Australian shares closed higher on Tuesday, lifted by commodity stocks, while the Reserve Bank of Australia raised its cash rate by 50 basis points (bps) and offered a less hawkish view than what some investors had hoped for.
The country’s central bank raised its cash rate for a third straight month to 1.35% and flagged more tightening ahead as it struggles to contain surging inflation.
The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.3% to 6,629.30 at the close of trade, extending its gain from Monday’s 1.1% rise.
“Today’s 50 bps (hike) was in line with expectations and with quarterly inflation numbers out this month, there is a case for more rises coming in July and August,” Peter Esho, co-founder at Wealthi, said.
Official data on consumer price inflation for the second quarter is due on July 27 and is expected to show another alarming rise to 6% or more — levels not seen since a national sales tax was introduced back in 2000.
“We’re of the view that the cash rate will rise to around 2%-2.25% by the end of the year,” he added.
Gold stocks led gains to close up 2.4%, tracking rise in gold prices. Sector heavyweights Northern Star Resources and Newcrest Mining climbed 2.4% and 1.35, respectively.
Energy stocks advanced 2.2% after concerns around tight supply of the commodity shadowed fears of a looming global recession. Sector majors Woodside Energy Group and Ampol advanced 3.8% and 1.1%, respectively.
Financials erased losses to climb 0.3% after the central bank’s announcement.
Australia shares rise as banks gain ahead of RBA meet
However, shares of three of the so-called “Big Four” banks ended lower, while Westpac was flat.
New Zealand’s benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index rose 0.9% to finish the session at 10,965.17 points.
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