The S&P/ASX 200 finished virtually flat on Wednesday, closing at 8,975 after a modest rise at the open. Strength in healthcare, commercial services, and producer manufacturing was largely offset by weakness in energy minerals, consumer durables, and industrial services.
Risk appetite softened slightly as U.S. stock futures traded mixed, with investors weighing the trajectory of the U.S.–Iran conflict amid uncertainty over the prospects for renewed peace talks. Caution also prevailed ahead of key economic releases due on Thursday: March labor market data in Australia and first-quarter GDP figures from China, Australia’s largest trading partner.
Meanwhile, the IMF warned that the U.S.–Israel war on Iran could spark an “energy crisis of unprecedented scale,” potentially tipping the global economy into recession.
On the corporate front, Evolution Mining climbed 9.1%, Pro Medicus gained 4.0%, and WiseTech Global advanced 2.9%. In contrast, Lynas Rare Earths fell 6.6%, Santos declined 2.6%, and Yancoal Australia lost 2.2%.
