$S&P/ASX 200 (.XJO.AU)$opened 0.3% higher to 8283.70 points. Australian stocks experienced their fourth consecutive day of gains on Thursday, driven by consumer discretionary shares. Traders anticipated better consumer sentiment in the new year, which contributed to the rise.
ANZ economist Madeline Dunk anticipates a positive trend in sentiment in 2025, driven by tax cuts, increasing real wages, and potential interest rate cuts, which will boost household disposable incomes.