Australian sharemarket achieves longest winning streak

Australia’s ASX 200 index achieved its longest winning streak in almost eight months, closing up 42.20 points at 8,903.90, its highest since October 2025. Major banks and technology stocks contributed to this growth, with significant gains in critical minerals. The Australian dollar rose to 67.05 US cents, while safe haven assets like gold declined. Notably, Commonwealth Bank and Westpac shares increased, while Woodside fell due to lower oil prices.