Australian shares edged up 12 points or 0.2% to 8,994 around midday Thursday, snapping a three-session slide after Wall Street rebounded from losses driven by rising Treasury yields and renewed U.S.–Iran tensions. Bargain hunting emerged after local markets hit a four-week low, lifting most sectors, notably non-energy minerals, manufacturing, and industrials. However, gains were capped by trade data showing the surplus narrowed to AUD 1.9 billion in July as exports fell faster than imports. Meanwhile, stronger-than-expected Q2 GDP figures reinforced expectations that the Reserve Bank will raise rates at this month’s meeting. The big four banks rose between 0.5% and 1.5%, while PLS Group gained 3.0%, Fortescue 2.7%, and Orica 2.2%. In contrast, heavyweight BHP Group slipped 1.1%.