Australia’s benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index closed 0.33% higher on Thursday, supported by gains in materials, mining and gold-related equities.
The index advanced as 706 stocks rose, while 400 declined and 405 remained unchanged. The S&P/ASX 200 VIX, a measure of expected volatility, increased 1.61% to 10.85, indicating modestly higher risk sentiment.
Among top performers, Zip Co Ltd surged 18.41% to A$3.06, while Super Retail Group Ltd added 14.89% to A$14.43. Codan Ltd climbed 12.40% to A$48.87, reaching an all-time high. On the downside, Downer Edi Ltd fell 10.07% to A$6.70, a 52-week low, while Sonic Healthcare Ltd dropped 9.53% to A$21.32.
Commodity-linked equities benefited from firmer prices. Gold futures for December delivery rose 0.12% to $4,550.76 per troy ounce, while Brent crude for October delivery increased 0.44% to $92.02 per barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for October delivery gained 0.38% to $84.71 per barrel.
The Australian dollar held steady against the U.S. dollar, trading at 0.71, while the AUD/JPY pair rose 0.12% to 112.81. The U.S. Dollar Index futures were little changed at 98.75.
