Australian shares fell 36 points, or 0.4%, to 9,093 in Thursday morning trading, extending losses after Wall Street weakened overnight. Hotter-than-expected U.S. PCE inflation lifted yields and reinforced caution ahead of Nvidia’s earnings, while renewed Gaza strikes and tanker attacks in Hormuz increased oil volatility and inflation concerns. Australian July headline inflation exceeded forecasts because of fuel and travel costs, and core inflation also surprised higher, raising the risk of another RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia) hike. Tech services, non-energy minerals and retail trade declined, while health services, industries and manufacturing advanced. Sigma Healthcare fell 4.9%, Wisetech Global dropped 4.8% and Xero Ltd. lost 2.0%; BHP eased 0.9% and the big four banks were mixed. Investors are awaiting July household spending and second-quarter private capital expenditure data later Thursday.