S&P/ASX 200 closes lower as Australian shares struggle for momentum amid tariff tensions and suspense over inflation data; check top gainers and losers

Market Overview - The S&P/ASX 200 closed down 3.70 points to 9,022.30, with a 0.71% gain over the last five days and currently 1.05% off its 52-week high [2][10] - Heavyweight banks experienced losses, which offset gains in the mining sector, leading to a cautious investor sentiment ahead of key domestic data [1][3] Key Performers - Top gainers included Liontown Limited (LTR), up 8.68% to $1.815, and Viva Energy Group Limited (VEA), gaining 8.09% to $1.870 [10] - The bottom performers were ARB Corporation Limited, down 13.06% to $21.360, and Austal Limited, down 12.48% to $4.910 [2][10] Sector Performance - Six out of eleven sectors ended higher, with the energy sector being the best performer, gaining 1.68% and 5.14% over the past five days [9][10] - Financials fell by 0.3%, primarily due to a 3.6% decline in Macquarie, amid concerns over prolonged high interest rates affecting lending growth [9][10] - Technology stocks decreased by 3.5%, while real estate slipped by 1.2% [10] Mining Sector Insights - The mining sector rose by 1.1%, with BHP adding 1.4% and hitting a record high above A$55 [10] - Lithium miners saw significant gains, with Pilbara Minerals and Mineral Resources increasing by 8% and 6.5%, respectively, driven by renewed optimism around lithium prices [11]