Market Wrap / higher at last

The S&P/ ASX 200 recouped previous losses during Thursday's trade to end 0.3% higher at 8,268.2 points.

The local market was supported by favourable earnings reports, a bull market in China and relief Nvidia's results didn't disapoint. 

Riding on a positive session in Asian markets, the miners edged higher with Rio Tinto and South32 advancing around 1%. 

A raft of household names reported locally, with Coles slightly increasing its interim dividend - despite a dip in statutory profits by 2.2%. Shares rose 3.5%

Qantas shares took-off 5.6% as the company resumed paying dividends, and talked up its balance sheet strength and ongoing investment in its fleet. 

In the health sector, Ramsay Health Care shares gained 6.8% after flagging it is exploring options to offload its majority stake in its European hospitals business. Meanwhile, Medibank leaped 10% higher on expectations of gross profit growth to continue into the second half of FY25.

It was Eagers Automotive that won the day, however, with a +20% jump on an improved outlook.

Tomorrow will conclude the official reporting period of February, with Harvey Norman and Life360 among the companies releasing updates.