S&P/ASX 200 closed up 0.2% on Monday, led by financials. Markets are positioned for a rate hike expected from the Reserve Bank of Australia on Tuesday, with pricing almost certain. KCM Trade chief market analyst Tim Waterer said the move is largely priced in, shifting focus to whether the RBA signals further tightening or a more cautious, data-driven stance. Any hawkish guidance would likely pressure rate-sensitive sectors; milder wording could help sustain recent gains. A more hawkish signal on

S&P/ASX 200 closed up 0.2% on Monday, led by financials. Markets are positioned for a rate hike expected from the Reserve Bank of Australia on Tuesday, with pricing almost certain. KCM Trade chief market analyst Tim Waterer said the move is largely priced in, shifting focus to whether the RBA signals further tightening or a more cautious, data-driven stance. Any hawkish guidance would likely pressure rate-sensitive sectors; milder wording could help sustain recent gains. A more hawkish signal on Tuesday could quickly dent equity upside.