Wall Street closed lower as Fed Chair Jerome Powell tempered expectations for a September rate cut. The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady despite pressure from President Trump, reinforcing a cautious stance amid resilient economic data. In corporate news, Microsoft and Meta both surged in after-hours trading following stronger-than-expected earnings results. In contrast, Freeport-McMoRan shares slid after the announcement of new copper tariffs. Meanwhile, jobs data surprised to the upside, highlighting ongoing strength in the U.S. labor market, and the U.S. dollar extended its rally for a fifth straight day. Back home, Aussie shares are set to open lower ahead of the release of retail spending figures.

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