S&P/ASX 200 closes lower as Australian shares end week flat, investors remain cautious on Middle East war; check top gainers and losers

Australian shares closed slightly lower on Friday, March 27, 2026, as financial sector declines offset mining gains. Investors remained cautious due to ongoing global market jitters stemming from the Iran conflict. Despite the day's dip, the S&P/ASX 200 managed to end a three-week losing streak, showing a weekly gain.