Market Close 13 Mar 26: Banks help steady market amid rate hike speculation

The Aussie market closed out a turbulent week with a muted session on Friday as investors took a breather after a volatile week dominated by Middle East tensions. The ASX 200 ended down 0.1%, with the materials sector dragged lower by a 6% fall in gold miners, while financials gained 1% ahead of next week's RBA interest rate decision. Northern Star plummeted 18% after cutting production guidance, and BHP fell amid an ongoing iron ore contract dispute with China. Energy stocks were the week's sole gainers, up 2.5%, as the broader market heads for its first monthly loss in three months. Laura Besarati is a Market Analyst at CommSec. Each episode, she breaks down the day's market movements and explains what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.