Australian shares are poised to rise on Tuesday as global oil prices climb and safe-haven metals gain after the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Investors are weighing potential shifts in crude exports from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, alongside renewed demand for gold, silver, and other precious metals amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
Overnight, the S&P 500, the Nasdaq Composite, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.6%, 0.7%, and 1.2%, respectively.
In the macroeconomy, Australia's service sector continued to expand in December 2025, supported by rising new business and hiring, but growth eased to a seven-month low amid stronger cost pressures, according to a monthly survey by S&P Global released Tuesday.
In corporate news, SGH (ASX:SGH) confirmed that, along with Nasdaq-listed metal solutions firm Steel Dynamics, it submitted a non-binding, conditional indicative offer to fully acquire BlueScope Steel (ASX:BSL) for AU$30 apiece, representing a total equity value of AU$13.2 billion.
Monadelphous Group (ASX:MND) secured a construction contract worth AU$175 million with BHP Group (ASX:BHP) for a car dumper project at Finucane Island, Port Hedland, Western Australia.
Australia's benchmark index rose 0.01% or 0.8 points to close at 8,728.60 on Monday.