Australian stocks close lower after core inflation beats expectations, rate-hike bets rise; S&P/ASX 200 drops, check top gainers and losers

Core Insights - The S&P/ASX 200 index closed down 7.70 points at 8,933.90, influenced by inflation data raising interest rate hike expectations [1][8] - The trimmed mean consumer price index rose 0.9% in Q4, exceeding forecasts of 0.8%, indicating persistent underlying price pressures [1][8] - Financial stocks fell 0.3%, with Westpac and ANZ declining by 0.2% and 0.5% respectively, amid expectations of a potential interest rate hike [1][9] Stock Performance - Deep Yellow Limited (DYL) led gains, closing at $2.590, up 10.683% [6][9] - Silex Systems Limited (SLX) rose 7.412% to finish at $7.680 [6][9] - Life360 Inc. (360) was the biggest loser, down 7.613% to $28.520 [7][9] - Catapult Sports Ltd (CAT) fell 6.836% to close at $3.680 [7][9] Sector Performance - The energy sector was the best performer, gaining 2.33% and 6.13% over the past five days [8][9] - 9 of 11 sectors ended lower, contributing to the decline of the S&P/ASX 200 index [8][9] Market Expectations - Swaps indicate over a 70% chance of a cash rate hike next week, up from 60% prior to the inflation data [1][8] - Financial stocks may see early boosts from net interest margin expectations if the rate hike is perceived as measured, though gains could be limited due to credit demand and growth risks [4][9]