Australian shares rose on Wednesday as the US stock indices reached new records overnight.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index increased by 0.69%, or 59.90 points, to close at 8,717.70.

Brent crude oil futures hovered around $98 per barrel as investors expected progress for a peace agreement between the US and Iran.

The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.6% and 1.2%, respectively, hitting record highs.

On the domestic front, Australia's consumer price index rose 4.2% in the 12 months to April, down from a 4.6% increase in the year to March, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported. Trimmed mean inflation came in at 3.4% in the 12 months to April, up from 3.3% in the year to March.

The six-month annualized growth rate in the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index slipped deeper into negative territory, declining to about -0.2% in April from -0.1% in March, according to a Westpac report.

In company news, Endeavour Group (ASX:EDV) is targeting AU$300 million of cost savings to be delivered by fiscal year 2029. It also plans to exit or sell non-core winery, as well as agricultural assets, reduce its own grape production by over 80%, and concentrate investment on high-performing brands with proven retail demand within its Pinnacle Drinks business.

The Australian Federal Court ordered Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC) to pay AU$26 million in civil penalties after failing to respond to over 200 online hardship requests within the time required by law from 2017 to 2023.

Lastly, KMD Brands (ASX:KMD, NZE:KMD) reported a 5.2% jump in fiscal third-quarter sales, helped by strength in its flagship Kathmandu segment, even as its footwear business Oboz saw a decline amid geopolitical and market tensions. Its board is also conducting a business review to improve shareholder returns.