaways from the last 24 hours

ASX retreats as geopolitical tensions stir investor caution

The Australian share market closed marginally lower on Tuesday as geopolitical risks overshadowed an initial positive start. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) dipped by 7.1 points to finish at 8541.3, despite tracking earlier gains from Wall Street. The volatility was sparked by former US President Donald Trump’s unexpected social media call for the evacuation of Tehran, raising market jitters across Asia. Investor sentiment remained cautious as seven of the 11 sectors on the ASX ended in the red, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and BHP Group Limited (ASX: BHP) both edging lower by 0.2 per cent and 0.4 per cent, respectively.

Gold, uranium stocks lift as safe haven demand rises

Gold-related equities saw strong performances amid growing market uncertainty. Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) gained 2.5 per cent and Northern Star Resources Limited (ASX: NST) climbed 1.5 per cent, mirroring a spike in global gold prices to $US3394.68 per ounce. Uranium stocks also surged as hedge funds scrambled to cover short positions, following news of a $US100 million capital raise by the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust. Gains included Deep Yellow Limited (ASX: DYL) up 5.7 per cent, Boss Energy Limited (ASX: BOE) up 3.2 per cent, Silex Systems Limited (ASX: SLX) up 3 per cent, and Paladin Energy Limited (ASX: PDN) up 4.4 per cent. Santos Limited (ASX: STO) added 0.5 per cent following ongoing speculation over a potential $30 billion takeover bid.

 

Wall Street slips amid Middle East tensions and weak data

Global markets were pressured by rising Middle East tensions and disappointing economic indicators. The S&P 500 Index (NYSE: SPX) dropped 0.8 per cent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (NYSE: DJI) fell 299 points, and the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: IXIC)declined 0.9 per cent. Investor anxiety grew following Trump’s threats of potential strikes on Iran and calls for its “unconditional surrender”. Adding to the negative sentiment, US retail sales fell 0.9 per cent in May, suggesting weakening consumer demand. Among stocks, JetBlue Airways Corporation (NASDAQ: JBLU) plummeted 7.9 per cent on weak travel demand outlook, while ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) and Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) rose 1.3 per cent and 3.2 per cent respectively, driven by a surge in oil prices.

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Daily Market Update: 19 June, 2025

The key takeaways from the last 24 hours

ASX steadies despite mining drag

The Australian sharemarket ended marginally lower on Wednesday, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) down 0.1 per cent to close at 8531.2. The modest dip came despite eight of the eleven industry sectors posting gains, as a sharp retreat in the materials sector weighed heavily on the broader market. The key driver of this decline was renewed pressure on iron ore prices, which slipped below $US93 a tonne in Singapore.

Iron ore slump hits major miners

Iron ore-exposed stocks bore the brunt of the market’s retreat, with BHP Group Limited (ASX: BHP) falling 1.2 per cent to $36.86, Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) sliding 4 per cent to $15.03, and Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) tumbling 4.6 per cent to $22.59. Citi downgraded its 12-month forecast for iron ore prices to $US90 per tonne, adding further pressure. Gold miners also declined despite global tensions, with Northern Star Resources Limited (ASX: NST) dropping 2 per cent to $20.58 and Evolution Mining Limited (ASX: EVN)falling 3.6 per cent to $8.15. In contrast, uranium stocks rallied, with Boss Energy Limited (ASX: BOE) gaining 4.3 per cent after strong production results, and Deep Yellow Limited (ASX: DYL) advancing 3.9 per cent on speculation of higher uranium prices.

 

Global jitters amid Fed hold and Middle East unrest

On Wall Street, markets were mixed following the US Federal Reserve’s decision to leave interest rates unchanged. The S&P 500 Index (NYSE: SPX) dipped slightly, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (NYSE: DJI) fell 44 points, while the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: IXIC) inched up 0.1 per cent. Fed Chair Jerome Powell maintained a cautious tone, highlighting uncertainty around inflation and growth, while signaling two potential rate cuts in 2025. Rising geopolitical risks, particularly from escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, added to investor unease and pushed oil prices higher. Meanwhile, payment stocks Visa Inc (NYSE: V), Mastercard Inc (NYSE: MA), and PayPal Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: PYPL) each dropped over 4 per cent following the passage of the US Congress’s stablecoins act.

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