The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is pushing higher again on Friday as investors take a more positive lead from Wall Street.
At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.48% to 8,663 points.
The move has taken the ASX 200 to a 5-day high, with the index earlier trading as high as 8,672 points today.
It also follows a strong session on Thursday, when the index rose 1.47% after several rough days for local investors.
The ASX 200 is still down around 0.6% in 2026 and about 3.2% over the past month, so today's move is not exactly a clean breakout.
But after a choppy stretch, buyers are starting to return to the market.
Here's what is moving the index this afternoon.
Image source: Getty Images
Miners do the heavy lifting
Resources stocks are doing most of the work on Friday, with the S&P/ASX 200 Resources Index (ASX: XJR) up around 1.3%.
BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) are both trading higher, helping pull the ASX 200 further into positive territory.
They are up 1.35% and 2.30%, respectively.
Other resources names are also climbing, with gains across gold, rare earths, lithium, and diversified mining stocks.
The buying follows a stronger lead from Wall Street and a more positive session across global markets.
Oil prices have also eased from recent highs, which has taken some pressure off inflation concerns.
Brent crude is sitting around US$104 a barrel as investors watch for signs of progress in the Middle East conflict.
Wall Street gives investors a lift
Local investors also had a stronger lead from the United States.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) rose around 0.6% to a record close of 50,286 points, its first record since February.
The S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) also edged higher, while the Nasdaq finished slightly in the green despite weakness in Nvidia.
The stronger US session helped set up a better start for the Aussie market, with ASX 200 futures pointing higher before the open.
Guzman y Gomez shares jump on US exit
Guzman y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) is one of the strongest movers on the market today.
The fast-food stock jumped after announcing plans to exit the US market and focus on Australia and selected offshore markets.
The company said it would close its Chicago restaurants after deciding the US operations were no longer justified for further shareholder investment.
At the time of writing, the Guzman y Gomez share price is up 15.04% to $20.80.
Foolish Takeaway
Today's rise gives the ASX 200 some breathing room after a difficult month.
Still, the index remains below its recent highs, and the 2026 return is still slightly negative.
Investors may be feeling better today, but the market still needs more than one strong session to rebuild confidence.
