The S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.1% to around 9,100 in Thursday morning trade, advancing for a fourth consecutive session to notch a new record high. Gains were led by commodity-linked stocks as investors also assessed the latest labour market data for clues on the policy outlook.
The energy sector outperformed as oil prices climbed after Iran rejected key US demands in Geneva talks and Washington warned it could resort to military action if negotiations break down. Among oil and gas producers, Santos gained 3.3%, while Woodside Energy and Origin Energy added 2.4% and 1.4%, respectively.
Gold miners also moved higher, and local technology shares tracked their US counterparts upward, supported by easing concerns over AI-related disruption. In contrast, rate-sensitive sectors were mixed: bank stocks traded in positive territory, while most real estate names dragged on the benchmark.
On the macro front, official data showed the unemployment rate held at a seven-month low in January, with employment rising by 17,800, reinforcing expectations that the Reserve Bank will maintain a tight monetary policy stance.
