Australia’s ASX 200 rose 16 points, or 0.2%, to finish at 8,839 on Thursday, extending gains for a third straight session on strength in non‑energy minerals, utilities, and technology stocks. Early advances were pared back after stronger‑than‑expected June employment data heightened expectations of another interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank of Australia. The central bank has already lifted the cash rate three times this year to 4.35% in an effort to rein in inflation, fully unwinding the policy easing implemented in 2025. The unemployment rate held at 4.4%, matching market forecasts.
Investors also remained cautious ahead of July flash PMI data due on Friday. Among individual names, Woodside Energy gained 0.5% amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, while Santos inched up 0.3% despite posting weaker second‑quarter sales revenue. A firmer gold price underpinned the miners, with Northern Star Resources climbing 2.6% and Evolution Mining advancing 2.1%. The four major banks added between 0.5% and 1.3%. In contrast, Macquarie slipped 0.6% after announcing the retirement of its long‑serving CEO.
