“The deceleration in the monthly CPI should be enough for the RBA to pause its hiking cycle. Although today’s stronger housing related data could, together with a tight labour market and lingering inflation concerns, tip the decision the other way.” The best performing sector on the day was consumer discretionary, which finished up 1.4 per cent. Among the best performers was Bunnings and Kmart operator Wesfarmers, which added 1.4 per cent to $50.01, with The Lottery Corporation jumping 2.3 per cent to $5.25, just shy of a record high of $5.35. Gold miners also climbed as the precious metal advanced…