Australia Shares Trade Slightly Lower as New Month Begins

2026-08-03 00:58 By Farida Husna 1 min. read

Australian shares eased 27 points, or 0.3%, to 8,950 on the first trading day of August, reversing the prior session’s gain as investors turned cautious ahead of key domestic releases this week, including June household spending, trade data, and July job ads.

Focus also extends to top trading partner China, where PMI readings from a private survey and trade figures are due this week.

Firmer U.S.

equity futures tempered losses after President Trump signaled restraint on further Iran strikes, raising hopes for progress in the five-month conflict.

Locally, factory activity in July was revised upward amid easing inflation, while June private credit posted its strongest rise in six months.

Energy minerals, consumer services, and healthcare weighed, though utilities and consumer non-durables offered support.

Three of the four major banks slipped, while energy names Woodside (-1.5%) and Santos (-1.4%) retreated.

In contrast, Wisetech (1.3%), Evolution Mining (1.2%), and QBE (0.7%) advanced.



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Australia Shares Trade Slightly Lower as New Month Begins
Australian shares eased 27 points, or 0.3%, to 8,950 on the first trading day of August, reversing the prior session’s gain as investors turned cautious ahead of key domestic releases this week, including June household spending, trade data, and July job ads. Focus also extends to top trading partner China, where PMI readings from a private survey and trade figures are due this week. Firmer U.S. equity futures tempered losses after President Trump signaled restraint on further Iran strikes, raising hopes for progress in the five-month conflict. Locally, factory activity in July was revised upward amid easing inflation, while June private credit posted its strongest rise in six months. Energy minerals, consumer services, and healthcare weighed, though utilities and consumer non-durables offered support. Three of the four major banks slipped, while energy names Woodside (-1.5%) and Santos (-1.4%) retreated. In contrast, Wisetech (1.3%), Evolution Mining (1.2%), and QBE (0.7%) advanced.
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