ASX Falls: Tracking Losses as BHP, Cettire (Down 31%), and BWS See Shifts

AU Stocks

The ASX fell under pressure on June 12, 2025, as swings and iron prices and global volatility weighed on major stocks. Despite brief gains in energy, the S&P/ASX 200 closed down 27 points (0.31%) to finish at 8,565.1, marking a clear dip in market sentiment. 

Resource Decline Drags ASX

The most significant drag on the ASX was the materials sector, falling roughly 1%. Key Contributors to the decline were BHP, Rio, Tinto, and Fortescue:

  • BHP slid 1.8% to $38.30 a share, amid a pullback in iron ore prices.
  • Rio Tinto dropped 1.65% to $107.60 
  • Fortescue Metals plunged 3.4% to $15.70.

These moves echoed the downward trend in iron ore futures, signalling cooling demand concerns globally.

Energy’s Stall: Gains Fade 

Energy stocks began the day with optimism, buoyed by oil’s surge nearing USD 70 per barrel, driven by geopolitical uncertainty between the US and Iran. However, the momentum didn’t last:

  • Woodside Energy eased 0.2% to $23.50.
  • Santos edged up 0.22% to $6.70 

Overall, the energy sector ended flat, unable to offset declines in material stock.

Banks Slip as Tech Stalls 

Big four banks, Commonwealth, NAB, Westpac, and ANZ, all softened by less than 1% amid broader risk sentiment. On the flip side, tech stocks offered a slight reprieve with gains from:

  • WiseTech Global Plus (0.5%)
  • Xero (+0.9%)
  • TechnologyOne (+0.3%)
  •  NextDC (+1.2%), which announced an $2 billion data centre expansion in Melbourne 

Still, these surges weren’t strong enough to lift the market.

Cettire Plunges 31%: A Retail Red Flag

A standout of the session was Cettire, whose share price collapsed 31.2% to $0.32. CEO Dean Mintz issued a stark warning about weakened US demand, tightening margins for the luxury retail platform, which had reported a modest 1.7% sales increase to $693.8 million.

Analysts point to tariffs and downward trading trends in US consumer markets. Despite only 3.8% of revenue tied directly to Chinese-made goods imported to the US, the broader market impact is profound.

BWS Leadership Shake-Up

In soft-drinks retail, BWS (part of the endeavor group) saw its managing director, Scott Davidson, announce departure effective end-November after more than five years in the hot seat. Although the stock appears stable now, the exit will draw separatist watch in the months ahead.

Sector Highlights & Movers 

A quick look at other notable movements:

  • Gold mining saw a resurgence, and the sector rose as safe-haven assets gained:
    • Northern Star +1.2% to $21.40 
    • Newmont +3% to $83.20
  • Monash IVF jumped 9.1% following CEO Michael Knaap’s resignation post two embryo-related incidents.
  • Cochlear edged up 0.7% to $272.30, despite earnings downgrade to $390 -400m from $410-430m.

Why ASX Falls Matter Now

  1. Iron-ore reliance: As China’s appetite for material softens, commodity-heavy giants on the ASX remain vulnerable.
  2. Global headwinds: Geopolitical tensions, inflation uncertainty, and trade frictions ripple into sentiment.
  3. Retail sensitivity: Cettire’s Tumble exemplifies how even niche players can be high-risk amid the US slowdown and tariffs.

These developments demand adaptability and caution from investors eyeing resource-centric portfolios. 

Conclusion

Today’s ASX fall event was driven by a trio of challenges: commodity-price softness, geopolitical jitters, and unexpected retail downgrades. While energy and tech offered fleeting support, resource-heavy stocks and consumer sentiment faltered. Stakeholders should closely watch quarterly demand trends in China and the US for inflation signals, which may determine future market direction.

FAQs

What triggered the ASX ball today?

The loss was mainly due to sliding iron ore prices impacting miners like BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue, compounded by broader risk-off sentiment tied to geopolitical and trade concerns.

Why did Cettire drop over 31%?

Cettire issued a profit warning reflecting weaker than expected US demand, possibly linked to higher tariffs and cooling luxury spending.

What’s next for BHP and other miners?

Monitor Chinese steel demand, global infrastructure spending, and pricing in iron ore futures to anticipate stock movement.

Could energy stocks rebound?

Yes, but sustained gains depend on geopolitical tension keeping oil elevated and translating into stronger energy earnings. 

Disclaimer:

This content is made for learning only. It is not meant to give financial advice. Always check the facts yourself. Financial decisions need detailed research.