FX.co ★ Australian Shares Rise on Retail Sector Strength

The S&P/ASX 200 Index experienced a modest increase of 0.1%, reaching approximately 7,925 on Friday. This rise extends the gains from the previous day, primarily propelled by significant strides in the retail sector. Notably, Woolworths and Coles saw substantial increases of 5.1% and 3.4%, respectively, following acknowledgments from Australian regulators positioning them among the world's most profitable supermarkets. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) highlighted that both retailers have managed to expand their profit margins even as shelf prices have sharply increased. Conversely, key industries such as mining, energy, and financials showed limited progress, hindered by the absence of new market drivers. Nevertheless, the benchmark index is poised for an approximate 2% weekly rise, potentially ending a four-week streak of declines. The positive market sentiment was bolstered by the US Federal Reserve's indication of two potential interest rate reductions within the year and Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s assurance that inflation resulting from tariffs is likely to be temporary.