The Australian stock market was lower at noon led by the banks and a potential interest rate rise, although the resources sector provided some buoyancy. St George Bank led the falls after reporting a 10% fall in first half profit and a downgrade of its earnings guidance for the full year. Gold miner Newcrest had added 70 cents, or 2.47%, to $29.00, Lihir Gold had gained 5 cents, or 1.62%, to $3.13, and Newmont had picked up 7 cents, or 1.45%, to $4.79.