The Economic Timesยท2025-11-03 07:17Market Performance - The S&P/ASX 200 closed at 8,894.80 on November 3, 2025, marking a 0.1% increase from the opening value of 8,881.90 [2][9] - The index experienced a decline of 0.5% during the day, closing at 8,838.40 as of 2346 GMT [1][9] - The benchmark finished 0.4% higher in October, despite a recent loss of 1.78% over the last five days [1][9] Sector Performance - Financial stocks declined by 0.6%, with major lenders Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and National Australia Bank falling by 0.8% and 0.6%, respectively [8][9] - Real estate and heavyweight financial stocks were significant contributors to the market's decline [1][9] Top Gainers - Megaport Limited (MP1) led the S&P/ASX 200 with a gain of 7.59%, closing at $17.71 [5][9] - HMC Capital Limited (HMC) increased by 4.84% to $3.25, while Catalyst Metals Limited (CYL) rose by 4.12% to $7.07 [5][9] - Life360 Inc. (360) advanced 3.22% to finish at $51.36, and Champion Iron Limited (CIA) added 2.89%, closing at $5.70 [5][9] Top Losers - Lynas Rare Earths Limited (LYC) led the decliners, dropping 8.07% to $14.02 [6][9] - Steadfast Group Limited (SDF) fell by 6.97% to $5.21, and Pilbara Minerals Limited (PLS) slipped 5.15% to $3.13 [6][9] - Guzman y Gomez Limited (GYG) declined 4.98% to $25.39, while Deep Yellow Limited (DYL) rounded out the biggest losers with a 4.46% drop to $1.72 [6][9] Economic Outlook - The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is expected to maintain interest rates in its upcoming policy decision, with the next anticipated rate cut in 2026 [7][9] - Recent hawkish comments from Federal Reserve officials have negatively impacted investor sentiment [7][9] - Westpac, the third-largest lender by market value, reported a decline in annual profit due to rising costs and competitive margin pressures, leading to a 0.7% drop in its shares [8][9]