The S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.3% to close at 8,961 on Wednesday, as strength in miners and banks outweighed earnings-driven losses in Woolworths and Wisetech Global. Investors also digested fresh inflation data showing a sharp rise in both headline and core prices, complicating the RBI’s policy outlook. Meanwhile, sentiment was clouded by US President Trump’s unprecedented removal of Fed Governor Cook, raising concerns over central bank independence. On the corporate front, heavyweight miners (1.6%) lifted the index on stronger copper and gold prices, with gold stocks up 2.5% to a two-month high. Financials also rose 0.5%, supported by gains in the major banks. The rally was capped by steep losses in consumer staples after Woolworths flagged a weak outlook, plunging 14.7% to a five-month low, and Wisetech tumbled 11.9% on a soft earnings forecast, dragging tech stocks. Domino’s also slumped 22% on its first annual loss since listing, though Star Entertainment rose 5% after loan waiver talks.