Consumer staples stocks rose past 1% at midday Monday, with Brent crude edging 0.1% higher.

A weaker-than-expected US non-farm payrolls report for July missed economists' forecasts, and added to concerns of a slowdown in the US.

Endeavour Group (ASX:EDV), which advanced almost 4%, said Executive Chairman Ari Mervis resigned, effective Monday. Current lead independent director Duncan Makeig was appointed as interim chair, with the company expecting to name a new chair before Jan. 1, 2026. Chief Financial Officer Kate Beattie will step in as interim Chief Executive, while Deputy CFO Tali Ross has been appointed interim CFO.

On the flip side, the financial sector struggled, shedding almost 1%. The S&P 500 fell 1.6% on Aug. 1, its fourth consecutive loss.

Argo Investments (ASX:ARG) reported fiscal 2025 earnings of AU$0.341 per share, up from AU$0.333 a year earlier. Income from operating activities for the 12 months ended June 30 was AU$290 million, compared with AU$285.5 million a year earlier.