By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - The S&P/ASX 200 added 34.2 points or 0.5% to 6,845.1 during Thursday’s trading session, extending gains for the 4th consecutive session and closing at 6-week highs.
Among stocks, the Energy sector led the gains, up 2.4% as Santos Ltd (ASX:STO) lifted 2%, Woodside Energy Ltd (ASX:WDS) gained 3.2%, Beach Energy Ltd (ASX:BPT) added 2.6% and Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX:VEA) gained 0.7%.
Materials gained 1.7% as Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO) added 0.8%, BHP Group Ltd (ASX:BHP) lifted 2.4% and Champion Iron Ltd (ASX:CIA) added 4.8% while Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX:FMG) lost 0.4%.
Meantime, Financials fell 0.4% as Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX:ANZ) plummeted 3.3% after flagging growing uncertainty amid rising interest rates. National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX:NAB) lost 0.5%, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX:WBC) fell 1%, while Commonwealth Bank Of Australia (ASX:CBA) added 0.4%.
On the bond markets, Australia 10-Year rates were at 3.839% while United States 10-Year rates were at 4.013%.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 added 0.5% to 11,100.5.