-- Australian shares are poised to fall on Thursday amid renewed geopolitical tensions after Israel's strikes on Lebanon were labeled a ceasefire violation and Iran threatened retaliation, raising concerns over regional stability and global oil supply.
Overnight, the S&P 500, the Nasdaq Composite, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.5%, 2.8%, and 2.9%, respectively.
In the macroeconomy, investors are eyeing the release of Australia's building approvals report on Friday.
In corporate news, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank (ASX:BEN) flagged workforce changes and said unaudited cash earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 reached AU$137.9 million, up 7.6% on the first-half quarterly average.
Charter Hall Group (ASX:CHC) secured a AU$1.2 billion diversified direct property mandate from an existing institutional client, with portfolio details remaining confidential.
Australia's benchmark index rose 2.6% or 223 points to close at 8,951.80 on Wednesday.