The S&P/ASX 200 climbed 0.9% to a fresh record close of 9,068 on Thursday, briefly topping the 9,100 mark for the first time earlier in the session, as gains in financial, real estate, and gold stocks followed a surprise rise in unemployment that boosted rate-cut bets. Australia’s unemployment rate rose in September to its highest in nearly four years, lifting the odds of a November rate cut to around 72% from 40% before the release. Still, the RBA is expected to closely examine the upcoming quarterly inflation data later this month before deciding on any policy move. Rate-sensitive financials jumped over 1% to a record close, led by Macquarie Group’s 5.1% surge to its highest since August after sealing a $40 billion AI data centre deal with investors. ANZ Group also hit its strongest level in more than a decade. In addition, real estate stocks surged 2.8% for their strongest day since April, while gold miners rose 2.2% to a record close as safe-haven demand lifted bullion.