ASX 200 Falls 0.45%

The ASX 200 fell 41 points, or 0.45%, to close at 9,209 on Wednesday, erasing the prior session’s modest gains as sharp losses in manufacturing, consumer non-durables, healthcare, and retail trade dragged the index to its weakest level in a week.

Sentiment soured after the Reserve Bank of Australia held the cash rate steady at 4.35% on Tuesday but warned further tightening could follow if inflation lingers.

Wall Street’s overnight slump added pressure, with escalating Middle East tensions and renewed attacks near key shipping routes stoking energy supply fears.

Commonwealth Bank slipped 0.7% after reporting record annual cash earnings but flagged a sharp slowdown in mortgage demand post-tax changes.

Rio Tinto eased 0.2% even as it secured government support to offset soaring energy costs.

ASX tumbled 2.8% after a shareholder moved to file a Federal Court application against the bourse operator.

Bucking the trend, AGL Energy surged 6.0% on stronger-than-expected 2027 earnings guidance.