Australian shares slip as miners, tech stocks drag; RBA minutes in focus

Australian shares declined on Tuesday, led by losses in miners and technology sectors, as investors awaited minutes from the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) September meeting to gauge interest-rate expectations. The S&P/ASX 200 index slipped 0.2% to 8,767.80 points by 2333 GMT, after ending 0.8% higher in the prior session. RBA Governor Michele Bullock indicated late last month that certain inflation risks had "materialised" and the central bank was ready to increase rates further if necessary.

Market analysts currently price in a 30% chance of a rate hike, with a hold scenario remaining the more probable outcome. The RBA has raised interest rates four times this year to a 15-year peak of 4.6%.

The recent surge in oil prices, following fresh attacks in Saudi Arabia, has cast doubts on inflation prospects, dampening optimism surrounding US President Donald Trump's commitment to bolster Russian diesel exports and a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire covering energy infrastructure. Despite this, energy stocks in Australia surged nearly 2%, reaching their highest level in nearly a month, with Woodside Energy and Santos increasing by 1.8% and 2.3%, respectively.

Analysts at Citi believe Australian energy stocks are attractive ahead of the September-quarter results, citing stronger commodity prices and "compelling value" across the sector. Banks experienced a modest rise of 0.4%, with National Australia Bank, Westpac, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia up between 0.2% and 0.5%. Conversely, technology stocks plummeted 2.6%, mirroring the Nasdaq's overnight decline.

WiseTech Global and Xero saw declines of 3.6% and 2.1%, respectively. Miners also experienced a drop of 1.6%, with BHP Group and Rio Tinto falling by 1.4% and 1.9%, respectively. Gold miners declined by 1.2%.

On Wednesday, Rio Tinto, the top iron ore producer, is set to release its quarterly production figures. New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index fell 0.2% to 13,806.89 points.