ASX 200 Climbs to Highest Since March on Inflation Relief

2026-07-29 06:59 By Farida Husna 1 min. read

Australia's ASX 200 jumped 91 points, or 1.0%, to end at 9,039 on Wednesday, extending gains for a third session and reaching its highest level since early March.

Softer CPI data eased pressure on the Reserve Bank after three hikes earlier this year.

However, gains were limited by weaker U.S.

stock futures as oil prices surged following Iran's attack on U.S.

forces.

Meanwhile, investors cautiously awaited the Fed's interest rate decision and Chairman Kevin Warsh's briefing later in the day.

Nearly all sectors advanced, led by healthcare, retail, consumer services, and consumer non-durables.

Rio Tinto rallied 3.7% on its strongest first-half earnings in four years and its largest interim dividend since 2022.

CSL surged 7.2% after announcing trials of a new immunoglobulin manufacturing process.

Woodside Energy rose 1.4% as Q2 revenue jumped 28% and full-year guidance was narrowed.

In contrast, three of the four major banks were subdued, with only ANZ Group managing a gain, rising 1.4%.



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