The S&P/ASX 200 closed higher on Thursday, climbing 100.20 points, or 1.13%, to 8,945.90 — its highest level in 20 sessions. Top gainers included Liontown Resources, up 9.09%, and Westgold Resources, up 7.96%. The benchmark has risen 1.97% over the past five days and now sits 1.20% below its 52-week peak.
The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries added 47.00 points, or 1.26%, to 3,787.60, extending its five-day advance to 3.46% (+126.80 points).