Australian Shares Edge Up in Narrow Range; RBA Rate Decision Sparks VolatilityAustralia’s benchmark S&P/ASX 200 inched up 0.02% to 8,590.7 on Tuesday, oscillating narrowly after the Reserve Bank’s surprise decision to hold rates steady triggered intraday dips. The index briefly turned negative in early trading but recovered modestly by close.

Sectors diverged sharply: The "big four" banks gained, with Commonwealth Bank (CBA) leading at +0.8%. Consumer discretionary, financials, and tech sectors closed higher. However, consumer staples dropped 1.4%—Coles fell 1.4%, and A2 Milk plunged 3.8%. Mining giants weakened: BHP (-0.9%), Rio Tinto (-0.4%), and Fortescue (-0.7%). Gold stocks outperformed, lifted by global prices at $3,344/oz—Evolution (+2.6%), Newmont (+2.4%), and Vault Minerals (+7.8%, amid takeover rumors) stood out.

Economists see an August rate cut likely. ANZ’s Hayden Boyton called the pause "unexpected but not a closed door" to easing; AMP’s Shane Oliver noted a five-week delay would have limited economic impact. Focus shifts to next month’s policy meeting as investors weigh rate paths across sectors.