29.07.202606:59:40UTC+00ASX 200 Climbs to Highest Since March on Inflation Relief

Australia’s ASX 200 climbed 91 points, or 1.0%, to close at 9,039 on Wednesday, extending its winning streak to a third session and marking its highest level since early March. Softer CPI data helped ease pressure on the Reserve Bank of Australia after three rate hikes earlier this year. Gains, however, were capped by weaker U.S. stock futures as oil prices rose following Iran’s attack on U.S. forces.

Investors also remained cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision and a briefing by Chairman Kevin Warsh later in the day.

Nearly all sectors advanced, with healthcare, retail, consumer services, and consumer non-durables leading the market higher. Rio Tinto jumped 3.7% after posting its strongest first-half earnings in four years and announcing its largest interim dividend since 2022. CSL surged 7.2% on news of clinical trials for a new immunoglobulin manufacturing process. Woodside Energy gained 1.4% as second-quarter revenue rose 28% and the company narrowed its full-year guidance.

In contrast, three of the four major banks underperformed, with only ANZ Group edging higher, up 1.4%.