The ASX 200 slipped 14 points, or 0.2%, to close at 9,006 on Friday, reversing modest early gains and leaving the index down nearly 1% for the week. Stronger-than-expected Q2 GDP data for Australia reignited concerns that the Reserve Bank may deliver another rate hike later this month. Sentiment was further dampened by caution ahead of key economic releases from China—Australia’s largest trading partner—including August CPI, PPI, and trade figures due next week. Traders also remained on edge ahead of the closely watched U.S. payrolls report.
Sector performance was mixed. Losses in energy minerals, utilities, and industrials weighed on the index, although resilience in non-energy miners, technology, and healthcare helped contain the downside. Energy stocks underperformed, with Ampol dropping 5.5%, while Woodside fell 1.4% and Santos slipped 0.7%. Major names such as BHP Group (-2.2%), Computershare (-2.9%), Pilbara Minerals (-2.3%), and Xero (-1.7%) also declined. In contrast, financials provided a buffer, as the big four banks notched modest gains, and select technology names advanced.
