The Australian Securities Exchange hit a four-week high on midday Thursday, amid data that showed the unemployment rate remained at 4.1%.

The exchange was also boosted by the energy sector, which jumped over 3% at midday, amid easing oil prices.

Whitehaven Coal (ASX:WHC) reported fiscal first-half earnings of AU$0.086 per share, down from AU$0.124 a year earlier.

On the flip side, the real estate sector struggled, dropping nearly 4%.

Goodman Group (ASX:GMG) reported fiscal first-half 2026 operating profit of AU$0.585 per security, down from AU$0.638 a year earlier.