Market Close 02 Mar 26: Energy sector hits 1.5-year high

The ASX 200 ended Monday little changed as escalating Middle East tensions sparked sharp sector swings. Energy stocks soared 5.5% to a 1.5-year high, while gold miners jumped on safe-haven demand. Defensive staples gained, but banks and tech fell amid global uncertainty. Investors await potential US-Iran talks and key economic data including Australian GDP and US jobs figures this week. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.