The ASX 200 eased 0.1% to close at 9,264 on Friday, snapping a five-session run of gains as traders booked profits after the index hit fresh highs twice this week. Weaker U.S. stock futures also weighed on sentiment amid geopolitical headwinds following reports that Iran may move to restrict “hostile” vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Commercial services, healthcare, tech, and financials slipped, offset by gains in non-energy minerals and manufacturing. The big four banks fell between 1.0% and 1.6%, while other notable laggards included Fortescue (-2.3%) and Qantas (-1.1%). Still, markets posted a second straight weekly gain, up 3.2%, boosted by steady buying and a rebound in Australia's June exports. In top trading partner China, exports and imports continued to rise at double-digit rates in July, though both eased from June’s pace. Traders now await next week’s Reserve Bank interest rate decision as slowing activity and sticky costs persist despite three hikes this year