The ASX 200 (Australia’s benchmark share index) gained 36 points, or 0.4%, to finish at 8,732 on Thursday, extending its advance from the previous session. U.S. stock futures rallied after the Federal Reserve raised borrowing costs for the first time since 2023, a move analysts said strengthened the central bank’s credibility and reassured markets about its commitment to curbing inflation. In Australia, bargain hunting continued after shares touched a near ten-week low earlier this week, supporting financial, industrial and logistics stocks. The big four banks rose between 1.3% and 2.6% following a volatile week driven by higher expectations for domestic interest rates. Insurers also gained, led by a 1.1% rise in QBE and a 0.6% increase in Insurance Australia. Energy stocks underperformed as oil prices fell after an unexpected increase in U.S. crude inventories, while mining shares were subdued, with BHP edging lower and Rio Tinto unchanged. Investors are now focused on remarks from Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock, who is scheduled to testify before Parliament on Friday.