The Australian market remained flat today, with the ASX200 barely moving despite earlier declines. Investors were cautious due to escalating Middle East tensions, which drove mixed performances across sectors. Energy stocks, typically buoyed by rising oil prices, saw sluggish performance due to weak coal stocks like New Hope, which also traded ex-dividend. Real estate stocks outshone others, while financials and materials dipped. A major highlight was the $7.5 billion in dividend payouts from BHP and Woodside, contributing to one of the year’s biggest days for dividends. Despite market volatility, companies like Fletcher Building and Sigma Healthcare saw strong gains due to positive broker outlooks and merger news.

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