Australia’s 10-year bond yield rose to around 4.15%, attempting to rebound from a six-month low as investors continued to assess the Reserve Bank’s policy outlook. Recent data showed a surprise uptick in the jobless rate to a near four-year high in September, increasing the likelihood of a rate cut in November. However, this view remains challenged by sticky inflation, with officials recently suggesting that Q3 inflation could come in above forecasts. This echoed the tone of the latest RBA minutes, which highlighted caution over persistent price pressures. Investors are now closely watching speeches from RBA officials later this week for further clues on the direction of monetary policy. Meanwhile, a potential breakthrough in US–Australia trade discussions could lift market sentiment, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to highlight Australia’s vast critical mineral reserves as a strategic alternative to offset China’s rare earth supply restrictions.