The ASX 200 sinks in a week of triple-digit losses, with miners slumping and energy stocks extending their gains. The S&P/ASX 200 closed 6.9 points lower, down 0.08%. The week saw the ASX 200's worst performance since March, with a familiar energy-up, everything-else-down dynamic. A late financials surge kept Friday from looking worse, but the broader market didn't match the comeback at the benchmark level. Utilities (+2.2%) was the session's best-performing sector, driven by tight oil supply and defensive income in a volatile market. Energy (+1.5%) extended its run as Brent crude rose towards US$105/bbl, driven by Trump's social media post. Consumer Staples (+0.4%) firmed, drawing on its defensive qualities and strong performance from key constituents. Financials (+0.3%) recovered modestly from a week of losses, with Suncorp (+4.5%) standout on reinsurance news. Health Care (+0.2%) edged up, with Cochlear (+2.5%) and CSL (+0.8%) partially recovering from losses. The Gold Sub-Index (-2.5%) was the session's worst performer, as energy prices stoked inflation expectations, raising the cost of holding gold. Materials (-1.0%) was weighed down by quarterly misses and softer base metals prices. Fortescue (-5.7%) was the sector's heaviest drag after cutting guidance and green energy investment. IGO (-17.9%) was the session's standout casualty, dragging on the broader lithium and critical minerals cohort. Uranium and rare earths stocks were lower, with prices falling in China. The week saw extreme volatility in uranium and rare earths stocks, with prices pulling back after sharp recoveries. The market's rotation between energy and gold has been a consistent theme, with Friday's energy gains and gold losses mirroring recent trends. The ASX 200's performance this week highlights the impact of sector-specific news and broader market dynamics, with energy and financials leading the way, while miners and materials lagged. The market's volatility and sector-specific movements underscore the importance of staying informed about individual stock performance and broader market trends.
