Proactive’s Tylah Tully gives a market wrap for the 18th of September.
The ASX closed marginally higher, rising by 0.01% to 8,142.1 points. Over the past five days, the index increased by 1.93% and is currently 0.14% below its 52-week high.
Among the top-performing stocks, EVT Limited rose 5.03% to trade at AUD 11.06 per share, followed by New Hope Corporation, which gained nearly 5%, closing at AUD 4.52. On the decline, Telix Pharmaceuticals dropped 3.51% to AUD 17.85, and HMC Capital fell by 3.23%, ending the day at AUD 7.80.
Sector performance was mixed, with five sectors rising and six declining. Utilities was the best-performing sector, up 1.26%, while the Materials sector declined by 0.54%.
In global markets, US indices reached record highs due to stronger-than-expected retail sales figures. However, market caution emerged as investors await a decision from the US Federal Reserve. Gold continued to hold at record levels, and oil prices rose above USD 71 per barrel, potentially impacting Australian consumers. Aluminium and copper prices remained strong, providing support to the Australian market.