The ASX 200 finished Thursday’s session virtually unchanged at 8,724, after recovering from earlier losses. Strength in consumer services, healthcare, and financials was offset by weakness in retail trade, logistics, and energy minerals.
Sentiment was shaped by Australia’s May trade figures, which unexpectedly showed a deficit as exports declined and imports increased. At the same time, investors scaled back expectations for further interest rate hikes, with inflation pressures seen easing following the de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. equity futures were mostly weaker, reflecting a soft Wall Street close on Wednesday, as traders looked ahead to the key nonfarm payrolls report.
Among individual names, Northern Star Resources gained 5.3% after appointing a new CEO and reporting preliminary annual gold sales in line with its revised guidance. The four major banks also advanced, rising between 0.4% and 3.5%.
On the downside, notable decliners included SGH Ltd. (-4.6%), Wesfarmers Ltd. (-4.4%), Reece Ltd. (-3.3%), and Coles (-1.8%).
