Australia’s ASX 200 fell 0.1% to 8,911 on Wednesday, extending its weakness to a six-week low as oil prices approached USD 100 and global inflation concerns intensified. Domestic business mood fell to a three-month low in August, while consumer sentiment weakened in September. Regional markets also declined after reports that Iran escalated tensions by firing missiles at a U.S. base in Jordan and attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. China, Australia’s largest trading partner, reported headline inflation accelerating as expected in August, while producer prices rose more than economists had estimated. Healthcare, financial and commercial-services stocks weighed on the benchmark. CSL dropped 2.0% after lowering its FY26 guidance and warning of slower plasma demand and increased generic competition. The four major banks fell between 0.4% and 2.2%. Gains in non-energy minerals, energy and industrial services limited the broader decline, with Woodside up 2.7%, Santos rising 1.8%, BHP gaining 2.8% and Rio Tinto advancing 2.3%.