In a statement, the RBA said:
Inflation picked up materially in the second half of 2025, and information since the beginning of this year confirms that some of this increase reflected greater capacity pressures.
In addition, the conflict in the Middle East has resulted in sharply higher fuel and related commodity prices, which are already adding to inflation.
There are early signs that many firms experiencing cost pressures are looking to increase prices of their goods and services.
The Brent crude oil price hit a four-year high earlier today as the market becomes increasingly pessimistic that the war will end soon.
Economists are warning that oil shocks have a long-tail economic impact, and the RBA appears acutely aware of the upside risk to CPI.
Today, four of the 11 market sectors finished in the red, with energy in the lead, up 0.92%, while financials lagged, down 0.56%.
Scores of ASX 200 shares hit fresh 52-week lows today.
They included former market darling CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and retail stalwart Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares.
Let's take a look.
CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)
The CSL share price hit a 9-year low of $122.48 today.
The ASX 200 healthcare giant has lost half its value over the past 12 months.
Company issues have compounded the impact of a broader ASX 200 healthcare sector rout due to many global headwinds.
Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)
The Wesfarmers share price reached a 52-week low of $71.31 today.
The market's largest ASX 200 consumer discretionary share is down 9% over 12 months.
Consumer sentiment is crumbling in Australia today.
Last month, the consumer sentiment index recorded its biggest fall since the beginning of the pandemic five years ago.
Amcor Ltd (ASX: AMC)
The Amcor share price hit a 12-year low of $51.42 today, and is down 28% over 12 months.
Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)
The Endeavour share price fell to a record low of $3.13 today, and is down 22% over 12 months.
Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)
The Harvey Norman share price hit a 52-week low of $4.39 today.
Stock in the ASX 200 furniture retailer has tumbled 15% over 12 months.
Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN)
The Ansell share price dropped to a 2-year low of $25.35 today, and is down 18% over 12 months.
Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)
The Super Retail share price hit a 3-year low of $11.47 on Tuesday, and is down 12% over 12 months.
Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB)
Austal shares fell to a 52-week low of $4.01 today.
The ASX 200 industrial share has fallen 21% over 12 months.
ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)
The ARB Corporation share price hit a 52-week low of $17.89 today, and is down 43% over 12 months.
Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK)
The Nick Scali share price hit a 52-week low of $14.03, and has cooled 18% over 12 months.
Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)
The Temple & Webster share price hit a 2-and-a-half-year low of $5.29 today.
This ASX 200 retail share has lost 69% of its market capitalisation in 12 months.
Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING)
The Inghams share price descended to a 52-week low of $1.71 today.
The ASX 200 consumer staples share has fallen 51% over 12 months.
Centuria Office REIT (ASX: COF)
Centuria shares dipped to a 52-week low of 92 cents today.
The ASX 200 real estate investment trust (REIT) has decreased 26% over 12 months.
Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)
Accent shares hit a 13-year low of 51 cents, and are down 72% over 12 months.
Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)
The Adairs share price hit a 52-week low of $1.25, and is down 51% over 12 months.
The post CSL and Wesfarmers among scores of ASX shares hitting fresh 52-week lows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ARB Corporation, Adairs, CSL, Super Retail Group, Temple & Webster Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Adairs, Amcor Plc, Harvey Norman, and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation, Accent Group, Ansell, CSL, Nick Scali, Temple & Webster Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson. 2026