Australia Stock Market Today: ASX 200 Ends Lower as Rate-Hike Bets Rise, Gold Stocks Hit Records and Treasury Wine Slides (17 December 2025)
The S&P/ASX 200 closed down 0.21% at 8,580.7 on Wednesday, marking its third straight decline as investors reacted to higher inflation forecasts and shifting rate expectations. Treasury’s updated outlook lifted inflation projections to 3.75% for 2025–26, prompting major banks to warn of possible rate hikes next year. Trading volume reached about 445 million shares.