The ASX 200 finished nearly flat at 8,686 on Monday, as strength in electronic technology, consumer durables, and industrial services was offset by weakness in non-durables, utilities, and retail trade. Early gains faded after U.S. stock futures turned lower, with higher Treasury yields dampening risk appetite ahead of this week’s release of the Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes.
On the domestic front, the Melbourne Institute’s Monthly Inflation Gauge rose 0.3% month-on-month in September, the smallest increase in three months. The data indicate that tighter monetary policy is helping to moderate price pressures, even as inflation risks persist. Trading volumes were also affected by public holidays in several states, including New South Wales and Queensland.
Among heavyweight stocks, BHP Group advanced 1.1%, while Rio Tinto gained 0.7%. Cochlear outperformed with a 4.2% jump, and Atlas Arteria climbed 2.9%. On the downside, Lynas Rare Earths slipped 2.5%, Wisetech Global fell 2.1%, and Ampol lost 1.6%. The big four banks ended mixed. Investors now look ahead to October consumer sentiment data and September industry updates for further direction.