Australian stocks were little changed near 8,737 early Monday after four consecutive losing sessions, having touched their weakest level in almost two months last week. Cost pressures and expectations of prolonged Reserve Bank tightening continued to weigh on sentiment. U.S. equity futures fell sharply as oil prices jumped following weekend strikes on Saudi Arabia and Gulf shipping. Gains in consumer non-durables, energy minerals and commercial services offset declines in healthcare, manufacturing and non-energy minerals. Three of the four major banks posted modest gains, alongside Woodside and Santos, while BHP, Goodman Group, Evolution Mining and Lynas Rare Earths declined. Traders are awaiting remarks from RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia) official Sarah Hunter later Monday and activity data from China, Australia’s top trading partner, this week.