Australian stocks muted as gains in miners offset losses in energy stocks

Australian shares were flat on Monday, as strong gains in miners were offset by losses in energy stocks, with investors closely monitoring developments between the US and Iran amid a lack of clarity on when the Strait of Hormuz might reopen.

The S&P/ASX 200 index was marginally up 0.1% at 8,663.90, as of 0040 GMT.

The benchmark closed 0.4% higher on Friday.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he had instructed his representatives not to rush into any deal with Iran, as his administration downplayed hopes of an imminent breakthrough.

Back home, investors are awaiting the inflation print for April due on Wednesday, which is expected to provide further insight into the war’s impact on the local economy and help gauge the Reserve Bank of Australia’s interest rate trajectory.

Swaps imply a 41% chance of a rate hike in August, while markets largely expect the central bank to stay on hold at next month’s meeting. Expectations for a rate hike have been scaled back after April employment fell unexpectedly.

Rate-sensitive financials fell 0.3%, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia down 0.2% while the rest of the “Big Four” banks gained between 0.1% and 0.3%.

Meanwhile, the broader mining sub-index rose 1.2% to a week’s high, with BHP and Rio Tinto rising 0.2% and 0.6%.

Gold miners climbed 3.9% to a near two-week high, supported by strong bullion prices.

Northern Star Resources and Evolution Mining advanced 4.6% and 3.2%, respectively. On the other hand, energy stocks fell 2.5% on weaker oil prices. Index constituents Woodside Energy and Santos declined 3.1% and 2.4%, respectively.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index rose 0.1% to 13,009.21.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s cash rate decision is due on Wednesday, with the central bank largely expected to hold the key rate at 2.25%.