The S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.5% to 8,850 on Monday, hitting a fresh all-time high as investors looked ahead to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s monetary policy decision, due on Tuesday. Markets widely anticipate a 25 bps cut to 3.60% at the August meeting, following the RBA’s decision to hold rates steady at 3.85% in July—an outcome that defied expectations of a cut. At the time, the RBA cited a more balanced outlook on inflation risks and continued labor market strength as reasons for its cautious stance. Despite the expected rate cut, uncertainty lingers, as RBA Governor Michele Bullock, speaking after the July decision, noted that the central bank would no longer provide forward guidance. She emphasized that decisions rest solely with the board and cannot be anticipated ahead of meetings. Mining heavyweights BHP Group, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue showed strength, with shares climbing 1.8%, 1.5%, and 1.3%, respectively. In contrast, Block, Inc. plunged 9.1% to its lowest level in a week.