# The Australian sharemarket bounced back from a seven-week low as easing tensions in the Middle East lifted investor confidence.

*business · news · 2026-05-19 · SBS Australia*

## Key points

- The Reserve Bank of Australia warns businesses are planning further price hikes soon.
- Australians remain pessimistic despite a recent slight lift in consumer sentiment indicators.
- ASX200 rebounded 1.2% as Middle East tensions eased, restoring some investor confidence.
- Energy stocks declined due to falling oil prices while supermarkets, banks, and telcos gained.

**Companies:** Westpac, UBS
**Countries:** Australia

[Read the full story on SBS Australia](https://www.sbs.com.au/news/podcast-episode/rba-warns-of-future-business-price-hikes-as-asx-rebounds-from-seven-week-low/s0n1u52h9)

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