The ASX 200 finished little changed at 8,784 on Tuesday, pausing after two consecutive sessions of gains. Strength in energy minerals, consumer services, and financials was offset by weakness in technology, consumer non-durables, and industrials.
Investors weighed data showing business sentiment slipped to a four-month low in September, the seventh consecutive negative reading, amid volatile oil prices and persistent tensions in the Middle East. Minutes from the RBA’s September meeting signaled that further rate hikes remain on the table, with several upside risks flagged in August having since materialized.
Sentiment was also pressured by weaker US equity futures, with contracts tied to the S&P 500 and Nasdaq trading lower ahead of major bank earnings, comments from Federal Reserve officials, and key inflation releases.
Among major movers, the big four banks rose between 1.3% and 2.3%. AGL Energy advanced 4.1%, while Ampol Ltd. added 1.6%. On the downside, BHP slipped 1.8%, Fortescue lost 2.9%, South32 declined 3.6%, and Pro Medicus fell 1.6%. Qantas dropped 2.9% after terminating its domestic codeshare agreement with Air New Zealand, with the partnership set to be scaled back from April 7, 2027.
