The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has followed Wall Street's lead and is charging higher. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.8% to 8,875 points.
Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are falling:
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Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL)
The Aristocrat Leisure share price is down 4% to $67.28. This follows news that the CEO of its Aristocrat Interactive, Moti Malul, has stepped down from his role. He will depart the business in March 2026 at the completion of his notice period and other contractual obligations. Following a comprehensive global search, Dylan Slaney will succeed Mr Malul and is expected to commence in the role on 3 November 2025. This is subject to the receipt of necessary regulatory pre-approvals. The release notes that Mr Slaney is a proven iGaming executive, with over ten years of global leadership experience in the sector.
Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB)
The Austal share price is down 2% to $8.04. This is despite there being no news out of the shipbuilder on Friday. However, it is worth noting that its shares have been on fire recently, so this decline could have been driven by profit taking from some investors. For example, the Austal share price remains up approximately 160% since the start of the year despite today's weakness. Investors have been bidding its shares higher after the company won some material contracts.
CAR Group Limited (ASX: CAR)
The CAR Group share price is down 3% to $38.38. This has been driven by the auto listings company's shares going ex-dividend this morning for its latest payout. Last month, the carsales.com.au owner released its full year results and declared a partially franked final dividend of 41.5 cents per share. This will be paid to eligible shareholders next month on 13 October.
Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)
The Woodside share price is down 3% to $24.24. This follows a pullback in oil prices overnight. Traders were selling down oil amid oversupply concerns and weak demand in the United States. It isn't just Woodside shares that are falling on Friday. All ASX 200 energy stocks are trading lower at the time of writing, which has dragged the S&P/ASX 200 Energy index down by approximately 2.5% this afternoon.
