ASX 200 closes near flat as CSL surges and banks slip

Australia’s ASX 200 closed nearly flat at 9,070 on Tuesday, halting a four-day slide after hitting a two-week low.

Bargain hunters stepped in, while sentiment steadied as August consumer confidence improved, with mortgage holders less anxious about further rate hikes.

Meanwhile, U.S. stock futures softened amid stalled U.S.—Iran peace talks.

In China, July data showed slowing momentum with weaker spending and rising unemployment in Australia's top trading partner.

Gains in healthcare, manufacturing, and consumer durables were offset by weakness in tech, consumer non-durables, and commercial services.

BHP rose 3% after beating profit forecasts and declaring its highest dividend in four years.

CSL surged almost 18% on strong 2027 growth guidance, its best session since 2001.

Energy stocks Woodside (1.1%) and Santos (1.2%) gained on firmer oil prices.

In contrast, the big four banks slipped 0.3%—1.3% after reporting sharp drops in home-loan applications following May’s tax changes.