The S&P/ASX 200 closed flat around 8,636, after hitting a four-month low earlier in the session as losses in financials offset gains in energy stocks. The financials index edged down 0.2%, marking its lowest level in more than three months. Notably, Commonwealth Bank of Australia fell 1% to a seven-month low, following disappointing earnings and warnings about narrowing margins. In contrast, energy stocks climbed 1.1%, marking its strongest single-day gain in a week. Woodside Energy Group added 0.9%, supported by expectations that it will finalize a US LNG supply agreement with Saudi Aramco next week. Meanwhile, strong economic data has prompted investors to reassess their expectations for monetary easing. Swaps now price in only a 36% likelihood of a rate cut, down significantly from 70% just a week earlier. Investors now turn their attention to the RBA’s meeting minutes due tomorrow for additional clues on policy direction.