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Australia\u2019s ASX 200 Index declined by 0.50% on Monday morning, tracking the Dow Jones into negative territory. Investors turned cautious ahead of crucial corporate earnings results and the looming RBA interest rate decision.<\/p>\n
Markets are pricing in a possible RBA rate cut on February 18. However, uncertainty about the RBA\u2019s rate path influenced sentiment. While losses were broad-based, banking and gold<\/a>-related stocks led the declines.<\/p>\n Westpac Banking Corp. (WBC) tumbled 4.09% after releasing disappointing earnings. Net interest margins (NIM) fell in the quarter, a key earnings metric.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Northern Star Resources Ltd. (NST) slid 3.88% after gold prices tumbled 1.56% to $2,883 on February 14.<\/p>\n This morning, BHP Group Ltd. (BHP) and ANZ (ANZ) will also report earnings, keeping the mining and banking sectors in focus.<\/p>\n Looking ahead, corporate earnings, central bank policy decisions, US tariff developments, and the AI sector\u2019s growth will continue to influence sentiment. AI stocks could extend their gains as strategic partnerships and innovation fuel optimism. However, US tariff uncertainty may continue to heighten volatility across targeted sectors.<\/p>\nOutlook: Risks and Opportunities Ahead<\/h2>\n