FX.co ★ Australian Shares Gain for 5th Straight Session

The S&P/ASX 200 Index experienced a 0.4% increase, reaching approximately 8,100 on Wednesday. This marks the index’s fifth consecutive day of gains. Robust performances in the financial and consumer sectors helped to counteract the declines in the commodity sector, thus maintaining the market’s positive trajectory. Investors are now turning their attention to the forthcoming inflation report from Australia, which has the potential to impact the Reserve Bank of Australia's policy decisions. Given the current economic uncertainties and global trade tensions, the central bank is largely anticipated to implement an additional 25 basis point rate cut in May. Among the top performers were Commonwealth Bank with a 0.5% rise, ANZ Group up by 0.7%, and Wesfarmers climbing by 1.2%. Conversely, decreasing commodity prices exerted pressure on the mining and energy sectors, with Fortescue and Woodside Energy both declining by 0.2%.