Australian shares continued their winning streak Thursday, climbing 59 points or 0.6% to a fresh high of 9,286 in early trade, buoyed by stronger U.S. futures despite Wall Street’s mixed overnight close as investors reassessed valuations following a sharp rebound in AI-linked stocks. Local sentiment was lifted by inflows at the start of the new financial year, while data showed private sector activity expanding at the fastest pace in six months, with services firming and factory orders rebounding. Gains were led by non-energy minerals, consumer names, healthcare, and utilities, offset by weakness in tech, commercial services, and energy minerals. Heavyweights BHP rose 1.1%, Evolution Mining surged 5.7%, Northern Star added 4.5%, and REA Group advanced 2.1%. The big four banks edged up between 0.3% and 0.5%. Traders now turn to trade figures due later today from Australia and from China on Friday, which could set the tone for the next leg of the rally.