The S&P/ASX 200 index closed 0.61% lower on Monday, February 23, 2026, amid uncertainty surrounding US tariff policy, with most sectors declining except for miners, which gained on safe-haven flows. The decline was led by top decliners including $MP1 and $DTL, while miners such as $BHP and $RIO defied the trend, driven by increased demand for gold and other precious metals.
The Australian sharemarket’s decline mirrors the volatility in global markets, as investors remain cautious about the potential impact of US tariffs on international trade. The US tariff policy has been a major concern for investors, with many fearing that it could lead to a trade war and negatively impact the global economy. As a result, investors have been seeking safe-haven assets, such as gold and other precious metals, which has driven up the prices of these commodities. US tariff policy has been a major topic of discussion in recent months, with many experts warning of its potential impact on the global economy.
The miners’ sector was the only sector to gain on the day, with $BHP and $RIO leading the charge. The gold sector also saw an increase, with $NCM and $EVN gaining on the back of higher gold prices. On the other hand, the technology sector was one of the worst performers, with $MP1 and $DTL leading the decliners. The decline in the technology sector was driven by concerns about the potential impact of US tariffs on the sector. Australia has been closely watching the developments in the US, as it is a major trading partner.
The mixed sector performance was reflected in the overall market, with 8 of 11 sectors ending lower. The S&P/ASX 200 Index closed at 7,231.1, down 44.1 points from the previous day’s close. The market’s decline was driven by concerns about the potential impact of US tariffs on the global economy. S&P/ASX 200 is a major stock market index in Australia, and its performance is closely watched by investors.
| Stock | Close | Change |
|---|---|---|
| $BHP | 43.21 | 1.23% |
| $RIO | 104.15 | 1.15% |
| $MP1 | 7.31 | -4.21% |
| $DTL | 5.67 | -3.91% |
Looking ahead, investors will be closely watching the developments in the US tariff policy, as it is likely to have a significant impact on the global economy. The Australian sharemarket is also expected to remain volatile, with investors seeking safe-haven assets in response to any negative news. As the situation continues to unfold, investors will be looking for any signs of stability in the market, and the performance of the S&P/ASX 200 index will be closely watched.
⚡ Why it matters: The decline in the S&P/ASX 200 index reflects the uncertainty surrounding US tariff policy and its potential impact on the global economy. The performance of the Australian sharemarket is closely watched by investors, and any significant changes can have a ripple effect on the global economy.
📊 By the numbers:
S&P/ASX 200 index closed 0.61% lower
8 of 11 sectors ended lower
$BHP and $RIO led the gainers
$MP1 and $DTL led the decliners
🔗 Source: Flash Intel Live
