Market Close 18 Feb 26: ASX approaches record high

The Aussie market extended its winning streak for a third session, with the ASX 200 briefly scaling the 9,000-point peak for the first time in a week. The Financials and Property sectors led the charge, while Materials lagged due to a retreat in gold prices and profit-taking in BHP. NAB was a standout, surging to a record high on the back of a strong quarterly profit lift. Both Superloop and Netwealth soared, and health insurers Medibank and NIB also climbed after the government approved the largest premium hikes since 2017. However, Santos announced job cuts amid a profit slump, and Suncorp faced pressure from rising disaster claims. All eyes now pivot to tomorrow’s "Super Thursday," featuring heavyweights like Rio Tinto, Telstra, and the critical Aussie jobs report. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.