The S&P/ASX 200 traded cautiously midday Tuesday, down 4.2 points to 8080.3, as investors weighed mixed Wall Street cues and profit results from major Australian companies against rising Middle East tensions. The index, less than 60 points from its peak of 8148.7 earlier this month, saw seven of its 11 sectors decline, led by tech, while energy outperformed.

Key focus was on Woodside, BHP, Coles, and Worley after their earnings reports. Woodside surged 4.5% on a smaller-than-expected decline in half-year profit, bolstered by a strong dividend discussion. BHP gained 2% after posting a $US13.7 billion underlying profit, exceeding expectations. Coles advanced 2.3% with robust full-year profits, while Worley jumped 3.7% on higher profits for 2024.

Conversely, Johns Lyng Group dropped 26% following a revenue decline, and Lovisa fell nearly 14% despite higher profits, disappointing investors. Guzman y Gomez slid 5.4% due to deeper fiscal 2024 losses, and Zip lost 7% despite transaction growth. Austal, however, rallied 5.1% after resolving a US fraud investigation.