Market Overview: Trans-Tasman Equities Surge Australian and New Zealand markets recorded significant gains this week as a flurry of corporate earnings and central bank stability provided a clear path for investors. The **ASX 200** successfully reclaimed the **9,000** psychological barrier, trending toward its record high of **9,115.2** points. Positive sentiment was fueled by a dominant performance in the banking and mining sectors, which helped the index maintain its upward trajectory despite a hawkish tone from the Reserve Bank of Australia. Australia: Banking and Resources Lead the Charge National Australia Bank (NAB) emerged as a primary market mover. The lender reported a **16%** jump in first-quarter cash earnings to **$2 billion**, driven by robust business and home lending volumes. NAB shares surged as much as **5.8%** to reach an all-time record high of **$47.96**. This performance follows a trend of strong bank results, including a **17%** profit rise from ANZ and upbeat earnings from CBA, which recently posted a **$5.37 billion** half-year profit. The resources sector added further momentum. Mining giant BHP saw its shares soar over **7.5%** to a record **$54.20** following a blockbuster result. The company reported a **25%** jump in underlying EBITDA to **$15.5 billion** and lifted its dividend by **46%** to **$0.73** per share. Despite the market strength, the Reserve Bank of Australia maintains a cautious stance. The cash rate currently sits at **3.85%**, with officials signaling that inflation remains "stubbornly high" at **3.6%** to **4.2%**, potentially delaying any near-term rate relief. New Zealand: RBNZ Stability Sparks Recovery The New Zealand market experienced a significant relief rally after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) opted to keep the official cash rate steady at **2.25%**. This decision met market expectations and provided a much-needed boost to local equities. The **S&P/NZX 50** showed a sharp recovery following a period of volatility. Investors responded positively to the RBNZ’s outlook, which suggests that inflation will return to the **1% to 3%** target band within the current quarter. While the central bank noted that the economy is in the early stages of recovery, it emphasized that monetary policy will remain accommodative. This stance helped offset recent drags in the healthcare sector, where stocks like Fisher & Paykel Healthcare had previously faced pressure. Key Performance Indicators * **ASX 200:** Trading near **9,031**, targeting the **9,115** record high. * **NAB Shares:** Hit record high of **$47.96**. * **BHP Shares:** Reached record high of **$54.20**. * **RBNZ Cash Rate:** Held steady at **2.25%**. * **RBA Cash Rate:** Maintained at **3.85%**. Broad-based growth in Australian business investment, projected to rise to **3.7%** by mid-2026, continues to anchor the regional growth outlook despite global trade uncertainties.