Australian shares are expected to open lower, tracking weakness on the Dow as energy and tech stocks supported the S&P 500's opening gains.ASX 200 futures dipped 24 points to 8729, while the S&P 500 edged up 0.2% amid narrow trading.Energy, tech, and communications services sectors saw gains of around 1%, with oil prices rising to $89 per barrel due to ongoing US-Iran tensions.Alphabet shares rose on reports of a new server chip for its Gemini AI model, while Iren surged 20% following new contract announcements.Market highlights include a 0.3% drop in the Dow, a 1.8% rise in Bitcoin, and a 1% increase in Brent oil.Analysts note heightened inflation risks in New Zealand and forecasted volatility in the ASX's August reporting season.

The article also touches on political and economic developments, including Pauline Hanson's infrastructure proposals and warnings about potential tech market corrections.