The S&P/ASX 200 Index was little changed around 7,298 on Thursday, struggling for clear direction as gains in financial stocks were offset by losses in mining and energy names. Investors also cautiously awaited Chinese manufacturing activity data for clues on the economic health of Australia’s largest trading partner. Financial stocks advanced, with gains from National Australia Bank (1%), Commonwealth Bank (0.3%), ANZ Group (0.8%), Westpac Banking (0.8%) and Suncorp Group (1%). Clean energy-related names also gained, including Pilbara Minerals (0.9%) and IGO Ltd (3.9%). Meanwhile, iron ore miners and energy firms mostly declined, with losses from BHP Group (-0.7%), Fortescue Metals (-0.5%) and Woodside Energy (-3.8%).
Historically, the Australia Stock Market Index (AU200) reached an all time high of 7632.80 in August of 2021. Australia Stock Market Index (AU200) - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on August of 2023.
The Australia Stock Market Index (AU200) is expected to trade at 6957.95 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 6506.85 in 12 months time.