FX.co ★ Australian Shares Fall Ahead of RBA Minutes

On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 index experienced a slight decline of 0.2%, settling at 8,955, as market participants grew more cautious in anticipation of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s meeting minutes release. This report, expected today, follows the central bank's widely anticipated decision to lower the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.60%, marking the lowest level since April 2023. This uniform decision highlights the RBA's ongoing approach of a "cautious and gradual" easing strategy. Concurrently, the earnings season is in progress, adding additional volatility to market dynamics. Mining stocks were notably under pressure, with Fortescue seeing a 2.8% decline after posting its weakest full-year profit in six years, impacted by ongoing declines in iron ore prices due to oversupply concerns and weak demand from China. In contrast, Coles Group saw a significant increase, surging 7.3% to reach its highest point since June 2025, driven by stronger-than-anticipated FY26 sales revenue growth.