Market Wrap / run to 9,000

The local market rose on Friday, extending its record-setting run to a fifth straight session, as this week's RBA rate cut and steady July jobs data fuelled expectations for further easing. The S&P/ASX 200 Index closed up 0.7% to 8938.60 points.

Utilities was the strongest sector with Origin Energy climbing further, up 1.5%, after Thursday’s earnings beat.

Energy also advanced, with Ampol jumping 7.7% on a $1.1B deal to acquire EG Australia, expanding its national network.

Baby Bunting surged 40.5% to a two-year high after posting a 28% lift in profit to $12.2 million, coming in at the top end of its range. 

Meanwhile, Amcor slid 9.7% after fourth-quarter EBIT missed expectations on weaker North American volumes, with full-year earnings also slightly below forecasts.

Tonight, US July retail sales data is due, with a 0.3% rise expected.

And the world will be focused on the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin and its implications for Ukraine.