FX.co ★ Australian Stocks Rise on Trade Optimism

The S&P/ASX 200 increased by 0.4% to reach 8,551 on Tuesday, nearing a four-month peak, as high-stakes negotiations between the United States and China sparked optimism about a possible truce on tariffs. Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, headed the U.S. delegation engaging with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and his team, with a focus on rare earth exports and the likely easing of export limitations. Both nations characterized the talks as "productive," and they are slated to continue on Tuesday. Domestically, the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index saw a month-on-month rise of 0.5% in June, reaching 92.6—marking its fourth increment this year, bolstered by a May interest rate cut and indications of diminishing inflation pressures. On the corporate front, Rio Tinto Limited experienced a 0.4% increase after seeking government support to maintain operations at its majority-owned Tomago aluminum smelter amid escalating energy costs. Other prominent gainers included Block, Inc. with a rise of 3.1%, Woodside Energy Group up by 1.5%, and Goodman Group with a 1.3% increase.