The S&P/ASX 200 Index fell 0.42% to close at 8,294 on Friday, extending losses from the previous session, with financial, technology and healthcare stocks leading the decline. Investor sentiment turned cautious ahead of a key US jobs report, which could influence the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions for the year. Global stocks also faced pressure on Thursday after the release of the latest Fed minutes, which suggested a potential slowdown in the pace of policy easing amid renewed inflation concerns. Domestically, markets are now pricing in a 75% chance of a Reserve Bank of Australia rate cut next month, a significant increase from 50% just days ago. Notable losses included Commonwealth Bank (-1.7%), Appen (-1.1%), and Mesoblast (-5.1%). However, despite the setbacks, the benchmark index still gained 0.53% for the week.
The main stock market index in Australia (ASX200) increased 118 points or 1.44% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Australia. Historically, the Australia Stock Market Index reached an all time high of 8514.50 in December of 2024. Australia Stock Market Index - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on January 10 of 2025.
The main stock market index in Australia (ASX200) increased 118 points or 1.44% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Australia. The Australia Stock Market Index is expected to trade at 8005.71 points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 7562.67 in 12 months time.