Market Close 17 Mar 26: ASX snaps slide as divided RBA fuels relief

The Aussie market broke a three-day slide, lifting 0.4% even as the Reserve Bank raised interest rates to 4.1%. In a narrow 5-4 split decision, Governor Michelle Bullock cited persistent domestic inflation as the primary catalyst. While the hike was widely anticipated, the non-unanimous vote triggered a relief rally in Financials and Property stocks, though gains cooled after Bullock warned that a May hike remains "live." Gold miners dominated the winners, with Pantoro Gold soaring 12% following a broker upgrade. The Energy sector retreated as oil prices dipped toward $101 a barrel, while Temple & Webster slumped 8% amid broader retail weakness. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain 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.