21.09.202606:46:00UTC+00ASX 200 Ends Quiet Ahead of U.S.–China Talks

The ASX 200 ended Monday’s session virtually unchanged at 8,732, recovering from early losses as firmer U.S. stock futures improved sentiment ahead of the September 24 summit between U.S. President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting is expected to focus on tariffs, critical minerals, and broader economic relations. Separately, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent described his weekend discussions with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng as “successful.”

Sector performance was mixed: consumer non-durables, financials, and utilities advanced, while healthcare, non-energy minerals, and logistics declined. It marked a second consecutive subdued session, with traders still digesting Reserve Bank Governor Bullock’s warning that inflation remains persistently high, leaving the door open to further interest rate hikes. Attention now turns to Australia’s flash September PMI and August labour market data.

Among individual names, Ramelius Resources climbed 6.2%, followed by gains in Paladin Energy (3.4%) and Viva Energy (1.9%). The major banks also advanced, rising between 0.4% and 0.9%. On the downside, BHP Group slipped 0.4%, Xero Ltd. fell 4.3%, and Lynas Rare Earths declined 2.6%.