The ASX 200 hit record highs today, closing at 9068 up 78 points (0.9%) in a very strong session. Today, it was banks and industrials doing much of the heavy lifting — along with a solid contribution from the gold sector. MQG led the charge, jumping over 5% on the back of news it had sold some of its data centre assets — good news all around. The big kicker came at 11:30 am, with jobs data showing an unemployment rate of 4.5%. That gives the RBA plenty of room to cut rates further on Melbourne Cup Day. Across the industrials, gains were broad-based: WES up 1.3%, WOW up 1.9% , GMG up 4.9% and buoyed by enthusiasm for data centre exposure following Macquarie’s sales. CSL added 1.8%. TLS rose 0.4%. The banks were steady if unspectacular, while insurers and wealth managers shone. HUB soared 10.5%. AMP also rallied 8.5% on the back of a positive quarterly update.

The technology sector, however, missed the memo on record highs — WTC and XRO both slipped around 1.4%, continuing their recent stumbles.

The resources sector was busy once again. BHP edged slightly higher, while FMG and RIO eased. The gold miners were the standout as gold hit fresh record highs. NEM up 3.4% and EVN up 3.3%. The rare earths and lithium stocks came under pressure after Scott Bessent talked of an extension of the 100% tariffs deadline if China eased export restrictions. LYC fell 5.7%. Other rare earth names substantially also weakened in sympathy.

In corporate news, MYX rose 11.3% after it received court approval for its takeover by Cosette, with no wriggle room left — though FIRB approval is still required. RIO is searching for strategic partners to develop a huge copper deposit inBougainville. TWE edged 1.8% higher after its AGM, where Chairman John Mullen discussed ongoing challenges and sales developments in China.

On the economic front, the jobs report confirmed unemployment rising to 4.5%, with a steady participation rate. That combination pushed bond yields lower, the Australian dollar weaker, and equity markets higher — a triple treat for investors heading into Friday and more US results.

Asian markets rise, Japan up 0.5% China up 0.1% and HK down 0.4%.

10-year yields fell to 4.17% on jobs data.

European markets slightly lower. UK GDP today.

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