The ASX200 lifted modestly on Friday but not enough to prevent a third straight weekly loss, with the index slipping about 1% across five sessions. Despite US markets hitting fresh record highs after the Fed’s first rate cut of the year, local gains faded late in the week. Healthcare and financials led Friday’s improvements while energy and materials lagged, and standout movers included Telix Pharmaceuticals on the upside and Santos on the downside after its $30 billion takeover bid collapsed. Looking ahead, investors will focus on next week’s Australian inflation update and a wave of nearly $15 billion in dividends from major companies.

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