The S&P/ASX 200 fell 1.7% to 8,285 on Monday, extending losses from the previous week and hitting its lowest level since May 2025, as intensifying geopolitical tensions continued to rattle market sentiment. Tensions in the Middle East persisted after US President Trump threatened to strike Iranian power facilities if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, while Tehran responded with warnings that it would target key US and Israeli assets. Domestically, investors are awaiting Wednesday’s inflation report, with headline inflation expected to hold steady at 3.8%. The data follows the RBA’s narrowly split decision to raise the cash rate to 4.1%, marking a back-to-back hike for the first time since mid-2023 and reversing two of last year’s three cuts, as the central bank seeks to curb persistent inflation. Mining stocks led losses, particularly BHP Group (-2.7%) and Rio Tinto (-2.8%). Gold producers also underperformed, led by Newmont Corporation (-5.8%) and Northern Star Resources (-5.7%).
