The ASX 200 rose 43 points, or 0.5%, to close at 9,019 on Monday, reversing early losses and building on last week’s gains. Sentiment improved after U.S. equity futures advanced, supported by President Trump’s decision to refrain from further action against Iran. Locally, July factory activity in Australia was revised higher, underpinned by easing inflation pressures.
In China, Australia’s key trading partner, policymakers reiterated their commitment to continued monetary support in the second half of 2026, pledging to maintain ample liquidity and adjust policy tools as required. The domestic earnings season was also in focus, with results from AMP, Nick Scali, James Hardie and REA Group expected to shed light on corporate resilience during the five-month Iran war.
In sector moves, 4DMedical jumped 9.1%, leading healthcare stocks, while Treasury Wine Estates climbed 5.9%, topping the consumer staples cohort. Three of the big four banks advanced between 0.2% and 0.8%. By contrast, energy shares underperformed as oil prices eased, with Woodside falling 1.4% and Santos slipping 1.9%.
