Weekly Stock Market Wrap-Up | 16-20 June 2025

Markets ended the week on a cautious note, with both the NZX 50 and ASX 200 posting modest declines amid Middle East tensions, central bank commentary, and shifting commodity dynamics.

NZX 50 down 1.0 %

• 16 June open: 12,690.13

• 20 June close: 12,569.00
  That’s a 1.0 % drop in a week marked by escalating geopolitical risk and investor profit-taking, following a brief mid-week rally.

ASX 200 down 0.9 %

• 16 June open: 8,547.40

• 20 June close: 8,471.30
  The ASX 200 slipped 0.9 % over five days, as mining and tech sectors led the decline amid broader risk-off sentiment

U.S. Markets

In contrast, the S&P 500 continued reaching fresh highs this week, buoyed by strong consumer data and rising hopes for interest rate cuts later this year.

Global Context

• Middle East tensions (Israel–Iran) rattled markets globally .

• Oil prices edged up, supporting energy sectors despite pressure on broader indices.

• Australian banks held steady, even as miners and tech lagged.

Investor Takeaway

With markets dipping, defensive sectors like utilities and healthcare may offer stabilization. Investors should stay diversified, monitor commodity and currency shifts, and prepare for upcoming central bank decisions.

Looking forward

• RBNZ policy announcement – key driver for NZ rates

• NZ housing & construction data

• U.S. Core PCE inflation report