Australia’s S&P ASX 200 index rises 0.3% to 9,049.80 in early trade
TL;DR
Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.3% to 9,049.80 in early trade, driven by strong earnings from banks and positive sector momentum. The index has gained 3.4% over the past month, with mixed performance in mining and tech stocks, while investor focus shifts to upcoming energy and retail reports.
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Australia’s S&P ASX 200 index rises 0.3% to 9,049.80 in early trade
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 Index Gains 0.3% in Early Trade on Strong Earnings and Sector Momentum
On February 23, 2026, the S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.3% to 9,049.80 in early trading, reflecting renewed investor confidence driven by strong corporate earnings and sector-specific momentum. The index has gained 3.4% over the past month and is up 9.46% year-to-date, according to contract-for-difference (CFD) data.
Recent trading activity has been shaped by mixed corporate results. Banking stocks, a key component of the index, contributed to the upward trend, with National Australia Bank and other major lenders posting stronger-than-expected quarterly profits. The financial sector has reached record levels, though gains were partially offset by weakness in Commonwealth Bank. Meanwhile, mining giants like BHP and Rio Tinto saw fluctuating performance, with BHP climbing 1% amid higher copper prices, while Rio Tinto faced pressure after missing annual earnings expectations earlier in the week.
Investor attention remains focused on upcoming earnings reports from energy and retail sectors, including Woodside Energy, Woolworths, and Coles. Positive surprises, such as QBE Insurance Group's sharp rise, following better-than-forecast full-year profits, have reinforced market optimism. Conversely, underperforming stocks like Suncorp Group and WiseTech Global dragged on broader sentiment.
Looking ahead, the index is projected to trade near 9,000.88 by the end of the quarter, with analysts forecasting 8,342.17 points in 12 months. The recent rally follows a four-session winning streak, capped by a 0.9% gain on February 20, which pushed the index to a four-month high of 9,086. While tech stocks and heavyweight miners remain volatile, the broader market appears resilient, supported by ongoing corporate earnings strength and geopolitical-driven demand for gold and energy assets.
This article is based on publicly available data and does not constitute investment advice.
