Market Wrap / bit of a bounce

The Australian sharemarket closed higher on Tuesday, with corporate results driving sharp moves across a number of stocks.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index gained 0.7% to close at 9,164 points.

Coles gained 4.6% after reporting a near 14% rise in full year underlying profit, once one-off costs associated with its wage underpayment case were stripped out. Jarden analyst Ben Gilbert described the result as “boringly in line”, while the supermarket giant said sales growth remained solid entering FY27.

Woodside Energy fell almost 1% as its first-half result broadly met expectations

Ansell was one of the best performers, surging 7.6% after its FY26 earnings released Monday landed at the top end of guidance.

ARB Corporation jumped 12% after underlying profit of $118.8 million came in ahead of expectations, while its dividend also beat forecasts.

AUB Group rose 3.6%, following record earnings for the year to June.

Among the majors, BHP hit another record high, while Rio Tinto and South32 both gained as copper remained in focus.

Ahead tonight; US new home sales, the Richmond manufacturing index and Conference Board consumer confidence are due.