By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - The S&P/ASX 200 added 36.1 points or 0.5% to 7,364.7 during Tuesday's session, extending gains of 0.7% yesterday and trading at fresh 3-week highs as traders digested the 10th consecutive 25 basis point rate hike from RBA policymakers.
Among stocks, energy and consumer discretionary led the gains, lifting 1.2% and 1.1% respectively. Santos Ltd (ASX:STO) added 2.7%, Woodside Energy Ltd (ASX:WDS) lifted 1.5%, while Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX:VEA) shed 3.1%. JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX:JBH) added 1.2%, Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX:ALL) gained 0.3% and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX:WES) lifted 1.7%.
On the data front, local trade balance data came in below expectations at A$11.688 billion, as exports rose 1% and imports lifted 5%, while retail sales lifted 1.9% compared to a reading of -4% in the previous month.
On the bond markets, Australia 10-Year rates were trading lower at 3.696%.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 added 0.1% to 11,919.6.