• Investing
  • Stock
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Portfolio Performance Today
Stock

ASX 200 breaches 9,000 points for the first time: here’s what drove the surge

by August 21, 2025
by August 21, 2025

Australian shares surged past the key 9,000 mark for the first time on Thursday, lifted by financials and a string of upbeat corporate earnings.

The S&P/ASX 200 index gained 1.1% to 9,019.10, marking an all-time high and closing record.

The benchmark has risen in seven of the past 15 sessions this month, extending a rally that has been underpinned by strong company results, easing inflation, and supportive monetary policy.

The latest gains follow a 0.3% rise on Wednesday and cap a run in which the index advanced in seven of the last eight sessions, its strongest performance since 2007.

Financials drive the rally; healthcare, miners join in

Financial stocks led the charge, climbing for a sixth straight session to reach a record closing high.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia rose 0.8%, while peers also advanced as investors rotated into banks from other large-cap names such as CSL and James Hardie.

Market participants said the move reflected a preference for the sector’s safe-haven qualities rather than a fundamental re-rating of earnings.

Healthcare also added to the benchmark, with biotech major CSL bouncing back 2.4% after a two-day selloff wiped nearly A$25 billion off its value.

Miners joined the rally as iron ore prices strengthened, with BHP and Rio Tinto up 0.7% and 1%, respectively.

Brambles leads corporate winners

The day’s standout performer was Brambles, which soared 11.7% to an all-time high after reporting a strong profit rise and unveiling a share buyback.

Gains were also seen in Woolworths, Transurban and Macquarie, which rose between 2.2% and 2.6%.

The broader lift was supported by an ongoing earnings season that has largely met or exceeded expectations, helping to offset concerns about valuations.

Australian economy shows signs of resilience

Data released Thursday pointed to resilience in Australia’s private sector.

The composite index of services and manufacturing activity climbed to 54.9 in August, its highest since April 2022, driven by strong demand and an expanding customer base.

At the same time, consumer inflation expectations fell for a second month to 3.9% in August, the lowest since March, raising hopes that price pressures are easing.

The trend has bolstered sentiment that the Reserve Bank of Australia will continue with policy easing after its recent rate cut.

Analysts call rally a ‘bellringing moment’

Market analysts described the 9,000-point milestone as a symbolic breakthrough for Australian equities.

“The market seems to be happy to pay more for earnings than it has in the past. This breach of the 9,000 threshold is a continuation of that,” said Morningstar strategist Lochlan Halloway.

IG analyst Tony Sycamore called the rise a “bellringing moment,” crediting a strong reporting season and supportive policy for offsetting investor concerns about U.S. tariffs.

Shane Oliver, chief economist at AMP, said global conditions were proving favourable for local equities.

“The worst-case trade war scenarios now look less likely, global economic data remains mostly okay, profits are coming in stronger than expected globally and will likely pick up in Australia,” he said.

Regional momentum builds as rally crosses over to New Zealand

Australia’s rally was echoed across the Tasman Sea, where New Zealand’s S&P/NZX 50 index climbed 0.9% to 13,194.07, its second straight day of gains.

Both markets are benefiting from a shift toward defensive sectors as investors prioritise stability over rapid growth.

Analysts say continued rate cuts or positive corporate signals could see the rally broaden further into other parts of the market.

For now, the breach of the 9,000 mark underscores a broader global trend of investors gravitating toward reliability, with central banks’ softer policy stances steering money into banks and major resource firms.

The post ASX 200 breaches 9,000 points for the first time: here’s what drove the surge appeared first on Invezz

0 comment
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

previous post
Cracks appearing?
next post
Europe markets open: FTSE 100 up 0.1% as investors brace for PMI data

Related Posts

Europe bulletin: Zelensky calls for more weapons, Russia...

October 25, 2025

Nvidia stock edges higher amid semiconductor sector rally...

October 25, 2025

AMD stock climbs 7%, breaching $400B market cap...

October 25, 2025

US digest: Jeffries endorses Mamdani, Ford’s stock surge,...

October 25, 2025

Trump seeks Asia mineral deals to ramp up...

October 25, 2025

Lucy Powell elected deputy leader of the UK’s...

October 25, 2025

Disney warns YouTube TV subscribers of potential blackout...

October 24, 2025

Top catalysts for the CAC 40 index next...

October 24, 2025

European stocks open higher, buoyed by a wave...

October 24, 2025

NatWest share price forecast as its earnings jump:...

October 24, 2025

Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.

By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

Recent Posts

  • Europe bulletin: Zelensky calls for more weapons, Russia warns against EU sanctions

    October 25, 2025
  • Nvidia stock edges higher amid semiconductor sector rally and AI boom

    October 25, 2025
  • AMD stock climbs 7%, breaching $400B market cap amid chip sector rally

    October 25, 2025
  • US digest: Jeffries endorses Mamdani, Ford’s stock surge, US sanctions Colombian president

    October 25, 2025
  • Trump seeks Asia mineral deals to ramp up pressure on China’s Xi: report

    October 25, 2025
  • Lucy Powell elected deputy leader of the UK’s Labour Party

    October 25, 2025

Editors’ Picks

  • 1

    Meta executives eligible for 200% salary bonus under new pay structure

    February 21, 2025
  • 2

    Pop Mart reports 188% profit surge, plans aggressive global expansion

    March 26, 2025
  • 3

    New FBI leader Kash Patel tapped to run ATF as acting director

    February 23, 2025
  • 4

    Walmart earnings preview: What to expect before Thursday’s opening bell

    February 20, 2025
  • 5

    Cramer reveals a sub-sector of technology that can withstand Trump tariffs

    March 1, 2025
  • 6

    Anthropic’s newly released Claude 3.7 Sonnet can ‘think’ as long as the user wants before giving an answer

    February 25, 2025
  • 7

    Nvidia’s investment in SoundHound wasn’t all that significant after all

    March 1, 2025

Categories

  • Economy (3,000)
  • Editor's Pick (295)
  • Investing (185)
  • Stock (2,048)
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Copyright © 2025 Portfolioperformancetoday.com All Rights Reserved.

Portfolio Performance Today
  • Investing
  • Stock
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Portfolio Performance Today
  • Investing
  • Stock
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Copyright © 2025 Portfolioperformancetoday.com All Rights Reserved.

Read alsox

Gap and Ralph Lauren: 2 retail stocks...

March 20, 2025

Brazil’s Azzas reports 35.8% drop in Q4...

March 13, 2025

HIMS stock crashes 25% on Friday after...

February 22, 2025