FX.co ★ ASX 200 Down 1.8% for the Week Amid Weak Sentiment

The S&P/ASX 200 slipped on Friday to close at 8,786, marking a fourth consecutive decline. Sentiment was pressured by weaker U.S. stock futures, as uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and stalled U.S.–Iran peace talks curbed risk appetite. Market momentum remained fragile, with the benchmark down 1.8% for the week and extending losses from the previous period. Renewed inflationary pressures—building since the second half of 2025 and already running above the Reserve Bank of Australia’s target band—further weighed on confidence. This has strengthened expectations that the RBA could deliver another rate hike at its May meeting, with March inflation figures due next week expected to be a key catalyst. Sector losses were led by commercial services, logistics, and consumer durables. Among notable laggards were Fortescue (-5.7%), Northern Star Resources (-3.5%), Pro Medicus (-2.3%), and SGH Ltd (-2.2%), while the four major banks posted a mixed performance.