By Kumar Tanishk
Aug 3 (Reuters) – Australian shares rose on Monday, led by banks, healthcare and gold stocks as U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on Iran and fresh hopes of reopening the Strait of Hormuz lifted sentiment.
The S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.5% to 9,019.30 points, carrying over momentum from July – its strongest monthly gain in five months.
Over the weekend, Trump said that Iran and other Middle Eastern nations had requested time to finalise a deal for the “immediate, complete and total” reopening of the vital strait.
“The market is treating the latest Middle East developments as a potential positive, but not yet a game-changer,” said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.
“Until there’s clearer evidence that any ceasefire can hold, risk appetite is likely to remain measured and selective.”
Leading gains, financials rose 0.4% with three among the “Big Four” advancing between 0.2% and 0.8%.
Still, investors remain wary that renewed geopolitical tensions could keep oil prices elevated and delay interest rate cuts, leaving the focus on the major banks’ challenging operating environment rather than earnings surprises, Waterer said.
Markets are pricing in almost no chance of the RBA raising its 4.35% cash rate next week, with little expectation of a move in September. [0#AUDIRPR]
Healthcare subindex and consumer staples both gained about 1% each.
4DMedical led gains in the healthcare sector, while Treasury Wine Estates topped the consumer staples pack.
Gold miners rose 0.7% on the back on higher bullion prices. [GOL/]
Limiting gains, energy stocks lost 1.2% to mark their weakest session in a week, keeping with declining oil prices. [O/R]
Oil majors Woodside Energy and Santos shed 1.4% and 1.9%, respectively.
Investors are now turning their attention to the August earnings season for insights into the health of corporate Australia.
New Zealand’s benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index advanced 0.6% to 13,774.93 points.
(Reporting by Kumar Tanishk in Bengaluru; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee)
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