Australian Sharemarket Dips Amid Global Tensions; Consumer Discretionary Sector Takes a Hit
November 21, 2024
On November 21, 2024, the Australian sharemarket saw a slight decline, with the S&P/ASX 200 index closing down 3.3 points at 8323 after fluctuating between a high of 8362.8 and a low of 8305.4.
The broader All Ordinaries index also fell, decreasing by 12.10 points, or 0.14 percent, to settle at 8,567.00.
This decline followed mixed cues from Wall Street, where the technology, financial, and energy sectors struggled, although mining stocks showed some gains.
The consumer discretionary sector, which recently hit a record high, fell 3 percent over two days but remains up 26 percent year-to-date.
PWR Holdings shares plummeted 30 percent after reporting a projected profit of $3.5 million for the first half of FY25, significantly lower than last year's figures.
Overall, declining stocks outnumbered advancing stocks on the Sydney Stock Exchange, with 619 declines compared to 427 advances.
Market analysts noted that geopolitical tensions in Europe and the ASX200's rejection from a multi-month trend channel resistance contributed to a more cautious investor sentiment.
In the technology sector, Afterpay owner Block saw a decline of over 2 percent, while other stocks like Zip and Appen also faced losses.
Despite the overall market downturn, some companies like Amcor PLC and Northern Star Resources Ltd performed well, rising by 3.16% and 3.10% respectively.
In commodities, December gold futures rose by 0.26% to $2,658.60 per troy ounce, while crude oil prices experienced slight increases amid potential supply disruptions.
Seven of the eleven sectors on the market declined, particularly consumer discretionary and healthcare, with notable losses from companies like Wesfarmers and Woolworths.
Shares in Sayona Mining dropped almost 8 percent following a $40 million equity raise in preparation for a merger with Piedmont Lithium.
Summary based on 5 sources
Get a daily email with more Financial Markets stories
Sources

Investing.com • Nov 20, 2024
Australia stocks lower at close of trade; S&P/ASX 200 down 0.57%
Investing.com • Nov 21, 2024
Australia stocks lower at close of trade; S&P/ASX 200 down 0.04%
news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site • Nov 21, 2024
ASX trades flat on Thursday
RTTNews • Nov 20, 2024
Australian Market Modestly Lower