The S&P/ASX 200 finished 1.7% higher at 9,014 on Wednesday, marking its strongest level in three months, led by gains in banking and gold stocks. Commonwealth Bank, the country’s top lender, surged nearly 7%, its biggest daily gain in six years after reporting record earnings, solid loan growth, stable market share, and a higher dividend. The rally lifted the broader financial sector 3.5% to its highest level since November 2025, while the other three major banks gained between 1.4% and 3%. Gold stocks also jumped 3.1% to their highest since February 2, boosted by a rise in bullion and an 8.9% surge in heavyweight Evolution Mining after the company reported more than doubling its half-year profit. Meanwhile, biotech giant CSL dived nearly 5% to an eight-year low following a drop in its first-half profit and the departure of its CEO. Exchange operator ASX, which has faced regulatory scrutiny over its trading system overhaul, also revealed its CEO’s exit, sending its shares down 5.5%.