Aussie Shares Pip Record In Modest End To Historic Week

Australia's share market has reset its record close for a second time in as lots of days regardless of a modest uptick to end the week.


The S&P/ ASX200 rose 23.3 points on Friday, up 0.25 per cent to 9,198.6, and up 3.7 per cent in February, as it notched its best close.


The more comprehensive All Ordinaries acquired 26.9 points, or 0.29 per cent, to a record close of 9,435.6.


It was a third straight week and month of gains for both indices, which have actually pipped numerous intraday and closing record highs considering that Monday.


Local equities have been buoyed by strong local profits and a global rotation from IT stocks into other sectors, particularly commodities, as investor cravings shift from eye-watering tech development to tougher, limited resources.


"Australian shares are a crucial recipient of the rotation trade, assisted by the now concluded December half-earnings reporting season confirming that noted business earnings are increasing once again," AMP chief financial expert Shane Oliver stated.


The regional bourse is up 5.5 percent in 2026, compared to 2.8 percent for international stocks, practically two-thirds of which are US shares.


Seven of 11 regional sectors ended the day greater, led by communications, energies and raw materials stocks, as customer staples tumbled in the wake of Coles' first-half profits miss out on.


Materials continued to do much of the heavy lifting, up one per cent on Friday and 8.7 percent higher in February, as the sector wrapped an impressive 8 months of gains to trade at record highs.


Gold stocks on Friday regardless of a peaceful session for the rare-earth element, which hovered about $5,916 ($A7,286) an ounce.


Iron ore and copper huge BHP reset its all-time high every session today, settling at $58.41 heading into the weekend after skyrocketing practically 29 percent this year.


The heavyweight financials sector was up an outstanding 8.5 per cent for February and trading at its highest level, in spite of tipping lower on Friday.


Energy stocks ended the week greater as tensions and talks between the US and Iran continue over the Islamic republic's nuclear ambitions.


ASX-listed gas, oil, coal and uranium stocks all ticked greater on Friday.


Consumer staples struck a brick wall after rallying on the back of Woolworths' bumper revenues update earlier this week, toppling 2.7 per cent as competitor Coles' financials stopped working to impress.


Despite some one-off effects in the report, it appeared Coles had lost a few of its hard-fought lead over Woolworths, IG market analyst Tony Sycamore stated.


"This is classic duopoly ping-pong, where one surges, the other counters and in general, what we're seeing is essentially the equivalent of a dodgy trolley race through the parking lot at peak hour," Mr Sycamore told AAP.


"It keeps things interesting, however the goal is a long way away."


Consumer cyclicals mostly missed their invitation to the profits party, down 6.6 per cent for February, which began with a rates of interest hike and ended with Harvey Norman tumbling nine per cent despite increasing sales and revenue.


While the bulk of the December profits season has waned, PointsBet, West African Resources and Endeavour Group will by far results next week.


Financials from casino owner-operator Star Entertainment were due on Friday, but have not been launched, as it continues to deal with a financial obligation handle Private Capital Partners.


The Australian dollar is purchasing 71.26 US cents, below 71.34 US cents on Thursday at 5pm, looming near three-year highs as NAB and ANZ economists tip a more Reserve Bank rates of interest trek by May.


* The S&P/ ASX200 gained 23.3 points, or 0.25 per cent, to 9,198.6


* The more comprehensive All Ordinaries increased 26.9 points, or 0.29 percent, to 9,435.6


One Australian dollar trades for:


* 71.26 US cents, from 71.34 US cents at 5pm AEDT on Thursday


* 111.05 Japanese yen, from 111.25 Japanese yen


* 60.35 euro cents, steady


* 52.83 British pence, from 52.61 British cent


* 118.97 NZ cents, from 118.72 NZ cents