SYDNEY — The S&P/ASX 200 index slipped 21 points, or 0.24%, to close the afternoon session at 8,666.0 on Thursday, April 30, 2026, as weakness in mining and resources stocks offset gains in financials and consumer sectors amid mixed global cues and softening commodity prices.

The benchmark Australian share index opened higher but quickly reversed course as heavyweights including BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue came under pressure following overnight declines in iron ore and copper futures. Energy stocks also weighed on the market as oil prices eased slightly on signs of potential supply increases from OPEC members.

Financial stocks provided some support, with the Big Four banks trading mixed after better-than-expected quarterly updates from several lenders. Commonwealth Bank and Westpac both edged higher on resilient home lending data, while ANZ and NAB traded flat to slightly lower. The materials sector was the biggest drag, falling more than 1.2% as major miners faced selling pressure.

The broader market showed mixed performance across sectors. Technology stocks outperformed on continued AI enthusiasm, while healthcare and consumer discretionary names posted modest gains. Real estate stocks came under pressure as bond yields edged higher on persistent inflation concerns.

Trading volume remained solid through the afternoon session, reflecting active participation from both institutional and retail investors. The Australian dollar held relatively steady around US$0.64 amid ongoing global currency fluctuations and domestic economic data........

© International Business Times