Commodity, tech stocks drag Australian shares lower; central bank’s decision awaited

Australian shares fell for a second consecutive session, with commodity and technology stocks leading declines, while investors awaited further details on the central bank’s monetary stance despite expectations of an interest rate hold. The S&P/ASX 200 index fell 0.3% to 8,596, as of 2312 GMT. The benchmark ended the previous session 0.1% lower. Investor focus is on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s cash rate decision expected at 0330 GMT. “With rates largely expected to remain on hold, investors will search for policy direction in 2026, particularly whether rate hikes are likely, and when,” said Jimmy Tran, a dealing manager at trading platform Moomoo.