The ASX 200 managed to avoid a wipeout, closing only slightly lower after a volatile session. The market was driven by a surge in energy prices, with US military strikes on Iran and the revocation of an oil-sales waiver sending Brent crude up over 3%. This led to a boost in energy producers and defensive stocks, while gold, materials, and technology stocks took a hit. The market's reaction to geopolitical tensions and economic data highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the current investment landscape. As always, investors should carefully consider their risk exposure and stay informed about global events that could impact their portfolios.
