Australian shares slip as banks outweigh mining gains; inflation data in focus

Oct 27 (Reuters) - Australian shares slid on Tuesday as losses in financials outweighed gains in mining stocks, boosted by stronger copper prices, while investors awaited quarterly inflation data for clues on the central bank's next policy move.

The S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO fell 0.3% to 8,783.00, as of 0036 GMT. The benchmark gained 0.2% on Monday.

Markets are focused on Wednesday's quarterly inflation print for clues on the Reserve Bank of Australia's key cash rate decision next week.

Swaps imply nearly a 65% chance the central bank will hike rates a fifth time this year at its November 3 meeting. 0#AUDIRPR

Rate-sensitive financials .AXFJ slid 0.9%, heading for its steepest drop in nearly two weeks. All the "Big Four" banks fell between 0.8% and 1.2%.

Healthcare stocks .AXHJ fell 0.7%, on track for their worst session since October 2. CSL CSL.AX and Cochlear COH.AX dropped 1% and 1.5%, respectively.

Casino operator Star Entertainment swung to quarterly profit on strong performances at its Sydney and Gold Coast operations. The firm's shares jumped up to 21.7%, marking the biggest intraday gain in 11 months.

Heavyweight miners .AXMM advanced 1.1%, tracking firmer copper prices. Rio Tinto RIO.AX and BHP BHP.AX advanced 1.3% and 1.7%, respectively. MET/L

Gold stocks .AXGD added 0.3% as bullion prices rose on Monday. GOL/

Energy stocks .AXEJ inched 0.3% higher, despite a slight fall in crude prices as they hovered around their six-month highs due to persistent attacks on Saudi Arabia. O/R

Santos STO.AX and Woodside Energy WDS.AX added between 0.6% and 0.5%, respectively.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index .NZ50 fell 0.8% to 13,619.15, set for its worst session in more than three weeks.

Investors' focus has shifted to Wednesday's central bank decision, with over 80% of economists expecting the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to hike the cash rate by a quarter point, according to a Reuters poll.