PM 05 May 26: RBA hikes rates again

The local market slid by 0.2% today as investors juggled a hawkish Reserve Bank and a dangerous escalation in the Middle East. Overnight, oil prices jumped 5% following missile exchanges in the Strait of Hormuz, including reports of Iranian strikes on a UAE port and the US sinking Iranian boats. This "oil shock" pushed the RBA to raise interest rates to 4.35%—a third consecutive hike that effectively undoes all of 2025’s rate cuts. Westpac fell 2.3% after missing half-year profit expectations, while Flight Centre defied the gloom, surging 4% despite a $10 million hit from war-related disruptions. Energy stocks rose 1% as crude prices climbed. 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.