Market Brief: ASX Slips on Inflation Surprise, RBA Hike Looms
Summary
Australian markets reacted negatively to higher-than-expected inflation data, increasing the likelihood of an interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank next week. The ASX 200’s winning streak ended with a slight fall, while the Australian dollar retreated from a three-year high.
Key Points
- Inflation & RBA: Annual CPI rose to 3.8% in Dec 2025, with underlying “trimmed mean” inflation at 3.3%. Major banks (ANZ, Westpac) now forecast a 0.25% rate hike on Feb 3, with some economists predicting two hikes by May.
- Market Reaction: ASX 200 fell 0.09% to 8,933.9, snapping a three-session winning streak. The Australian dollar dipped below 70 US cents.
- Sector Moves: Energy/minerals stocks like Deep Yellow (+10.7%) gained. Major losers included Life360 (-7.6%) and Catapult Sports (-6.8%).
- Company News: ASX Limited shares fell as it flagged higher costs (20-23% growth) due to a regulatory probe.
- Other Updates: Australian wine exports to China fell 17% in 2025. Amazon’s fresh food venture with Harris Farm is seen having minimal short-term impact on Coles/Woolworths. US-Taiwan officials discussed AI and tech cooperation.
- Union Criticism: The ACTU accused regulator APRA of failing to monitor for-profit super funds, thereby risking workers’ retirement savings.
市场简报：通胀意外打击ASX，央行加息预期升温
摘要
高于预期的通胀数据导致澳大利亚市场出现负面反应，提高了澳大利亚储备银行下周加息的可能性。ASX 200指数小幅下跌，结束了连涨势头，而澳元则从三年高点回落。
关键点
- 通胀与央行：截至2025年12月的一年中，CPI升至3.8%，潜在”修剪均值”通胀率为3.3%。四大银行（澳新银行、西太平洋银行）现预测2月3日将加息0.25%，部分经济学家预测到5月前会有两次加息。
- 市场反应：ASX 200指数下跌0.09%，收于8,933.9点，结束了连续三个交易日的上涨。澳元跌破70美分。
- 板块动向：Deep Yellow（+10.7%）等能源/矿产股上涨。主要下跌股包括Life360（-7.6%）和Catapult Sports（-6.8%）。
- 公司新闻：ASX Limited股价下跌，因公司表示由于监管调查，成本将更高（增长20-23%）。
- 其他更新：2025年澳大利亚对华葡萄酒出口下降17%。亚马逊与Harris Farm的生鲜食品合作预计短期内对Coles和Woolworths影响甚微。美台官员讨论了人工智能和技术合作。
- 工会批评：澳大利亚工会理事会（ACTU）指责监管机构APRA未能监督营利性养老基金，从而危及工人的退休储蓄。
Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-28/asx-markets-business-live-news/106276952