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%.



News Stream
ASX 200 Climbs to Highest Since March on Inflation Relief
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%.
2026-07-29
Australian Stocks Hit March highs on Broad Gains
Australian equities jumped 109 points or 1.2% to breach the 9,000 level in early deals on Wednesday, advancing for the third straight session and reaching their highest level since early March. Stronger U.S. futures underpinned the rally after Wall Street closed mostly higher, buoyed by optimism over U.S.–Iran peace talks. Gains were broad-based across tech, healthcare, non-energy minerals, and commercial services, though momentum was tempered by caution ahead of June and Q2 inflation data due later today. Persistent price pressures remain in focus despite three RBA hikes this year, and Governor Michele Bullock reiterated the board’s readiness to tighten further if needed. Among individual stocks, Rio Tinto surged 4.5% after lifting its interim dividend on the back of a 47% profit jump. Meanwhile, Woodside Energy added 0.9% following a 28% rise in quarterly revenue. Meanwhile, the big four banks were subdued against the broader market’s upswing.
2026-07-29
ASX 200 Reverses Early Losses to Finish Higher
The ASX 200 rose 54 points, or 0.6%, to close at 8,948 on Tuesday, rebounding from early weakness and marking a second straight gain. Sentiment brightened after U.S. President Trump said Washington was having “good talks” with Iran and that a deal was possible, easing fears of supply disruptions and sending oil prices lower. Locally, Australia is weighing its first new oil refinery in over six decades as the Middle East war squeezes supplies. Gains were broad-based, led by commercial services, healthcare, transport, and financials. The big four banks were up between 0.7% and 1.2%. Also, Sonic Healthcare rose 2.2%, along with Sigma Healthcare (1.8%), and Ramsay Health (1.2%). In contrast, Origin Energy edged lower after flagging possible data exposure affecting about 900,000 customers in a cybersecurity incident. Traders now await Australia’s June and Q2 inflation reports due Wednesday, with sticky price pressures still in focus despite three rate hikes by the Reserve Bank this year.
2026-07-28