The ASX 200 ended almost flat at 8,765 on Wednesday after rising 17 points, or 0.2%, to 8,775 in morning trading. Gains in non-energy minerals, industrials and consumer durables offset declines in energy, technology, healthcare, communication and commercial services. Investors assessed September flash PMI data showing Australian private-sector growth at a three-month low, with slower services activity and weaker factory output, while preparing for labor-market data due Thursday. RBA Assistant Governor Sarah Hunter warned that interest rates may need to rise again if inflation pressures persist, ahead of next week’s policy meeting. Lower oil prices, amid reported momentum toward ending the war with Iran or the broader conflict in the Middle East, supported sentiment, while investors awaited Thursday’s summit between President Trump and China’s Xi Jinping for possible trade progress. BHP gained 1.4% and Rio Tinto rose 0.8%, while Woodside Energy fell 2.0% and Santos declined 1.8%.