Australian shares fell 57 points, or 0.7%, to 8,709 in Tuesday morning trade, marking a sixth straight decline and the lowest level in three weeks. Sentiment remained cautious ahead of March inflation data due Wednesday, with markets expecting a reading of around 4.7%. That would be the highest since the current series began in April 2025, reflecting sustained price pressures since the second half of 2025 and keeping inflation outside the Reserve Bank’s 2–3% target range.
Traders were also focused on next week’s central bank policy meeting, with economists widely anticipating another interest rate hike. Losses on the local market were limited, however, by a modest rise in U.S. stock futures following record closes for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq on Monday, as investors monitored developments in U.S.–Iran negotiations.
All sectors in the ASX 200 declined, led by consumer non-durables, non-energy minerals, retail trade, and healthcare. Among the notable laggards were Origin Energy (-5.5%), Ramelius Resources (-2.3%), and BHP Group (-1.0%). Three of the four major banks also traded lower.
