The ASX 200 fell 90 points, or 1.0%, to close at 9,038 on Thursday, extending the previous session’s 0.4% decline as a hotter-than-expected inflation print increased concern that the Reserve Bank of Australia could raise interest rates as soon as next month. Three of the four major banks now expect another rate increase later this year, after three hikes already in 2026. Losses were broad across retail trade, consumer stocks, non-energy minerals and financials. Stronger U.S. futures after Nvidia reported second-quarter revenue that more than doubled and beat forecasts by the widest margin in two years helped limit the decline. Australian household spending rose more than expected in July for a third consecutive month. Westfarmers fell 4.6% despite stronger annual profit as it warned of pressure on household budgets, while BHP Group and Rio Tinto declined 1.5% and 0.5%, respectively. Qantas Airways gained 4.8% after providing upbeat revenue guidance.