Wall Street falls as oil, bonds ramp up pressure; ASX eyes gains
The Australian sharemarket saw slight gains as oil prices paused and investors awaited the US Federal Reserve's interest-rate decision, with expectations of the first rate hike since 2023. Meanwhile, Wall Street lost ground due to oil-price driven inflation fueling rate hike bets, and US crude inventories reportedly rose. Analysts believe the Fed might struggle to be more hawkish than already priced in.
Why it matters
This article highlights the interconnectedness of global financial markets, showing how oil prices, central bank decisions, and inflation concerns in major economies like the US and Australia impact investor sentiment and market performance worldwide. It underscores the ongoing challenge of managing inflation through monetary policy.
— 5:38pm , first published September 16, 2026 — 5:13am
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Share A A A The Australian sharemarket took a breather on Wednesday as the rally in oil prices paused and investors treaded lightly ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision, with markets expecting the first interest rate rise in the world’s largest economy since 2023.
The S&P/ASX 200 finished 24 points, or 0.3 per cent, higher at 8696.50, with seven of its 11 sectors in the green. The benchmark lost 0.9 per cent on Tuesday, hitting a three-month low as the oil-price driven inflation fuelled rate hike bets. The Australian dollar was flat at US71.33¢.
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