Australian shares fell on market close on Friday, as Australia's total credit rose month over month in December 2025.

The S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.65%, or 58.40 points, to close at 8,869.10.

US President Donald Trump is prepared to declare his pick for the next chair of the US Federal Reserve.

On the domestic front, Australia's producer prices, excluding exports, increased 0.8% in the December 2025 quarter, following a 1% rise in the September 2025 quarter. The main drivers of quarterly growth were property operators, up 0.9% amid strong demand and rising residential rents, and residential building construction, which rose 1.3% due to a modest rise in demand.

Australia's total credit rose 0.8% month on month in December 2025, following a 0.6% increase in November 2025.

In company news, Nine Entertainment (ASX:NEC) reached an agreement with Quadrant Private Equity to acquire 100% of the issued capital of QMS Media for AU$850 million, on a cash and debt-free enterprise value basis. Nine also finalized an agreement to sell Nine's broadcast radio assets, 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, 2UE, Magic1278, and 4BH, to the Laundy Family Office on a cash and debt-free enterprise value of AU$56 million. Its shares jumped 5% on market close.

Star Entertainment Group (ASX:SGR) said its fiscal second-quarter revenue came in at AU$301 million, up 6% quarter over quarter, and its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) profit before "significant" items clocked in at AU$6 million. Its shares closed down 16% on Friday.

Lastly, Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) reported production of 208,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate and sales of 232,000 tonnes of the same for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2025. Its shares fell 7% on close.