Australia stocks closed lower on Tuesday, with losses particularly observed in the Utilities, Resources, and Metals & Mining sectors, leading to a 1.09% fall in the S&P/ASX 200. The index reached a new 1-month low at the close in Sydney.
Among the noteworthy performers on the S&P/ASX 200 during the session, Zip Co Ltd (ASX:ZIP) displayed remarkable strength, recording a 10.20% increase or 0.05 points, closing at 0.54 by the session’s conclusion. PointsBet Holdings Ltd (ASX:PBH) also contributed positively, adding 3.75% or 0.03 points to finish at 0.83. Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX:WGX) experienced a positive trend, rising by 3.34% or 0.07 points, reaching 2.01 in late trading.
On the flip side, significant declines were witnessed, with South32 Ltd (ASX:S32) falling by 4.49% or 0.16 points to reach 3.40 at the close. Ansell Ltd (ASX:ANN) experienced a decline of 4.43% or 1.09 points, settling at 23.51, while Seven Group Holdings Ltd (ASX:SVW) faced a downturn, dropping by 3.96% or 1.46 points to close at 35.40.
The Sydney Stock Exchange reported a higher count of falling stocks compared to advancing ones, with 775 declining, 399 advancing, and 374 ending unchanged.
The S&P/ASX 200 VIX, measuring the implied volatility of S&P/ASX 200 options, rose by 3.96% to 11.36, marking a new 1-month high.
In commodities trading, Gold Futures for February delivery faced a 0.31% decrease, reaching $2,052.55 a troy ounce. In other commodity movements, Crude oil for delivery in March experienced a 0.03% fall or 0.02, reaching $72.59 a barrel, while the March Brent oil contract rose by 0.06% or 0.05, trading at $78.20 a barrel.
The AUD/USD pair remained unchanged at 0.66%, while AUD/JPY witnessed a 0.38% decline, settling at 96.69.
The US Dollar Index Futures showed a positive trend, rising by 0.33% to reach 102.66.