Australia stocks higher at close of trade; S&P/ASX 200 up 0.27%

Australian, Taiwanese and Japanese stock markets closed higher, with the S&P/ASX 200 gaining 0.27%, the Taiwan Weighted rising 3.11% and the Nikkei 225 up 1.42%. The modest gains reflect mixed regional trading sentiment as investors assess economic data and corporate earnings across the Asia‑Pacific. The rally was led by technology and consumer sectors, while commodity prices remained volatile.