Australian Equities Rise for Third Session

Australian shares extended their winning streak on Tuesday, with the benchmark rising 42 points, or 0.5%, to 9,061 in early trade, marking a third straight session of gains. The advance tracked Wall Street’s overnight rally, as easing US-Iran tensions pressured oil and Treasury yields lower. Locally, upbeat July factory activity and June private credit data added to investor optimism. However, caution lingered ahead of trade figures due later this week from Australia and top trading partner China. Sectoral strength was broad, led by tech, financials, healthcare, and process industries. Qantas edged up 0.3% after agreeing to sell its minority stake in Jetstar Japan, unlocking about AUD 115 million for reinvestment. The four big banks gained between 0.7% and 1.4%. Other notable movers were Xero Ltd. (3.0%), Pro Medicus (1.5%), and Lynas Rare Earths (1.4%). Traders now await June household spending figures due later today, a key domestic demand gauge that may shape sentiment.

The ASX 200 advanced 43 points, or 0.5%, to end at 9,019 on Monday, reversing early declines and extending last week’s momentum. Investor sentiment improved after U.S. stock futures rallied, buoyed by President Trump’s decision to hold off on further action against Iran. Locally, July factory activity in Australia was revised higher, supported by easing inflation. In main trading partner China, policymakers pledged continued monetary support in H2 2026, vowing to maintain liquidity and adjust tools as needed. Domestic earnings season also drew focus, with AMP, Nick Scali, James Hardie and REA Group set to report, offering insight into corporate resilience amid the five-month Iran war. 4DMedical surged 9.1% to lead health names, while Treasury Wine Estates rose 5.9% atop consumer staples. Three of the big four banks gained between 0.2% and 0.8%. In contrast, energy stocks lagged as oil prices slipped, with Woodside down 1.4% and Santos off 1.9%.

Australian shares eased 27 points, or 0.3%, to 8,950 on the first trading day of August, reversing the prior session’s gain as investors turned cautious ahead of key domestic releases this week, including June household spending, trade data, and July job ads. Focus also extends to top trading partner China, where PMI readings from a private survey and trade figures are due this week. Firmer U.S. equity futures tempered losses after President Trump signaled restraint on further Iran strikes, raising hopes for progress in the five-month conflict. Locally, factory activity in July was revised higher amid easing inflation, while June private credit saw its strongest rise in six months. Energy minerals, consumer services, and healthcare weighed, though utilities and consumer non-durables offered support. Three of the four major banks slipped, while energy names Woodside (-1.5%) and Santos (-1.4%) fell. In contrast, Wisetech (1.3%), Evolution Mining (1.2%), and QBE Insurance (0.7%) rose.