Australian Shares Post Best February Since 2019 Amid Mining Gains and Strong Earnings

Australian shares closed slightly higher on February 27, 2026, with the S&P ASX 200 index rising 0.25% to 9,198.60, marking its best February performance since 2019 with a 3.5% monthly gain. Gains in mining stocks, including gold and rare earth companies, offset declines in banks and consumer staples. The market hit three record highs during the month amid a strong corporate earnings season, despite a 25-basis-point rate hike by the Reserve Bank of Australia and elevated inflation data.