The Aussie market stumbled today, posting one of its worst sessions in weeks as escalating Middle East tensions unnerved investors. The ASX 200 retreated sharply, weighed down by widespread caution, though the Energy sector provided a rare bright spot. Oil prices soared after reports of a blockade at the Strait of Hormuz, pushing local coal miners higher. In contrast, it was a "sea of red" elsewhere; gold miners slumped despite record bullion prices as investors locked in profits, and Live360 plummeted to its worst level in a year following earnings. Magellan Financial was the undeniable standout, soaring over 20% after announcing a blockbuster $1.6 billion merger with Barrenjoey. All eyes now pivot to Wednesday's critical GDP print.

Laura Besarati is a Market Analyst at CommSec. Each episode, she break's down the day's market movements and explains what the numbers really mean.

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