Australian Shares Rise Modestly as Investors Buy Banks, Energy, and Tech Stocks

Australian shares modestly rebounded on March 5, 2026, with the S&P ASX 200 index rising 0.44% to 8,940.30 points after a two-day decline linked to escalating Middle East tensions. Financials led gains, with three of the 'Big Four' banks up 0.4-0.6%, while energy stocks rose 0.8% supported by higher oil prices. Tech and healthcare sectors also advanced. Mining stocks showed mixed results, with iron ore prices boosted by China's economic measures, though gold stocks declined for a third session. New Zealand's S&P NZX 50 index gained 0.6% the same day.