Market Close: US Fed rate cut hopes rise along with gold, which kind of means whatever you want it to

Market Overview - The local share market started strong but quickly traded flat with minor losses throughout the session [1] - Gold prices rose above US$4,100 an ounce amid mixed responses to potential US Fed rate cuts, while major banks showed declines [2] Economic Indicators - Monthly CPI data from the ABS is expected, but significant market movement is unlikely unless there is a major shock [3] Sector Performance - Materials sector led with a gain of approximately 1.5%, while financials lagged down over 1% [3] Company Highlights - WEB Travel Group's stock increased nearly 10% after earnings met analyst expectations, focusing on B2B hotel room bookings [3] - Metallium Ltd's shares jumped over 15% intraday as it announced plans to list ADRs on NASDAQ, with a focus on extracting metals from e-waste [4] - Droneshield's stock rose following a $5 million contract announcement, alleviating concerns over recent director share sales [4] Company Declines - Bendigo Bank's shares fell after a Deloitte report indicated deficiencies in its money laundering risk assessment protocols, compounding recent cost concerns [4] - Bougainville Copper's stock plummeted 50% after a partner ceased contact, leading to a separate MOU with the Bougainville government that restricts Bougainville Copper's involvement [5]