Aussie stocks ended their winning streak with the ASX 200 down after a strong start to 2025. November’s retail sales data showed a 0.8% increase, softer than expected, reflecting cautious consumer spending despite heavy promotional activities. This adds weight to the possibility of an interest rate cut in February, though key data like employment stats and inflation updates later this month will be pivotal. Meanwhile, Star Entertainment hit an all-time low amid cash flow concerns, and Avita Medical struggled after cutting revenue goals. Bright spots included gold miners and lithium stocks, with Arcadium Lithium surging 8% after regulatory progress in its Rio Tinto takeover deal. Investors now await U.S. employment reports and Chinese inflation data for further direction.

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