The S&P/ASX 200 fell 44 points, or 0.5%, to close at 8,917 on Monday, extending the previous session’s losses as U.S. stock futures slumped. Sentiment weakened after reports that Washington is preparing to impose a blockade on Iranian shipping following the collapse of weekend peace talks. President Trump also cautioned that oil and gasoline prices could remain elevated through the November midterm elections, highlighting potential political risks stemming from the conflict.
Traders stayed cautious ahead of China’s March trade data, due on Tuesday, which will provide a key indication of Australia’s export outlook. Attention will also shift later in the week to domestic labor market figures.
Most sectors finished lower, with notable declines in consumer non-durables, commercial services, and process industries. Mining stocks were among the weakest performers, including Regis Resources (-3.9%), Evolution Mining (-3.4%), and Ramelius Resources (-2.7%). In contrast, energy stocks advanced on the back of firmer oil prices, with Woodside Energy and Ampol each gaining 2.6%, and Santos rising 1.9%.
