Updates to close
ASX 200 logs fresh record close
Banks touch record high in the session
Sigma soars on debut after Chemist Warehouse merger
By Kumar Tanishk
Feb 13 (Reuters) - Australian shares closed flat on Thursday as gains in gold and iron ore miners, supported by robust underlying commodity prices, offset losses in financials.
The S&P/ASX 200 .AXJO finished just 0.1% higher, but logged a fresh record close at 8,540 points. The benchmark hit a record intraday high of 8,575 points earlier in the day.
Iron ore prices rose for the second consecutive day amid fears of supply disruptions following the closure of Port Hedland, a key export hub for major minors in Western Australia, due to a tropical cyclone. IRONORE/
"The duration of this impact will depend on the cyclone's severity and the time required to resume normal operations, which could range from a few days to several weeks," said Junvum Kim, an Asia Pacific Senior Sales Trader at Saxo Markets.
Export-reliant miners .AXMM rallied 1.9% to their highest levels since December 12, 2024. BHP BHP.AX gained 2.1%, Fortescue FMG.AX rose 1.8% and Rio Tinto RIO.AX added 1.1%.
Gold miners .AXGD climbed 0.9%, tracking bullion prices higher.
Northern Star Resources NST.AX jumped as much as 1.8% on posting a roughly 25% rise in half-yearly profits, before ending the session 0.2% higher.
However, financials .AXFJ, which makes up over a third of the benchmark, retreated 0.3% after touching a record high of 9322.5 points in the session.
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia CBA.AX recouped earlier losses to hit a fresh high of A$167.6. On Wednesday, the stock touched a record high after clocking an over 2% rise in half-yearly profits.
Meanwhile, Treasury Wine Estates TWE.AX slumped as much as 8.5% on trimming its 2025 profit outlook and dragged consumer stocks .AXSJ 1% lower.
In corporate news, Sigma Healthcare SIG.AX soared as much as 9.2% on its inaugural day as a merged entity with Chemist Warehouse.
New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index .NZ50 also ended flat, losing 0.01% to settle at 12,905.98 points.
(Reporting by Kumar Tanishk in Bengaluru; Editing by Sumana Nandy)
((Tanishk.Kumar@thomsonreuters.com;))
For more information on DIARIES & DATA: U.S. earnings diary RESF/US Wall Street Week Ahead .N/O Global Economy Week Ahead DATA/ ................................................................ For latest top breaking news across all markets NEWS1
Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.