ASX today – The ASX is expected to open slightly lower this morning as the market absorbs yesterday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures, with inflation again likely to stay front of mind for rate-sensitive sectors.

The CPI rose 3.5% in the 12 months to July 2026, increasing concerns about further pressure on interest rates.

Overseas, Wall Street slipped slightly as markets reacted to the US’s own persistent inflation figures.

Recent economic data showed that US consumer price pressures remain firm. Core inflation measures came in close to expectations, but they did not reduce expectations for a future Federal Reserve rate decision.

Meta was also in focus after finalising a major legal agreement over child safety claims.

Locally, the Queensland government has introduced new laws to support the state’s critical minerals sector, with legislation passing Parliament last night.

The bill gives the government tools to help facilitate major projects and position Queensland to compete for global investment flowing into critical minerals supply chains.

Under the reforms, declaring a State Strategic Project will streamline approvals, but it will not automatically approve a project or remove existing environmental, planning, resources, or other approval requirements.

On the market news front:

• Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) delivered the strongest annual report result in its 20-year listed history.
• Genesis Energy (ASX: GNE) reported a solid financial result, with normalised EBITDAF up 11%.
• IGO (ASX: IGO) reported improved earnings and strong cash flow generation.
• Wesfarmers (ASX: WES) announced that Michael Schneider, managing director of Bunnings Group, has advised of his intention to retire and will be succeeded by Rachael McVitty, Bunnings Group’s chief customer officer.
• Daly Resources (ASX: DLY) confirmed that a regional airborne electromagnetic (VTEM) survey has commenced at its Broughton project in the Northern Territory.

In forex, the Australian dollar is buying US$0.717.

In commodities, all in US dollars, iron ore was up 0.19% at $95.58 in Singapore today, Brent crude was down 1.30% at $87.430 per barrel, gold was selling at $4593.53, and US natgas futures were up 3.20% at $2.8586 per gigajoule.

That’s HotCopper’s Market Open, I’m Colin Sandell-Hay – happy trading.

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