FX.co ★ ASX 200 Marks Fresh Closing High

The ASX 200 climbed 44 points, or 0.5%, to close at a record high of 9,272 on Thursday, extending its winning streak to a fourth consecutive session. The advance was supported by an unexpected June trade surplus in Australia, driven by a rebound in exports, alongside fresh capital inflows at the start of the financial year and confirmed gains in building permits.

Sentiment was further buoyed by firmer U.S. stock futures amid optimism that a potential U.S.-Iran peace deal could end the five-month conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Corporate news also contributed, with Glencore announcing plans for a secondary listing in Australia in October.

Investors, however, remained guarded ahead of July trade figures from China, Australia’s largest trading partner, due on Friday.

Gains were broad-based across sectors, led by non-energy minerals, consumer services, and consumer-focused stocks. Evolution Mining advanced 3.8%, Northern Star Resources rose 3.3%, and ASX Ltd added 2.1%, while three of the big four banks gained between 0.3% and 0.9%. These moves were partially offset by declines in Woodside Energy (-0.2%) and Wisetech Global (-1.5%).