The S&P/ASX 200 lost 50 points, or 0.6%, to finish at 8,793 on Thursday, marking a third straight decline and its lowest level in two weeks, as traders shunned risk amid a sharp retreat in U.S. futures and escalating geopolitical tensions. U.S. Vice President JD Vance reportedly paused plans to join peace talks after reports of Tehran’s lack of commitment, while Iran said it had seized two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Concerns also mounted that the Reserve Bank of Australia would keep raising cash rates, with inflation already above target before hostilities in the Middle East erupted. Some economists see headline inflation hitting 5.0% in Q2, double the RBA’s goal, after two hikes this year. Most sectors slipped, led by process industries, non-energy minerals, and financials. The four big banks lost 0.2%–1.0%, while other major decliners included Lynas Rare Earths (-6.7%), PLS Group (-4.0%), Wisetech Global (-3.1%), and Evolution Mining (-1.2%).

Australia's main stock market index, the ASX200, fell to 8793 points on April 23, 2026, losing 0.57% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 4.94% and is up 10.36% compared to the same time last year, 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 9202.90 in February of 2026. Australia Stock Market Index - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on April 23 of 2026.

Australia's main stock market index, the ASX200, fell to 8793 points on April 23, 2026, losing 0.57% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 4.94% and is up 10.36% compared to the same time last year, 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 8809.74 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 8289.30 in 12 months time.



Indexes Price Day Month Year Date
ASX200 8,793.40 -50.16 -0.57% 4.94% 10.36% Apr/23

Components Price Day Year MCap Date
Commonwealth Bank 173.38 -1.66 -0.95% 5.26% 208.24B Apr/23
BHP Group 56.03 -0.14 -0.25% 47.21% 204.19B Apr/23
Newmont Corporation 154.48 -1.38 -0.89% 81.31% 119.3B Apr/23
Amcor PLC 55.69 -1.64 -2.86% -25.35% 91.02B Apr/23
Westpac Banking 39.12 -0.28 -0.71% 22.10% 90.51B Apr/23
National Australia Bank 40.16 -0.06 -0.15% 14.38% 86.73B Apr/23
ANZ Banking 36.14 -0.27 -0.74% 25.31% 77.76B Apr/23
Wesfarmers 74.19 -0.13 -0.17% -2.05% 61.51B Apr/23
Macquarie 230.60 -1.43 -0.62% 19.66% 50.51B Apr/23
CSL 129.00 -0.19 -0.15% -46.67% 50.49B Apr/23




Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Australia Inflation Rate 3.70 3.80 percent Feb 2026
Australia Interest Rate 4.10 4.10 percent Apr 2026
Australia Unemployment Rate 4.30 4.30 percent Mar 2026

Australia Stock Market Index
The AU200 tracks the performance of 200 large companies based in Australia. It is a market-capitalization weighted and float-adjusted index. The index has a base value of AUD3133.3, equal to the value of the All Ordinary Shares as of March 31, 2000. This index is primarily derived from over-the-counter trading and contracts for difference indexes (CFDs).
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
8793.40 8843.56 9202.90 1358.50 1992 - 2026 points Daily

Market Data Coverage: Australia

News Stream
ASX 200 Falls for Third Day, Closes at Two-Week Low
The S&P/ASX 200 lost 50 points, or 0.6%, to finish at 8,793 on Thursday, marking a third straight decline and its lowest level in two weeks, as traders shunned risk amid a sharp retreat in U.S. futures and escalating geopolitical tensions. U.S. Vice President JD Vance reportedly paused plans to join peace talks after reports of Tehran’s lack of commitment, while Iran said it had seized two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Concerns also mounted that the Reserve Bank of Australia would keep raising cash rates, with inflation already above target before hostilities in the Middle East erupted. Some economists see headline inflation hitting 5.0% in Q2, double the RBA’s goal, after two hikes this year. Most sectors slipped, led by process industries, non-energy minerals, and financials. The four big banks lost 0.2%–1.0%, while other major decliners included Lynas Rare Earths (-6.7%), PLS Group (-4.0%), Wisetech Global (-3.1%), and Evolution Mining (-1.2%).
2026-04-23
Australia Stocks Dip for Third Session
Australian shares slipped 50 points, or 0.6%, to 8,793 in early Thursday trade, retreating for a third session and hovering at a two-week low. Sentiment was pressured by a sharp drop in U.S. equity futures following renewed Middle East uncertainty, as Iranian officials reportedly refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after President Trump’s ceasefire extension. Locally, households and businesses continue to grapple with high mortgage rates, soaring energy costs, and price strains from geopolitical conflicts. With the Reserve Bank set to hold a policy meeting in early May, expectations are rising for another cash rate hike. Still, losses were partly offset by April PMI data showing signs of recovery in both manufacturing and services in Australia. Process industries, consumer non-durables, and financials led the decline, with major laggards from Lynas Rare Earths (-5.1%), Aristocrat Leisure (-2.2%), and Medibank Private (-3.5%). The four big banks dropped between 0.2% and 1.3%.
2026-04-23
ASX 200 Slips to Two-Week Low at Finish
The S&P/ASX 200 fell 106 points, or 1.2%, to end at 8,844, marking a two-week low after days of weak momentum. A sharp rise in U.S. futures failed to lift sentiment, with traders largely dismissing President Trump’s pledge to extend the Iran ceasefire indefinitely. Concerns over Australia's inflation mounted as high rates and surging fuel costs tied to the Middle East conflict weighed on growth prospects. Westpac forecasts the RBA will raise the cash rate by another 25bps in May, with further hikes likely. Losses were led by healthcare, financials, commercial services, and logistics, though gains in consumer non-durables, utilities, and industrial services capped declines. Cochlear plunged near 41%, its worst day since listing in 1995, after slashing profit guidance on weak U.S. demand and geopolitical risks. Four big banks dropped between 2.0–2.5%, while other major laggards included CSL Ltd.(-5.7%), Evolution Mining (-2.9%), Qantas Airways (-2.3%), and Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. (-1.3%).
2026-04-22