S&P/ ASX 200 closes 0.34% higher at 8,886.8

Published on 11/03/2026 at 13:12 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

The S&P/ASX 200 finished Tuesday 0.34% higher at 8,886.8 points after the Reserve Bank of Australia raised its cash rate to 4.85%. Rate-sensitive property and consumer stocks led the rebound, while energy shares weighed on the benchmark.

ASX 200 closes higher after RBA decision

The S&P/ASX 200 ended November 3 at 8,886.8 points, up 30.3 points or 0.34%.
The RBA raised its cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.85% in a six-to-three decision.
Real estate and consumer discretionary stocks supported the index, while energy shares lagged.

S&P/ASX 200, XC0006013624, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

The S&P/ASX 200 closed Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 8,886.8 points, gaining 30.3 points or 0.34% in a volatile session. The close came after the benchmark had fallen 0.58% in the previous session. PerthNow reported the closing level and described the trading day as volatile.

RBA decision shapes late-session sentiment

The Reserve Bank of Australia lifted its cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.85%, its highest level in about 18 years. The decision was split, with six board members voting for the increase and three preferring no change. Financial markets interpreted the split decision and the accompanying communication as potentially consistent with a pause after the tightening cycle, helping rate-sensitive areas of the market recover later in the session. CommBank reported the rate decision and its market context.

Property and consumer stocks lead

Seven of the 11 sectors ended higher, according to PerthNow. Real estate gained 2.88% and consumer discretionary advanced 1.87%, while energy fell 3.45% and healthcare declined 0.58%. Lendlease rose 5.51%, Stockland added 3.96% and Harvey Norman gained 5.81%. In contrast, AMP was the weakest ASX 200 constituent cited in the report, falling 9.36% after Barrenjoey cut its rating to neutral.

Investor focus remains on inflation

The rate increase underscores the tension between persistent inflation and slowing growth. The RBA cited both overseas price pressures and stronger-than-expected domestic capacity pressures. For investors, the next assessment of Australian inflation and the central bank's guidance will be important in determining whether Tuesday's rebound marks a broader stabilization in rate-sensitive shares or only a temporary response to the policy announcement.

Further reports and developments for the S&P/ASX 200 are available on the S&P/ASX 200 topic page.