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Highlights
ASX 200 finishes at a new all-time high amid strength in financials and resources
Commonwealth Bank closes at record levels alongside gains in Westpac, NAB, and ANZ
Lithium and tech names like Pilbara Minerals and Zip Co among top gainers
The ASX 200 marked a new all-time closing high as financials and lithium-related stocks outperformed amid renewed optimism around trade talks between the United States and China. The benchmark index, XJO, ended higher with gains across most sectors, while gold names underperformed.
Banks surge with Commonwealth Bank setting new benchmark
Financial stocks led the broader market strength, supported by strong in major lenders. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) achieved a new peak close, with robust performances also recorded by Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX:WBC), Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX:ANZ), and National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB). Boardroom developments also surfaced as Philippa Greenwood joined the board of WBC.
Lithium producers lift on demand outlook and sentiment shift
Resource shares, particularly lithium producers, rallied sharply. Pilbara Minerals Limited (ASX:PLS) and Mineral Resources Limited (ASX:MIN) emerged among the most prominent gainers on the ASX 200. Positive momentum continued across the materials sector, supported by expectations for stabilised commodity pricing and improved international trade sentiment.
Tech sector supported by data centre expansion
NextDC Limited (ASX:NXT) advanced strongly following announcements of increased utilisation at its data centre operations. The uplift was largely attributed to new contract activity centred on its Kuala Lumpur location. The growth in data usage and digital infrastructure continues to drive demand in this segment.
Zip Co leads gainers in absence of specific news
Zip Co Limited (ASX:ZIP) posted the largest rise among ASX 200 constituents, although the move came without any public update or announcement. The price movement aligned with increased activity in technology and discretionary consumer stocks during the session.
Weakness seen across gold mining stocks
Gold-focused names fell across the board as appetite grew following positive signals from international trade discussions. West African Resources Limited (ASX:WAF), Vault Minerals Limited (ASX:VTM), and Evolution Mining Limited (ASX:EVN) recorded notable declines. The broader gold subsector lagged behind other commodities and sectors on the day.
Healthcare and boardroom updates in focus
Metcash Limited (ASX:MTS) posted gains after announcing structural changes within its hardware division. The departure of Total Tools chief executive Richard Murray comes amid efforts to integrate operations under the Independent Hardware Group. Biotechnology company CSL Limited (ASX:CSL) named Cameron Price to its board, set to join later in the year after concluding his tenure at the Future Fund.
Executive changes impact mining names
Perseus Mining Limited (ASX:PRU) ended lower after confirming the resignation of its chief operating officer. Operational leadership will temporarily shift to Brett Hartmann, the company’s current general manager of operations, as the board searches for a replacement.
Embryo mix-up weighs on healthcare firm
Monash IVF Group Limited (ASX:MVF) experienced sharp losses following the disclosure of another procedural error involving embryo transfer. The incident marked the second such case announced by the group this year, drawing attention to clinical oversight protocols within the healthcare space.
