The S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.3% to around 9,000 in Thursday morning trade, extending losses from the previous session, dragged down by mining and tech stocks. Among heavyweight miners, BHP Group led the decline, down 2.5%, amid caution over ongoing annual negotiations with China on iron ore sales from its major Australian operations. Rio Tinto and Lynas Rare Earths also fell over 1% each, while Fortescue edged down ahead of its Q1 production report. Additionally, technology shares tracked Wall Street lower, down nearly 1.2%, amid worries over potential US export curbs on China involving products made with US software. On the upside, energy firms surged nearly 2.8% to its highest level since September 30. Major players like Woodside Energy (+3.4%) and Santos Ltd. (+2.1%) benefited from rising oil prices driven by global supply concerns. Gold miners also rose over 1% likely on bargain hunting after a recent sell-off.