Australian shares slip as banks' losses outweigh gains in miners
Oct 2 (Reuters) -Australian shares inched lower on Wednesday as losses in banks outweighed gains in mining and energy stocks, while escalating tensions in the Middle East also curbed risk appetite globally.
The S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO was down 0.3% to 8,185, as of 0026 GMT, extending losses to a second session. The Aussie dollar sat at $0.6882 AUD=D3, having slipped 0.5% overnight and away from a 19-month top of $0.6942.
Globally, stock markets declined as investors moved away from riskier assets, while oil futures surged due to supply concerns following Iran's missile attack on Israel.
Data released on Tuesday showed that Australian retail sales rebounded more than expected in August after a soft July.
The report could reinforce the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) reluctance to cut interest rates anytime soon. Markets are implying just an 18% chance of a cut at the next RBA meeting on Nov. 5. 0#RBAWATCH
The Australian central bank has kept its interest rate unchanged at a 12-year high of 4.35% since late 2023.
Financials .AXFJ fell 0.7% to hit their lowest levels since Aug. 28, with the "Big Four" banks down between 0.4% and 0.9%.
Technology stocks .AXIJ tracked their overseas peers lower and were last down 1.4%. WiseTech Global WTC.AX and NEXTDC Ltd NXT.AX declined 1.5% and 1.1%, respectively.
Meanwhile, miners .AXMM gained 0.3% after copper and aluminium prices closed higher overnight. BHP Group BHP.AX, Rio Tinto RIO.AX and Fortescue FMG.AX climbed between 0.2% and 0.7%. MET/L
Energy stocks .AXEJ rose 1.7% to their highest level since Sept. 4, as oil prices gained more than $1 on escalating tensions in the Middle East. Woodside WDS.AX and Santos STO.AX were up 2.4% and 3%, respectively. O/R
Gold stocks .AXGD advanced by 1% on strong bullion prices. Genesis Minerals GMD.AX and Evolution Mining EVN.AX were up 2.5% and 1.3%, respectively. GOL/
The S&P 500 .SPX closed mostly unchanged on Tuesday, while the Nasdaq .IXIC lost 1.53%.
Across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index .NZ50 fell 0.3% to 12,432.99.
Reporting by Roshan Thomas in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu
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