The S&P/ASX 200 experienced a slight dip of 0.1% to approximately 8,530 during early trading on Monday, as market participants exercised caution due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Over the weekend, renewed hostilities between Israel and Iran intensified concerns about the potential for a broader regional conflict. Meanwhile, investors remain vigilant regarding trade developments. US President Donald Trump signaled forthcoming decisions on tariff rates for significant trading partners, although specifics of the US-China framework agreement have yet to be finalized. Domestically, the focus will shift to upcoming job market data, anticipated to provide new insights into the state of the Australian economy and potentially impact the Reserve Bank's interest rate strategy. In corporate news, Evolution Mining declined by 3.5%, and Northern Star Resources fell by 1.1%, while Woodside Energy saw a notable increase of 7.4%.