ASX Market Update: Sticky inflation still a factor as market lags | Feb 26, 2025

The ASX 200 has been lower today, falling by a third of a percent to 8,225.50 points.

This continued the trend seen at the bell, when the market opened 0.22% lower, though it was also influenced by data from the ABS, which showed a continuing trend of sticky underlying inflation.

While the headline number for January’s CPI was on-target with expectations – at 2.5% – the underlying number, closely watched by the RBA, was 2.8%. This suggests another cut to the cash rate could be on the cards for May.

Three sectors are in the green today with Energy the leader, rising 1.07%, followed by Industrials, up 0.41%, and Financial, up 0.20%.

The reds were led by Real Estate, down 1.26%, followed by Staples, down 1.19%, and Communication, down by 1.14%.

Kelsian Group Ltd (ASX:KLS) fell more than 18% after telling investors its underlying profit had fallen 7.9%, to $39.7 million.

 Shares in the transport company were $2.96.

Flight Centre Travel Group (ASX:FLT) has also been in the red, with shares dropping by more than 11% despite its half year results showing growth of 7% in underlying profit — $117 million — in addition to strong productivity results.

Flight Centre last traded at $15.58.

And, car parts provider Bapcor Ltd (ASX:BAP) surged by more than 15% after expressing confidence in cost and savings measures which it said were likely to reach the highest levels of a target range of between $20 and $30 million across 2024 and 2025.

Bapcor shares were $5.15.

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