ASX set to slide; BHP posts $13.8b profit, CSL slumps to $3.7b loss
The Australian sharemarket remained largely flat as strong profit results from BHP were offset by losses in the banking and gold sectors. BHP announced a record dividend payout, while other mining and gold stocks experienced declines amid broader economic concerns.
Why it matters
BHP's performance is a key indicator for the Australian economy, and the market's reaction highlights ongoing investor anxiety regarding inflation and geopolitical instability.
— 5:11pm , first published August 18, 2026 — 5:22am
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Share A A A The Australian sharemarket closed largely unchanged on Tuesday as jumps by heavyweights BHP and CSL following their profit results were offset by broad falls in banks, consumer and gold stocks over rising inflation concerns as hopes for a deal to end the Iran war are fading.
The S&P/ASX 200 finished down 3.2 points at 9070, with six of its 11 industry sectors in the red. The local bourse lost 0.5 per cent on Monday. The Australian dollar slipped to US70.99¢.
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