16 April 2026
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The ASX 200 index fell 0.34% to 8948 on April 16, 2026, due to a refinery outage and elevated rate expectations. Australia's labour market remains resilient, but inflation risks and a potential rate hike may impact credit demand.
The ASX 200 index traded 30 points lower at 8948 as of 2:00 pm AEST on April 16, 2026. Despite a strong night on Wall Street, the index pulled back from a brief push above 9000. Australia's labour force report for March met expectations, with employment rising by 17,900 jobs and the unemployment rate steady at 4.3%. A fire at Viva Energy's Geelong refinery is expected to disrupt production for up to three months, adding to fuel supply concerns. The Reserve Bank of Australia may hike rates in May, further crimping credit demand. China's economy expanded 5% year-on-year in Q1 2026, exceeding expectations, but weak housing data highlighted ongoing struggles in the property sector.
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