FX.co ★ ASX 200 Soars 1.1% to Finish at Over 2-Month Peak

The ASX 200 jumped 99 points, or 1.1%, to close at 9,129 on Tuesday, logging a second consecutive gain and its highest finish in more than two months. Sentiment was supported by stronger Dow and S&P 500 futures as investors bought the dip in technology stocks, while a further pullback in oil prices followed U.S. President Trump’s indication that additional military strikes on Iran were unlikely.

Adding to the positive tone, China’s trade surplus for January–September exceeded USD 1 trillion, boosted by a strong September reading. However, the advance on the local market was tempered by fresh data pointing to weaker Australian consumer and business confidence amid persistent cost pressures and higher interest rates.

All sectors finished higher, led by industrials, technology, and logistics. BHP Group gained 1.4%, and Rio Tinto rose 0.4%. Gold miners Northern Star Resources and Evolution Mining climbed 3.0% and 2.1%, respectively, on expectations that lower energy costs could help ease inflation and reduce pressure for further rate hikes. Qantas Airways rallied 6.3% on hopes of cheaper fuel, while Monadelphous Group surged 15.3% after announcing a series of major new contract wins.