FX.co ★ ASX 200 Jumps 1.4% as Geopolitical Tensions Ease

The ASX 200 jumped 122 points, or 1.4%, to finish at 8,894 on Monday, rebounding from earlier losses as a rally in U.S. futures and a pullback in oil prices on easing geopolitical tensions lifted sentiment. Domestically, flash PMI data for July showed services activity expanding at its fastest pace in six months, while manufacturing output recorded its strongest increase so far this year. In key trading partner China, industrial profits rose 18.7% year-on-year in the first half, remaining robust though moderating from the January–May pace. Still, gains were capped by caution ahead of Australia’s June and Q2 inflation releases later this week, amid persistent concerns about sticky price pressures. Every sector advanced, with technology, commercial services, non-energy minerals, and process industries leading the move higher. Capricorn Metals surged 14.3% after lifting its gold reserves by 33% to 5.24 million ounces. The four major banks climbed between 1.1% and 1.5%, while other notable gainers included BHP (up 2.2%), Goodman Group (3.3%), Aristocrat Leisure (2.1%), and Evolution Mining (2.0%).