FEAR & GREED | Business News Afternoon Report | ASX lower as oil price slumps
Dec 17, 2025
Oil prices hit a five-year low, causing a slide in the ASX 200, with energy and defense stocks affected. Funerals for victims of the Bondi terror attack begin, prompting discussions about security and support. The leadership at Star Entertainment sees a major shakeup with new appointments. Victoria's premier faced scrutiny over a costly trip to China, raising political eyebrows. Meanwhile, a controversial interview sparks fallout in the White House, highlighting the ongoing tensions in political circles.
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Markets Slide As Oil Plummets
- The ASX 200 fell 0.2% driven mainly by a near five-year low in oil prices and widespread sector weakness.
- Energy and defence stocks led losses while miners gained from rising gold and lithium outlooks.
Ukraine Optimism Hits Defence Stocks
- Renewed hopes of a Ukraine deal sparked expectations of eased Russian oil restrictions, pushing oil down.
- That optimism also hit defence-related firms, with DroneShield down over 12% and shipbuilder Ostal down 11.5%.
Sector Moves Fueled By Company News
- Company-specific shocks amplified market moves, for example Treasury Wine Estates cut profit guidance and GrainCorp warned of a weaker harvest.
- Meanwhile gold and lithium miners rose on forecasts of higher commodity prices next year.