Aussie Stocks End the Week Lower

The S&P/ASX 200 finished 0.1% lower at 8,958 on Friday, reversing gains from the previous session, as heavyweight miners dragged the market lower, while investors stayed cautious ahead of corporate results due later this month.

The main index also slipped 0.3% for the week, its first decline in three weeks.

The metals and mining sub-index led losses with a 2.5% drop, retreating from a record high in the prior session when it tracked stronger commodity prices.

Sector giants BHP and Rio Tinto slipped 2.1% and 1.7%, respectively.

Gold miners also fell 3.5% as bullion slipped below the $4,000 mark, with Northern Star Resources down 2.1% and Evolution Mining 3.9%.

Looking ahead, investors will focus on quarterly production reports from mining and energy firms next week, with near-term volatility expected in the benchmark.

Meanwhile, on policy, RBA Governor Michele Bullock reiterated concerns about sticky inflation, stressing that policy decisions will depend on upcoming data.