18.08.202606:45:57UTC+00ASX 200 Ends Muted as CSL Rally Counter Bank Losses

Australia’s ASX 200 finished Tuesday’s session virtually unchanged at 9,070, breaking a four-day losing streak after touching a two-week low. Bargain hunters moved in, and sentiment stabilised as August consumer confidence improved, with mortgage holders showing less concern about further interest rate increases.

U.S. equity futures eased amid a lack of progress in U.S.–Iran peace talks. In China, July data pointed to a loss of momentum, with softer consumer spending and rising unemployment in Australia’s largest trading partner.

Sector moves were mixed: gains in healthcare, manufacturing, and consumer durables were offset by declines in technology, consumer non-durables, and commercial services. BHP added 3% after beating profit expectations and announcing its largest dividend in four years. CSL jumped nearly 18% on upbeat 2027 growth guidance, marking its strongest one-day performance since 2001.

Energy names Woodside (+1.1%) and Santos (+1.2%) advanced on firmer oil prices. By contrast, the big four banks fell between 0.3% and 1.3% after reporting steep drops in home-loan applications following May’s tax changes.