The Australian sharemarket edged lower on Friday, weighed down by sharp losses in gold and energy stocks after a breakthrough ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas triggered a broad risk-off sentiment. The S&P/ASX 200 slipped 11.1 points, or 0.1 per cent, to 8958.7, with eight of 11 sectors finishing higher.

The Australian sharemarket rose modestly on Thursday, supported by gains in the major miners. The S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.2 per cent, or 23.7 points, to 8971.3, nearing its record high from August.

The Australian sharemarket edged lower on Wednesday, with the S&P/ASX 200 slipping 6.3 points to 8950.5 as weakness in retail and technology stocks offset gains elsewhere. Profit-taking in gold miners also dragged on sentiment, despite bullion briefly topping US$4000 an ounce amid a U.S. government shutdown and softer Wall Street trade.

Australian shares declined on Tuesday in a broad-based sell-off despite overnight gains on Wall Street. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.3 per cent, or 29.3 points, to 8952.1 by 2pm AEDT, with all sectors trading in the red.

The Australian sharemarket advanced strongly on Thursday, buoyed by rallies in the major banks and surging gold prices. The S&P/ASX 200 Index rose 1.1 per cent, adding 98.8 points to reach 8944.5 by mid-afternoon, with nine of the 11 sectors trading higher.

The Australian sharemarket traded lower on Wednesday as investors weighed the likelihood of a looming US government shutdown. After rising 0.2 per cent in early trade, the S&P/ASX 200 reversed course to fall 34.8 points, or 0.4 per cent, by mid-afternoon. Losses in energy, consumer discretionary and major banks outweighed gains in healthcare and utilities.