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Source: S&P DJI<\/p>\nAs the broader ASX healthcare sector slumped in March, several standout stocks climbed higher. Pic: Getty Images <\/p>\n
The S&P\/ASX Healthcare Index falls ~7% in March on back of war in Middle East
\nAmplia up ~96% in March after reporting four new confirmed responses from its Phase Ib\/IIa pancreatic cancer trial
\n4D Medical rises 39% after a series of positive announcements and breaking into two key market indices\u00a0<\/p>\n
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The S&P\/ASX 200 Healthcare Index fell\u00a0 6.29% in March as the broader S&P\/ASX 200 slumped 7.15% as global markets felt the fallout of the US and Israeli war on Iran.<\/p>\n
On the back of tensions in the Middle East, which has seen soaring energy prices, rising bond yields and a slump in equities, Aussie investors have also been contending with rising interest rates.<\/p>\n
The Reserve Bank of Australia lifted the cash rate at its March meeting by 25 basis points to 4.10% \u2014 its second increase of 2026 \u2014 while signalling further tightening may be needed if inflation fails to ease.<\/p>\n
Latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showed the Consumer Price Index rose 3.7% in February and remains above the central bank\u2019s 2-3% target band with those figures recorded pre-war in the Middle East, which is expected to add further pressure to inflation.<\/p>\n
The ASX healthcare sector, which dropped ~25% to be the worst performer in 2025, is now down 30.25% YTD to be the second biggest laggard in 2026 behind technology.<\/p>\n
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Source: S&P DJI<\/p>\n
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\u2018Lack of broad\u2011based risk appetite for healthcare\u2019<\/p>\n
Morgans healthcare analyst Iain Wilkie told Stockhead sentiment remained weak for most of March, driven by macro shocks and a continuation of risk-off environment on longer-dated growth stories rather than stock\u2011specific de\u2011ratings and earnings\u2011related disappointments.<\/p>\n