Mid-Market: S&P/ASX 200 Trading Sharply Higher; US Efforts To Resolve Iran Conflict And Soft Inflation Data Ease May Rate Hike Expectations

Source: Kapitales Research

On 25 March 2026, at AEDT 12:10 PM, the benchmark index S&P/ASX 200 is trading higher today, gaining 169.70 points or 2.03%, and is currently trading at 8,549.10 levels. Out of 11, 9 sectors are trading higher along with the gain in the S&P/ASX 200.

The Materials and A-REIT sectors are the top 2 gaining sectors, gaining 4.08% and 2.26% in their index values. On the other hand, Energy and Consumer Staples sectors are the top 2 declining sectors, declining 2.81% and 0.24% in their index values.

Imdex Limited (ASX: IMD) and Silex Systems Limited (ASX: SLX) are the top-gaining stocks, gaining 10.479% and 10.327% in their stock prices. On the other hand, Karoon Energy Limited (ASX: KAR) and Yancoal Australia Limited (ASX: YAL) are the top-losing stocks and are declining by 8.738% and 5.784% in their stock prices.

Factors influencing the market-

• The Australian share market recorded its strongest gains in a year, supported by improved sentiment after the US moved to resolve the nearly month-long conflict with Iran. Investor confidence was further boosted by softer-than-expected inflation data, which reduced expectations of a May interest rate hike.
• According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, inflation came in below forecasts at 3.7% prior to the start of the Iran conflict in February. Meanwhile, the trimmed mean inflation rate remained at 3.3%, unchanged from a downwardly revised 3.3%.
• Rio Tinto Limited’s shares are gaining following the company is set to receive $2 billion in taxpayer support to help secure the long-term future of its Boyne aluminium smelter in North Queensland, contingent on committing more than $7 billion to new clean energy developments in the state.
• Worley Limited gained after announcing strengthened safety protocols in the Middle East, including travel restrictions, staff relocations, and remote working measures. The region contributes about 10% of the company’s revenue.
• Pepper Money climbed 2.5% after ending takeover discussions with Challenger, having rejected a $2.25 per share proposal on the basis that it was not reasonably executable.
• Amplitude Energy plunged 36.5% after determining that its Isabella gas discovery in the offshore Otway Basin was not commercially viable following flow test results, and it will proceed to plug and abandon the well.
• The Dow Jones closed down by 0.18%, S&P 500 declined by 0.37% and Nasdaq was down by 0.84% in the previous session.
• Hang Seng is up by 2.79%, and FTSE 100 is up by 0.72%.

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