Australian Stocks Sink to 4-Month Low as Miners, Banks Struggle

On November 14, 2025, Australian shares experienced a significant decline, falling nearly 1.5% and hitting their lowest level since mid-July. The losses were driven by a combination of factors, including a downturn in the mining and financial sectors.

The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index fell 1.5% to 8,623.30, continuing its downward trend from the previous day's 0.5% decline. For the week, the index has shed around 1.7%, marking its third consecutive weekly decline. The weakness in major banks, following Commonwealth Bank's earnings report and the latest jobs data, has dampened investor sentiment.

The labor market report has reinforced expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will hold interest rates steady for a more extended period, curbing hopes of a rate cut this year. Earlier this month, higher-than-expected inflation readings had already cast doubt on the likelihood of near-term easing, prompting economists to push back forecasts for any policy shift.

The mining sector was hit hard, losing 2.7% on the back of weaker copper prices. Major players like BHP Group and Rio Tinto each fell 2%. However, the mining sub-index has gained 5.5% for the week, as higher copper prices for the majority of the week and gains in major lithium players like Mineral Resources added to the sector's sentiment.

The financial sector also declined, falling as much as 1.9% and hitting its worst level since August 14. The "Big Four" banks led the losses, contributing to the sector's 3.1% decline so far this week, which is on track to be its worst week since March.

The broader market decline was also reflected in the technology and energy sectors, which fell 4% and 1%, respectively. The technology sector has shed 5% this week, hitting its lowest level since April 29.