Australian sharemarket surges 4.5%

The Australian sharemarket surged 4.5 per cent on Thursday, mirroring global relief rallies after US President Donald Trump announced a 90-day suspension of tariffs for most trading partners.

The S&P/ASX 200 index jumped 334.6 points to close at 7,709.6, notching its largest one-day percentage gain in more than a year. All 11 sectors finished higher, and every ASX 200 company recorded a gain which is an extremely rare occurrence.

The broad-based rally reflected a renewed sense of investor confidence, buoyed by easing geopolitical tensions and strong sectoral performance. Technology, retail and infrastructure stocks led the gains, as expectations for strategic mergers and acquisitions lifted.

Market analysts say the rebound signals growing appetite for risk, with investors repositioning on the back of policy clarity and improved global sentiment.