Australian shares rose on Friday, driven by sharp gains in gold miners after bullion prices jumped on weaker-than-expected U.S. non-farm payrolls data, while general insurer Suncorp slid after lowering its annual premium growth forecast.
The S&P/ASX 200 index ASX:XJO gained 0.4% to 8,756.80 by 0010 GMT after closing flat on Thursday, and was on track to end the week slightly higher.
Gold stocks ASX:XGD climbed as much as 5.3% in their biggest intraday percentage gain since mid-June, after bullion prices surged overnight as weaker-than-expected U.S. non-farm payrolls data reduced expectations for a near-term interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve.
Catalyst Metals ASX:CYL and Genesis Minerals ASX:GMD rose 11.9% and 10.8%, respectively, and were among the benchmark's top advancers, after both reported 2026 gold production within guidance.
Northern Star Resources ASX:NST rose as much as 7.9%, extending gains after appointing Suresh Vadnagra as its next chief executive on Thursday.
Gold miners helped the mining sub-index ASX:XMM climb 0.8%, but gains were limited by heavyweight iron ore producers.
Fortescue ASX:FMG fell 2.3%, as China asked some domestic steel mills not to take delivery of certain portside iron ore products from the miner, while Rio Tinto ASX:RIO lost 1.1%.
Meanwhile, Suncorp ASX:SUN fell as much as 5.1% in its biggest intraday percentage drop since February, after the general insurer cut its gross written premium growth forecast for the year, citing softer demand in New Zealand and Australia.
Its decline offset gains in three of the 'big four' banks, leaving the financials sub-index ASX:XFJ flat.
Among other notable gainers, uranium producer Boss Energy ASX:BOE jumped more than 6% after meeting its revised annual production guidance.
Healthcare ASX:XHJ and consumer staples (.AXSJ) rose 1.3% and 0.9%, respectively.
In New Zealand, the benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index NZX:NZ50G was flat at 13,578.23.