The S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.2% to 8,886 on Monday, retreating from a more than two-month high in the previous session as investors paused following a sustained rally. Market attention now turns to a key batch of economic data due later this week, with particular focus on the unemployment rate. While the jobless rate is expected to edge higher, Oxford Economics Australia cautioned that the economy remains in an “awkward position,” warning that inflation is showing signs of re-acceleration even as growth remains uneven. Australia’s Monthly Inflation Gauge, compiled by the Melbourne Institute, jumped 1% month-on-month in December 2025, the fastest pace since December 2023 and up sharply from 0.3% over the previous two months. Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, NAB and ANZ Group all fell between 0.5% and 0.7%. In contrast, gold stocks outperformed on record bullion prices amid renewed tariff concerns, with Newmont Corporation, Evolution Mining and Northern Star Resources rising between 1.8% and 2.1%.