The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index closed 0.4% lower at 8,583.4 points. Trading was thin as Gulf hostilities stretched into a third week, with investors focused on risks to Middle East oil facilities despite U.S. calls to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. While most central banks are expected to hold rates steady amid Rate-sensitive financials rose 0.4%, with sub-index heavyweight Commonwealth Bank of ⁠Australia adding 1% to its highest in over two weeks. Energy stocks finished 0.5% hig ...