ASX gains ground as DRO surges and SGM leads recovery rally
Australian equities edged higher on Wednesday, with the S&P/ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) rising about 0.3% to around 8,645, extending a tentative recovery after last week’s volatility. Sentiment improved following the RBA’s narrow 5–4 decision to lift rates to 4.10%, which investors read as a sign the tightening cycle may be nearing its peak. That shift sparked a short-covering rally in growth and rate-sensitive sectors, with (ASX:DRO) jumping about 10% and gains across tech, A-REITs and utilities. Market breadth was solid, and volatility eased, suggesting confidence is stabilising. Resources provided steady support, with (ASX:SGM) up nearly 10% on earnings optimism and (ASX:NHC) gaining 5.85% amid ongoing energy security concerns, while (ASX:BHP) and (ASX:RIO) added modestly. Dividend flows also underpinned demand, with payouts from (ASX:REA), (ASX:CPU) and others. Still, the backdrop remains complex, with slowing domestic growth, a firm Australian dollar and persistent geopolitical risks keeping investors selective despite improving momentum.
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