Australian shares opened 2026 lower, with the S&P/ASX 200 index down 0.1%. The decline was primarily driven by mining and gold stocks, notably Northern Star Resources, which fell 8.2% after reducing its annual production forecast. Technology stocks also slipped, mirroring Wall Street's performance. Nickel Industries was a notable gainer, rising 7.8% on news of a project acquisition. The Australian market concluded 2025 with a nearly 7% gain.