Apr 9, 2026, 13:55 GMT+7
Key points:
- ASX200 edges higher, ends at 5-week high
- Banks end near late February highs
- Miners tick lower, Rio Tinto sheds 1.1%
- Energy stocks rebound on oil price uplift
- NZ50 clocks 4-day winning run
By Nikita Maria Jino
Reuters - Australian shares edged higher on Thursday to finish at a five-week peak, led by financials, as caution persisted over a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire and inflation risks from restricted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
The S&P/ASX 200 benchmark indexrose 0.2% to 8,973.20, closing at its highest since March 3. Volumes were below the 30-day average, indicating subdued activity.
Wednesday's rally cooled as fighting in the Middle East continued and there were few signs of safe passage through the strait, raising concerns over energy supply and pushing oil prices higher.
"The enthusiasm after yesterday's ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz re-opening plan has certainly been tempered on news Israel has launched attacks on Lebanon and critical infrastructure on both sides of the Strait have been hit," said Luke Winchester, portfolio manager at Merewether Capital.
"Investors are largely remaining on the sidelines until there is clear resolution of Middle East conflict."
In Sydney, financialsrose 1.2% to touch a near-seven-week high. All the "Big Four" banks rose between 1% and 2.2%.
The resources sub-index, which accounts for more than a third of the benchmark, snapped a two-session rally to slip 0.2%, dragged by weak commodity prices.
BHPended flat, while Rio Tintolost over 1%.
Technology stocksplunged 6.5% in their worst session since early February. WiseTech Globaland Xeroshed 10.9% and 8.6%, respectively.
Energy stocksrebounded 2.6% after tanking sharply the previous day, tracking oil prices higher. Woodside Energyand Santosgained 4% and 2.5%, respectively.
Elsewhere, discretionary stocks , gold miners, and healthcare firmsslipped between 0.6% and 1.2%.
In New Zealand, the benchmark S&P/NZX 50 indexended in positive territory for the fourth straight day at 13,273.81, its highest since March 18.
Sumber : Reuters