SYDNEY — The S&P/ASX 200 index climbed 46.8 points, or 0.54 percent, to 8,703.8 in midday trading on Monday, May 25, 2026, as strength in mining and financial stocks lifted the benchmark.

The Australian sharemarket opened higher and maintained gains through the morning session. At 12:32 p.m. AEST, the index showed solid buying interest amid mixed global cues and positive domestic corporate updates.

Mining stocks led the advance, supported by firmer iron ore and copper prices on international markets. Major companies including BHP Group and Rio Tinto contributed to the upward movement. Financial stocks also provided support, with the big four banks trading mostly higher.

The materials sector recorded strong gains, reflecting the heavy weighting of resource companies in the Australian market. The financials sector posted modest advances. In contrast, information technology and consumer discretionary stocks showed mixed results, with selected individual company movements influencing performance.

The Australian dollar traded around $0.64 against the U.S. dollar in early afternoon trading. Bond yields edged lower, with the 10-year government bond yield declining slightly from........

© International Business Times