Australian shares opened sharply lower on Friday, with selling pressure concentrated in mining and technology stocks as investors reacted to global equity volatility and softer commodity prices.
Broad-based weakness in early trade
The benchmark ASX 200 fell at the open, led by losses in resource producers and growth-oriented names. Energy stocks also declined, reflecting fluctuations in oil markets, while banks provided limited offset.
Trading volumes were elevated, suggesting institutional repositioning ahead of the weekend.
Resources and tech drive declines
Iron ore and base metal producers came under pressure as commodity prices softened, while technology stocks tracked losses seen in overseas markets. Defensive healthcare names showed modest resilience.
Currency movements added complexity to the outlook, with exporters facing mixed signals.
Risk-off mood dominates
Investors adopted a defensive stance amid uncertainty surrounding global growth and interest-rate expectations. Portfolio managers cited external volatility as the primary driver of local price action, rather than domestic fundamentals.
Outlook: volatility expected to persist
Market participants expect continued choppiness in the near term, with Australian equities likely to remain sensitive to global developments and commodity trends.
Newshub Editorial in Oceania – 6 February 2026
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