30.06.202606:41:09UTC+00ASX 200 Slips Yet Logs Monthly, Quarterly Gains

The ASX 200 slipped 45 points, or 0.5%, to close at 8,779 on Tuesday, ending a two-day winning streak as declines in non-energy minerals, transport, and producer manufacturing weighed on the market. Risk appetite faded after minutes from the Reserve Bank of Australia’s June meeting highlighted inflation remaining well above the 2–3% target band, with underlying price pressures expected to intensify in the second quarter. Policymakers reiterated that further monetary tightening remains on the table following three rate hikes this year, while noting that restrictive policy settings and higher oil prices could dampen demand and support a rebalancing of the economy.

Among the major banks, two of the big four retreated between 0.3% and 0.7%. Resource stocks underperformed, with BHP Group down 0.9%, Northern Star off 5.2%, and Evolution losing 4.7%. By contrast, Euroz Hartleys surged 7.6% after agreeing to sell its capital markets division to Canada’s Bank of Montreal. Despite the day’s pullback, the index still notched a third consecutive monthly gain, advancing 0.5% for the month and about 3.5% for the quarter, supported by resilient consumer spending, a firm labor market, and ongoing growth in manufacturing activity.