Australian shares fell 118 points, or 1.3%, to 8,950 in early Wednesday trading, extending losses to a third consecutive session and taking the market to its lowest level in a month. Overnight declines on Wall Street, surging bond yields and higher oil prices weakened sentiment by intensifying inflation and interest-rate concerns. Investors also adopted a cautious stance before Q2 GDP data due later today, with growth expected to remain sluggish after last quarter’s weakest pace in a year. July trade figures are scheduled for Thursday, following a surge in June exports and subdued imports. Commercial services, non-energy minerals, healthcare and consumer stocks led the broad decline. BHP Group fell 2.8%, Rio Tinto dropped 1.3%, Northern Star Resources declined 4.7%, Evolution Mining lost 4.2% and Pro Medicus shed 3.6%. The big four banks eased modestly, while energy stocks outperformed, with Woodside Energy rising 2.0% and Santos gaining 1.3%, limiting the overall fall.