24.08.202606:50:13UTC+00ASX 200 Bounces Back on Miners, Ampol Surge

The ASX 200 climbed 44 points, or 0.5%, to close at 9,103 on Monday, snapping earlier declines as gains in non-energy minerals, manufacturing, consumer services, and logistics drove the rebound. Investors largely shrugged off weaker U.S. stock futures and instead focused on upcoming comments from Fed Chair Warsh at Jackson Hole for guidance on the interest rate outlook, against a backdrop of elevated oil prices and global bond yields at multi-decade highs.

Domestically, attention turned to Australia’s July inflation data due Wednesday, following June’s moderation to 3.8% from 4.0%. Fuel retailer Ampol jumped 4.3% to a two-year high after refining margins, buoyed by supply disruptions in the Middle East, pushed earnings to nearly five times last year’s level. Miners were also stronger, with BHP up 3.0% and Rio Tinto advancing 1.2% on the back of firm copper prices. A rise in gold prices supported Northern Star Resources, which gained 1.7%, and Evolution Mining, up 2.5%.

By contrast, energy stocks underperformed, with Santos down 1.8% and Woodside slipping 0.9%. The major banks declined between 0.3% and 0.7%, while Endeavour Group slumped 4.7% after reporting a sharp fall in profits.