ASX 200 lifts to record high amid strong earnings and new jobs data

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) set a new record high at 9,118.3 points at lunch time on Thursday.

Today's intraday peak beat the last record set on 21 October last year.

The new high follows robust results from some of Australia's largest companies, as earnings season continues today.

Strongly rising oil prices overnight have also lifted the ASX 200 today on concerns that US military action in Iran may be imminent.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is 9,102.5 points, up 1.06%.

Let's review some of today's strongest results.

Shares driving the ASX 200 higher today

ASX 200 communications is the top performing market sector after Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares hit a 9-year high.

Telstra shares rose 5.6% to $5.24 after the telco reported a 10% lift in its underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) to $1.2 billion for 1H FY26.

ASX 200 industrial sector heavyweight Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB) saw its shares lift 6.4% to an intraday high of $25 per share.

Brambles reported a 7% increase in its underlying and operating profit (constant currency) to US$792 million for 1H FY26.

ASX 200 healthcare large-cap Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) ripped 14% to an intraday peak of $24.14 per share. 

The pathology and radiology services provider reported an 11% increase in NPAT to $262 million for 1H FY26.

ASX 200 financial sector mid-cap Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) skyrocketed 21% to an intraday high of $104.21 per share.

The wealth management platform provider revealed an 80% lift in statutory NPAT and increased its interim dividend by 50%.

Hub24 shares are the fastest risers on the ASX 200 today.

Energy is the second strongest sector on Thursday, primarily due to higher oil prices.

Analysts at Trading Economics said:

Reports indicated that any US military action would likely unfold as a weeks-long campaign, with Israel's government advocating an outcome aimed at regime change in the Islamic Republic. 

Unemployment remains at 4.1%

The ASX 200 hit a new record despite stronger than expected jobs data released today.

This morning, the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that unemployment stayed steady in January at 4.1%.

The ABS said the number of workers rose by 18,000. This was comprised of 50,000 new full-time jobs and 33,000 fewer part-time jobs.

According to reporting in the Australian Financial Review (AFR), the consensus market expectation was 4.2% and 20,000 new jobs.

Generally speaking, strong jobs data adds to the case for further interest rate hikes to combat resurgent inflation.

The Reserve Bank of Australia lifted the cash rate for the first time in more than two years this month.

The post ASX 200 lifts to record high amid strong earnings and new jobs data appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor <a href="https://www.fool.com.au/author/TMFBronwyn/">Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24 and Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24 and Sonic Healthcare. The Motley Fool has a >disclosure policy</a>. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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