The S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.7% to 8,781 on Monday, marking its highest level in two weeks as it tracked a strong finish on Wall Street. US equities closed at record highs last Friday after nonfarm payrolls rose well below expectations, while the unemployment rate edged down, pointing to a steady but slowing labour market. Domestically, household spending rose 1.0% month-on-month in November 2025, easing from a revised 1.4% gain in October, as consumers remained cautious amid higher interest rates and persistent inflation. Meanwhile, ANZ-Indeed Australian job ads fell 0.5% in December, following an upwardly revised 1.5% decline the previous month, signalling softer labour demand. Financial heavyweights led gains, with CBA, Westpac, NAB and ANZ up between 1% and 1.9%. Energy stocks also outperformed on rising oil prices amid escalating unrest in Iran, raising concerns over potential supply disruptions. Woodside Energy Group, Santos and Beach Energy advanced between 0.6% and 3.4%.
