Wall Street consolidated after yesterday's surge, as investors digested comments from Fed Governor Waller, who suggested that rate cuts might be possible in the first half of 2025. Meanwhile, U.S. retail sales advanced, capping off a solid holiday season, while the U.S. dollar slipped ahead of the Trump inauguration. In the commodities market, oil retreated from a five-month high amid expectations of a halt to Houthi shipping attacks. Copper climbed to a five-week peak on China stimulus hopes, and iron ore hit a four-week high due to lower shipments. Gold also surged to a one-month high, driven by weaker bond yields. Looking ahead, Aussie shares are expected to inch higher, with Chinese economic growth data coming into focus.

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