The S&P/ASX 200 finished slightly higher, up 0.1% to 8,821 on Wednesday, extending gains for three consecutive sessions to reach a fresh two-month peak, supported by strength in mining, energy, and gold stocks. The mining sub-index hit a new all-time high, climbing 0.9% despite subdued iron ore and copper prices on Tuesday. Heavyweight BHP and Rio Tinto advanced 1.1% and 0.8%, respectively, while Lynas Rare Earths jumped 4.2%, its third straight session of gains after Australia prioritised rare earths in its A$1.2 billion minerals reserve. Additionally, energy shares rebounded to rise 1.6% as oil prices surged on Iran supply risks, lifting Santos and Woodside more than 2.6% each. Gold miners also ended higher, up 0.9% to a fresh record peak as bullion prices climbed on growing US rate cut bets and increased safe-haven demand. In contrast, financials dropped 0.7% with investors booking in profits after a two-day rally. The four largest banks were down 0.3% to 1.3%.