Category: Stock Market

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a strong gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 1.95% to 8,544.3 points.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are racing higher:

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is up 34% to $6.21. Investors have been buying this respiratory imaging technology company’s shares after it made a big announcement. 4DMedical revealed that its CT:VQ technology has been deployed at the Mayo Clinic in the United States. The company’s managing director and CEO, Andreas Fouras, commented: “Mayo’s deployment is uniquely significant. When the world’s number one hospital chooses to use your technology, it sends the strongest possible signal to the entire U.S. healthcare market about the clinical value and readiness of CT:VQ.”

Brazilian Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: BRE)

The Brazilian Rare Earths share price is up 8.5% to $4.44. This morning, this rare earths developer revealed that it has secured a Trial Mining Licence from Brazil’s National Mining Agency for its Monte Alto project in Bahia. This allows for the extraction of up to 2,000 tonnes per annum of material from the deposit. The company’s managing director and CEO, Bernardo da Veiga, said: “Securing the Trial Mining Licence is a significant milestone for Monte Alto and a major step forward in BRE’s integrated ore-to-oxides development pathway in Brazil.”

Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6)

The Clarity Pharmaceuticals share price is up 18% to $3.63. This has been driven by news that the radiopharmaceuticals company has signed a large-scale manufacturing agreement with US-based company Theragenics. This gives Clarity access to a 134,000 square foot production facility with 14 cyclotrons capable of producing copper 64 at scale. The company notes that copper 64 offers a key advantage over traditional isotopes. This is due to its longer half-life of around 12.7 hours, which provides a shelf life of up to 48 hours.

Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA)

The Tuas share price is up 5.5% to $6.33. This morning, this Singapore-based telco released its half-year results for FY 2026. Tuas revealed a 25.5% increase in revenue to S$91.9 million and a 27.2% jump in underlying EBITDA to S$41.1 million. Management advised that this strong growth reflects sustained improvement across all key financial metrics, supported by disciplined cost management and operating leverage.

The post Why 4DMedical, Brazilian Rare Earths, Clarity, and Tuas shares are racing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why is this ASX rare earths stock storming 7% higher today?
• ASX 300 stock rockets 38% on ‘landmark moment’
• Guess which ASX 200 telco stock is jumping 7% today
• Tuas half-year result: profit leaps as revenue and subscribers grow

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares are in the green in Wednesday lunchtime trade. At the time of writing, the shares are up 1.2% to $141 a piece. In fact, over the past five days, the biotech company’s stock price has continually climbed, now up 4%.

It’s great news for investors, as the beaten-down stock’s share price has crashed significantly over the past 18 months. Several headwinds, including lacklustre financial results, a surprise restructure announcement, a shock CEO exit and revised revenue guidance, all helped push the share price down.

Concerns around margins and broad market conditions haven’t helped the biotech company’s shares either. Healthcare stocks have lagged in 2026 as investors shift towards the resources and energy sectors. 

At the time of writing, the S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) is down 5% over the past month and 17.5% for the year-to-date.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 5.2% over the past month and 1.8% year-to-date.

If I bought $5,000 worth of CSL shares 12 months ago, what are they worth now?

The company’s share price is down 18% year-to-date and 45% over the past 12 months.

Today’s share price uptick means that $5,000 invested in the biotech company 12 months ago is now worth just $2,750.

Meanwhile, $5,000 invested in the company’s shares when the ASX first opened for the year on the 2nd of January is now worth $4,100.

But it’s not all doom and gloom for CSL shares

CSL is an Australian-based biotech company that develops biotherapies and vaccines, and plasma-derived medicines are at the core of its business. The company’s blood plasma division is a frontrunner in the market for rare blood disorders and immunoglobulin products. And demand is booming.

Building demand for plasma therapies in a market with limited competition means CSL’s business is likely to experience strong growth.

The company itself is robust, too. CSL has experienced periods of double-digit growth, and its positive forecast implies a long-term recovery is ahead.

Analysts are also very bullish on CSL’s outlook. Many think the sell-off was way overdone and that the company is now trading at below fair value.

TradingView data shows that 12 out of 18 analysts currently have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock. The average target price is $209.50, which implies a 50% upside at the time of writing. However, some think the share price could storm even higher, by 94% to $272.53 a piece.

The post $5,000 invested in CSL shares 12 months ago is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why I’d buy these high-quality ASX 200 shares this week

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

NuEnergy Gas Ltd (ASX: NGY) shares have been halted on Wednesday after delivering the biggest move on the ASX today.

Prior to the pause, the stock surged 125.64% to 8.8 cents, extending its gain to roughly 158% in 2026.

So, what’s going on?

Trading halt follows sharp move

According to the ASX announcement, NuEnergy requested a trading halt pending the release of further information to the market.

The halt will remain in place until the earlier of an announcement being made or the commencement of normal trading on Friday, 27 March.

Importantly, the company noted that the halt is linked to a response to an ASX price query.

This most likely indicates that the exchange has sought clarification following the rapid share price appreciation.

What triggered the rally?

While no new material announcement accompanied today’s move, the rally appears to have been building momentum in recent sessions.

NuEnergy shares have risen more than 137% over the past week and over 83% in the past month. Over the past year, the stock is up more than 360%.

This type of move is not uncommon among small-cap energy stocks, where relatively low liquidity can amplify price swings when buying interest increases.

The company is focused on developing coal-bed methane assets in Indonesia, with a particular focus on the South Sumatra region.

Recent coverage has pointed to progress towards first commercial gas production, with initial sales targeted for the first half of 2026. A secured offtake agreement has also been highlighted as part of its development pathway.

Why the ASX stepped in

When a stock moves sharply without a clear, price-sensitive announcement, the ASX may issue a price query to ensure the market is fully informed.

In this case, NuEnergy has requested a halt while it prepares its response.

The company also stated it is not aware of any reason why the halt should not be granted, nor of any additional information that needs to be disclosed beyond what will be included in its upcoming response.

What to watch next

The immediate focus for investors is the company’s response to the ASX query and any accompanying update.

This will determine whether the recent price move reflects new information or market-driven momentum.

With the stock now up strongly in 2026 and trading near recent highs, the next announcement is likely to shape short-term direction once trading resumes.

Foolish takeaway

NuEnergy Gas shares have surged quickly in a short period, driven by strong momentum rather than a confirmed new announcement.

The speeding ticket points to the ASX seeking clarity after the rapid move, with the company preparing a response.

Attention now turns to what is disclosed when trading resumes, which will determine whether the stock’s recent gains can be sustained.

The post This ASX stock just surged 125%… and then got halted appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which ASX retail stock could soar more than 100% if this broker is right?
• PEXA goes live with NatWest in the UK. Is this the breakthrough investors have been waiting for?
• Why 4DMedical, Brazilian Rare Earths, Clarity, and Tuas shares are racing higher today
• $5,000 invested in CSL shares 12 months ago is now worth…
• Why are these ASX silver stocks racing higher today?

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX silver stocks have lit up the market today.

During lunchtime, Silver Mines Ltd (ASX: SVL) and Andean Silver Ltd (ASX: ASL) have both surged more than 16%. Not far behind, Unico Silver Ltd (ASX: USL) has jumped nearly 13%.

So, what’s driving the rally? It all comes down to one thing: the price of silver.

Silver price rebounds hard

The silver price has climbed around 4% today. That was enough to send ASX-listed silver stocks flying.

But the bigger story is volatility.

Silver has been on a powerful bull run over the past year, driven by tight supply and booming demand. Along the way, it’s delivered big gains but not without sharp pullbacks.

In fact, prices have dropped about 16% over the past month. That rattled sentiment and dragged ASX silver stocks lower.

Now, we’re seeing a bounce.

At the time of writing, silver is sitting around US$74.15 per ounce. That’s roughly 120% higher than a year ago, a massive move.

And it explains why investors are piling back in.

What’s fuelling demand?

Silver isn’t just a precious metal. It’s also an industrial powerhouse.

Demand is exploding across several fast-growing sectors. Solar panels are a major driver. Silver is a key component in photovoltaic cells.

Electric vehicles are another. They rely on silver for electrical systems and conductivity.

Then there’s data centres. As global computing demand rises, so does the need for silver in electronics and infrastructure.

This combination — industrial demand plus investment demand — makes silver unique.

It behaves like both a growth metal and a safe haven. That’s a powerful mix.

What’s the outlook?

The big question: can silver keep climbing?

According to the London Bullion Market Association 2026 Precious Metals Forecast Survey, the average expected silver price for 2026 is US$79.57 per ounce. That’s roughly a potential 7% upside from current price levels.

In other words, while the long-term outlook remains strong, some analysts think prices may cool in the near term after such a huge run.

Still, with supply constraints and structural demand in place, the broader trend remains positive.

What next for the ASX silver stocks?

Each of today’s winners tells a similar story: big long-term gains, but recent weakness.

Silver Mines is up around 82% over the past 12 months. But it’s still down about 18% year to date.

Andean Silver has climbed roughly 63% over the past year, yet has slipped 17% in 2026 so far.

Unico Silver has been the standout performer. The $350 million ASX silver stock has surged an incredible 158% over 12 months — but even it is down about 22% year to date.

That gap highlights just how volatile the sector is.

These stocks tend to amplify moves in the silver price. When silver rises, they often rise faster. When it falls, they can drop just as quickly.

Foolish Takeaway

Today’s surge shows how quickly sentiment can shift in the silver space.

A modest 4% move in the underlying commodity was enough to spark double-digit gains in ASX stocks.

If silver continues higher, these names could keep running.

But buckle up — volatility is part of the ride.

The post Why are these ASX silver stocks racing higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• PEXA goes live with NatWest in the UK. Is this the breakthrough investors have been waiting for?
• Why 4DMedical, Brazilian Rare Earths, Clarity, and Tuas shares are racing higher today
• $5,000 invested in CSL shares 12 months ago is now worth…
• This ASX stock just surged 125%… and then got halted

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX gold stocks have crashed 30% since conflict in the Middle East ramped up earlier this month. 

Even geopolitical uncertainty and concerns about an economic downturn hasn’t driven investors to what was once considered a safe-haven asset.

According to CNBC, the gold futures price spiked close to an all-time high of US$5,242 per ounce in early March. But the outbreak of the Iran war, a stronger US dollar, and interest rate hike concerns have weighed heavily on the gold price. 

On Monday, the gold price sank to US$4,407 per ounce, and while it has recovered some losses at the time of writing, it’s still significantly lower than just three weeks ago.

Naturally, the downward price pressure of gold has seen ASX 200 gold stocks shed some of their value this month amid weakened demand.

But after strong price rallies, some ASX gold stocks are still trading significantly higher than this time last year.

Take Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG) for example. 

The ASX 200 gold stock is 5.2% higher at the time of writing, and changing hands for $1.32 a piece. 

Over the past month, the gold producer’s share price has tumbled 10.5%, but for the year to date, its value is still up 5.8%, and it is currently trading a whopping 198.2% higher than this time just 12 months ago. 

That annual increase puts it as the fourth best performer on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the past year.

What drove Resolute Mining’s shares higher?

Resolute Mining is an Australian-listed gold producer with operations in West Africa, including the Syama mine in Mali, and the Mako operation in Senegal. The ASX gold stock joined the ASX 200 Index in November.

The company’s shares shot higher over the past 12 months on the back of record-high gold prices, feasibility milestones, and a significant increase in the company’s gold production figures. 

Late last year, the gold producer’s updated feasibility work at its Doropo gold project in Cote d’Ivoire revealed a larger project scope than expected. This could lift Resolute’s long-term production profile once approvals and funding are in place.

In January, it posted a fourth-quarter update which revealed a 10% quarter-on-quarter increase in gold production, a 26% increase in operating cash flow, and a 31% decline in capital expenditure.

Resolute Mining said it expects production of 250,000 to 275,000 ounces of gold at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $2,000 to $2,200 per ounce in 2026. That’s much higher than the 277,236 ounces at an AISC of $1,843 per ounce in 2025.

What do analysts expect next from the ASX gold stock?

Despite the latest share price dip, analysts are incredibly bullish about the outlook for the ASX 200 gold miner over the next 12 months.

TradingView data shows that all seven analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the gold producer’s shares. The average target price is $2.17, which implies a 67% upside at the time of writing. Although some think the share price could rocket another 121% higher to $2.88 over the next 12 months.

The post This ASX 200 gold stock has rocketed 200% higher… and there is more to come appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The KMD Brands Ltd (ASX: KMD) share price is falling on Wednesday after a series of updates from the company.

At the time of writing, shares are down 3.13% to 15.5 cents. This adds to a weak run, with the stock now down roughly 35% in 2026.

Here’s what’s happening.

Results delayed at short notice

Just after the market opened, KMD confirmed it would delay the release of its first-half results.

The company had been scheduled to report on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, but advised it was not in a position to release the results as planned.

Management now expects the results to be released on Thursday or Friday.

While short delays are not uncommon, the timing and lack of detail appear to have weighed on sentiment.

Capital raise planned alongside results

Shortly after the delay, KMD announced it intends to launch a capital raise.

According to the release, the raising will be conducted via a placement and an accelerated renounceable entitlement offer.

The company has already commenced a confidential wall crossing process with select investors ahead of the deal.

KMD has requested a trading halt on both the ASX and NZX while it finalises the structure and terms of the capital raising.

This suggests the raising could be material, though no size or pricing details have been disclosed at this stage.

Management noted strong support from lenders throughout the process, which may help reinforce confidence in the group’s financial position.

Balance sheet move in focus

The capital raise comes as KMD continues to navigate a challenging retail environment.

The company has been dealing with pressure on margins, with promotional activity and inventory clearing weighing on profitability.

It has also been managing debt levels and broader funding requirements in recent periods.

Against this backdrop, an equity raise may be aimed at strengthening the balance sheet and improving financial flexibility.

However, capital raisings can dilute existing shareholders, which often contributes to near-term share price weakness.

What to watch next

The immediate focus is on the next two updates due later this week.

First is the release of the delayed first-half results, which should provide updated guidance on trading conditions, margins, and inventory levels.

Second is the structure of the capital raise, including its size, pricing, and any discount to the current share price.

With the stock already down heavily this year, the upcoming earnings release and capital raising terms are expected to shape where KMD shares move next.

The post Trading halt, delayed results, and a capital raise: Why this ASX retail stock is under pressure appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Clarity Pharmaceuticals (ASX: CU6) shares are up around 12% today (at the time of writing), extending a strong run that has seen the share price rise roughly 41% over the past year.

Why are Clarity shares rising?

The catalyst for today’s move was Clarity’s announcement of a large-scale manufacturing agreement with US-based company Theragenics, which gives Clarity access to a 134,000 square foot production facility with 14 cyclotrons capable of producing copper 64 at scale.

Why this matters

This is a meaningful step for a company transitioning from clinical development toward potential commercialisation.

Clarity’s lead prostate cancer imaging product is currently in Phase III trials. As the company moves closer to potential approval, the focus increasingly shifts from clinical progress to execution.

Manufacturing capacity is a critical part of that equation.

This agreement strengthens Clarity’s supply footprint in the US and builds on its existing network of manufacturing partners. It positions the company to meet potential demand across large oncology markets if its product reaches approval.

Theragenics alone has the capacity to produce enough copper 64 for around 2,000 patient doses per day per cyclotron.

That level of output reflects readiness for commercial scale rather than just clinical supply.

The structural advantage

According to the company, Copper 64 offers a key advantage over traditional isotopes due to its longer half life of around 12.7 hours, enabling a shelf life of up to 48 hours.

This allows for centralised manufacturing and broader distribution, reducing logistical constraints that have historically limited the radiopharmaceutical market.

It also supports a more efficient and scalable operating model, which becomes increasingly important as volumes grow.

What investors should watch

Today’s share price reaction reflects growing investor confidence in Clarity’s ability to execute beyond the clinical stage.

The company is building the infrastructure required to support a commercial launch, an area that can often become a bottleneck if left too late.

However, the core risk remains unchanged. The lead product is still unapproved, and regulatory outcomes will ultimately determine the size of the opportunity.

For now, though, there is plenty of optimism as Clarity evolves from a clinical stage story into a company preparing for scale.

The post Clarity Pharmaceuticals shares are up 12% today. Here’s what’s driving the move appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares are lifting off today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) airline stock closed yesterday trading at $8.34. In late morning trade on Wednesday, shares are swapping hands for $8.56 apiece, up 2.6%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 1.3% at this same time.

While today’s outperformance is welcome, the airline stock has materially underperformed since the onset of the Iran war at the end of February.

Pressured by the resultant surge in oil prices and potential global travel disruptions, Qantas shares have slumped by 14% since market close on 27 February, trailing the 7.8% loss posted by the benchmark index over this same period.

Though it’s worth noting that Qantas traded ex-dividend on 10 March. While the airline won’t pay the fully franked interim dividend of 19.8 cents per share until 15 April, that passive income payout will go to investors who held the stock at market close on 9 March.

Qantas trades on a fully franked 5.4% trailing dividend yield.

With this picture in mind, we return to our headline question.

Should you buy the dip in Qantas shares?

DP Wealth Advisory’s Andrew Wielandt recently analysed the outlook for the ASX 200 airline stock (courtesy of The Bull).

“Qantas is a well-managed domestic and international airline, holding a 70% market share in Australia,” Wielandt noted.

Addressing the recent selling pressure, he said, “The shares were trading at $10.65 on February 25, a day prior to the company posting its first half year result in fiscal year 2026. The stock was trading at $8.46 on March 19.”

And on a positive note, the company is working through the last of its pandemic related headaches.

“Qantas announced on March 13, 2026 that it had settled a class action for $105 million regarding flight credits during COVID-19,” Wielandt said.

However, Wielandt issued a sell recommendation on Qantas shares, flagging a number of potential headwinds.

According to Wielandt:

The company has hedged jet fuel supply prices in the shorter term, but I’m concerned about the impact of possibly higher crude oil prices over the longer term. I’m also mindful of the expense involved in Qantas upgrading its airline fleet after years of under investment by previous management as well as COVID-19.

On 26 February, prior to the onset of the Middle East conflict, Qantas said it expected its jet fuel costs for H2 FY 2026 to be approximately $2.5 billion, inclusive of hedging and carbon costs.

But it’s not just variable costs that have Wielandt concerned over further pressure on Qantas shares.

He concluded, “Qantas has a high fixed cost base. In my view, it’s a cyclical stock due to its reliance on consumer and business sentiment. Other stocks appeal more at this point.”

The post Down 15% in March, should you buy Qantas shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Metrics Master Income Trust (ASX: MXT) share price is in focus today after the trust announced a monthly unfranked distribution of 1.33 cents per unit, with payment expected on 10 April 2026.

What did Metrics Master Income Trust report?

• Declared unfranked distribution of $0.0133 per unit for March 2026
• Ex-distribution date: 31 March 2026
• Record date: 1 April 2026
• Payment date: 10 April 2026
• Distribution relates to one month ending 31 March 2026
• Distribution Reinvestment Plan (DRP) available with no discount

What else do investors need to know?

The March distribution from Metrics Master Income Trust is entirely unfranked, in line with the trust’s usual practice. Investors can opt to participate in the trust’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP), which allows distributions to be reinvested into additional Metrics Master Income Trust units at the prevailing price and with no discount.

The deadline for lodging DRP election notices is 5pm on 2 April 2026. If no election is made, the default is to receive the distribution in cash.

What’s next for Metrics Master Income Trust?

Metrics Master Income Trust continues to provide regular monthly distributions to unitholders, aiming to deliver a steady income stream. The trust remains focused on its strategy of lending to Australian corporates and managing risks in a diversified loan portfolio.

Investors may wish to watch for future distribution updates and consider whether DRP participation aligns with their investment goals.

Metrics Master Income Trust share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Metrics Master Income Trust shares have declined 3%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Metrics Master Income Trust announces March 2026 distribution appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was up 1.7% at 11:30am AEDT.

Then the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released February’s inflation data.

Over the following minutes, the ASX 200 marched higher to be up 2.1% at the time of writing as investors mulled over how the latest inflation print might impact the interest rate outlook from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).

With inflation already ticking higher prior to the onset of the Iran war, the RBA opted to hike rates at both its meetings this year, bringing the official Aussie cash rate back up to 4.10%.

The RBA will announce its next rate decision on 5 May. Prior to the latest inflation data, markets were pricing in around a 70% chance that the central bank would lift rates again in May.

Here’s how today’s data might move those odds.

ASX 200 lifts on February inflation data

The ABS reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 3.7% in the 12 months to February 2026, down a tick from last month.

“The 3.7% annual CPI inflation to February eased slightly from the 3.8% annual CPI inflation to January,” ABS head of prices statistics Sue-Ellen Luke said.

ASX 200 investors look to be taking the latest inflation data positively, with consensus estimates forecasting a 3.8% increase in inflation. Though today’s print is still significantly outside of the RBA’s 2% to 3% target range.

Driving the ongoing price increases, housing costs rose by 7.2% in the 12 months to February, while food and non-alcoholic beverage prices increased by 3.1%. Recreation and culture costs were up 4.1% over the year.

Trimmed mean inflation, which takes out certain volatile items like automotive fuel, came in at 3.3% for the 12 months to February, in line with the January print.

That also modestly beat consensus estimates of a 3.4% trimmed mean inflation print.

Now what?

While the slightly cooling inflation figures for February look to be boosting ASX 200 investor sentiment today, this data comes from before the onset of the Middle East conflict and the subsequent spike in global energy prices.

On 27 February, Brent crude oil was trading for US$72. Today, that same barrel is fetching US$98, up more than 36%.

So, we’re not out of the inflationary woods just yet.

Commenting on Australia’s inflation outlook, Josh Gilbert, market analyst at eToro, said:

With the February data unlikely to capture the full impact of the oil shock, the inflation story is only going to get more complicated from here. Petrol prices are climbing week on week, and those costs are flowing through to everything from groceries to transport. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned inflation could reach 5% this year.

With today’s intraday gains factored in, the ASX 200 is up 7.7% since this time last year.

The post ASX 200 jumps as inflation surprises to the downside appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.