31.08.202601:29:44UTC+00Australia Stocks Muted, Fifth Monthly Gain in Sight

Australian equities were little changed in early Monday trade, holding near 9,090 after gains in the previous session. Investors positioned for a heavy data calendar, including Q2 business inventories, company gross profits, July private credit, and the monthly inflation indicator, with Q2 GDP and July trade data due later in the week. Markets were also awaiting China’s July PMI releases.

U.S. futures softened after Fed Chair Warsh’s hawkish comments strengthened expectations for a September rate hike. Sentiment was further tested by reports that the U.S. had struck Iranian rocket launchers allegedly preparing to mine the Strait of Hormuz, ending several weeks of relative calm in the region.

Sector moves were mixed, with declines in technology, industrials, and non-energy minerals nearly offsetting gains in financials and energy minerals. The major banks advanced between 1.6% and 2.2%, while Ampol Ltd. rose 1.6% and Whitehaven Coal added 1.5%. On the downside, BHP Group slipped 1.7%, and Northern Star Resources dropped 4.6%.

Despite the muted start, the market remains on course for a fifth consecutive monthly gain, up about 1.4% month to date, underpinned by ongoing bargain hunting.