The ASX200 witnessed a positive trade of 0.4 per cent higher, closing at 8,845.9 points on Tuesday, 23 September 2025.
This positive momentum followed a strong overnight session on Wall Street. US markets rallied as investors had begun factoring further Federal Reserve rate cuts into their considerations. Technology stocks stayed mostly on the upside along with resource shares.
The calm before the storm was weeks of cautious trade with traders taking their time to take in inflation data, central bank signals, and global energy price movements. Despite the upturn, some market watchers stressed persistence in volatility. ASX200 has been kept within a tight band range over the last few sessions, depicting the uncertain global economic climate.
ASX200 gains 0.4%, closes at 8,845.9 points on Sept 23.
What factors supported the market today?
New highs in gold prices really made all the difference. Rising gold prices reflected strong safe-haven demand with futures reaching an all-time high somewhere around US$3,752 per ounce. From global economic uncertainty to continuous geopolitical tensions, the buyers stayed active in precious metals. Gold miners listed on the ASX instantly profited from this rally.
The launch of this tech made the opening more punctual as Nvidia announced it would invest up to US$100 billion into OpenAI. This global technology development raised feelings toward innovation stocks. Hence, Australian technology companies benefited and backed the overall performance of the ASX200.
Myer reports a staggering financial loss
The stronger broader index failed to lift retail giant Myer, which shocked investors with its steep decline. The company’s shares plunged almost 25%, making it among the worst performers for the day.
Myer announced a statutory net loss after tax of $211.2 million for FY 2025, which stands in violent contrast to a profit after tax of $43.5 million in the previous year. Sales totalling $3,673.8 million were up 12.5%, but were overshadowed by a non-cash impairment that erased earnings.
This triggered a heavy sell-off, furthering concern among investors as to whether traditional retail could stay upright in a competitive consumer market. Analysts speculated that a store restructuring, coupled with other cost-cutting measures, may be needed to shore up earnings into the future.
Myer tumbles nearly 25%, ranking among the day’s worst performers despite ASX200 gains.
Which companies stood out on the ASX today?
Very clear winners and losers came out of the trading session with:
The top performers include:
- Telix Pharmaceuticals (+9.2%)
- Lynas Rare Earths (+8.04%)
- DroneShield (+6.95%)
And the gains declared strength in health care innovation, resource demand, and defence-related technology.
Some of those on the losers’ side were:
- Vault Minerals (-4.35%)
- Premier Investments (-3.78%)
- Deterra Royalties (-3.3%)
These falls indicated a mixed investor appetite for resource royalties and consumer-related shares.
Are warning signs emerging for investors?
The higher closing of the index did not entirely support the underlying data. The ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence index fell 1.3 points to 84.6, entering into a downward trajectory since the beginning of the year. A four-week moving average of 87.0 points indicates a prevailing consumer pessimism.
While household budgets are stuck under pressure from the considerable cost-of-living hurdle, weak confidence may curb their desire to spend in retail, putting further pressure on sectors already under stress. Myer results reinforce that traditional retailers continue facing additional challenges.
Still, analysts noted relatively stable business conditions and a high number of advertisements for jobs to be supportive. It is this balance between strong employment and weaker sentiment that will play a critical role in shaping demand going forward.
Consumer confidence index dips to 84.6, signalling deepening pessimism.
What major events lie ahead?
In the spotlight now are key macroeconomic updates. The Australian Bureau of Statistics will release the Monthly Consumer Price Index for August at 11:30am AEST, which will give ample clues about inflationary pressures and whether the Reserve Bank will take any action.
Investors are still getting set for the Reserve Bank of Australia‘s monetary policy meeting next week, as any policy change would have great sway over equities and the Australian dollar.
Apart from the domestic storylines, worldwide trade news continues to cast its influence. The new trade setup being put in place between Indonesia and the EU is expected to alter the flows of commodities, and that will have an impact on Australian exporters.
Investor outlook: balancing risks and resilience
The ASX 200 market’s performance today represents resilience amidst global uncertainty. Immediate support came from gold prices and some optimism in the technology sector. Yet, with consumer sentiment remaining weak, corporate losses being deleterious, and other global economic headwinds persisting, the time for caution is upon us.
Investors need to balance defensive assets, such as gold, with selective growth opportunities in technology and healthcare under this scenario. The weeks ahead, shaped by inflation data and Reserve Bank decisions, will determine if there is any momentum left to cherish.
Also Read: AIMEX 2025 Shifts to South Australia, Driving Mining Innovation and Industry Growth
FAQs
Q.1 What is the ASX 200 market today?
On 23 September 2025, the ASX 200 climbed 0.4 per cent to close at 8,845.9 points.
Q.2 Why did the price of Myer’s shares plummet?
Myer registered a $211.2 million statutory loss against a profit of $43.5 million the previous year.
Q.3 How high did gold prices go?
Gold futures rallied to US$3,752 an ounce, a new record, as safe-haven demand poured in.
Q.4 What key data are investors looking for this week?
Next week should see the release of the Monthly CPI for August and the RBA meeting. These are very important events.
