Jan 22, 2026, 13:27 GMT+7
Key points:
- ASX200 logs best session in over one week
- Strong jobs data lifts rate hike bets
- Banks add 1.9%, biggest one-day rise since October
- Gold miners log worst session in 3 months
By Anjali Singh
Reuters - Australian shares logged their strongest session in a week on Thursday as improved global risk appetite and dip-buying in financials offset gold miners' losses after concerns a strong labour report bolstered the case for a February rate hike.
The S&P/ASX 200closed 0.8% higher at 8,848.7, snapping a three-day losing streak.
Global markets bounced back after U.S. President Donald Trump eased trade tensions and ruled out taking Greenland by force.
Back home, data showed the labour market remained healthy, lifting bets of a February 3 cash rate hike by the Reserve Bank of Australia to 59%, from 26.5% earlier. The quarterly inflation report, due next week, will also be crucial for gauging the monetary policy trajectory.
Financialsrose 1.9% in their biggest intraday gain since late October, after losing 3.2% in the last three sessions. The "big four" banks climbed between 0.6% and 3%.
Stronger employment data bolstered the outlook for better net interest margins and profitability, KCM Trade Chief Market Analyst Tim Waterer said.
Minersslipped 1.8%, their worst fall in three weeks, with Fortescuedropping 5.1% to a near two-month low after it reported higher costs. South32surged 5.3% to a near three-year high on strong manganese output.
Gold minersslumped 5.6%, their sharpest one-day fall in three months, as easing geopolitical tensions trimmed safe-haven demand. Northern Star Resourcesand Evolution Miningdropped 8.4% and 4.6%, respectively.
Consumer discretionary stocks (. AXDJ ) rose 2.4%, their best session in nine months, while energy stocksclimbed 3% to a two-month high after Santosreported upbeat full-year output forecast. San.
In New Zealand, the S&P/NZX 50 indexgained 1.04% to 13,556.87, its best day in a month. Markets await the quarterly inflation print on Friday with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's policy meeting slated for February 18.
Sumber : Reuters