Australian shares reversed early losses, closing 0.7% higher after a softer inflation report tempered interest rate hike bets. Financials, real estate, and consumer discretionary stocks recovered, while miners reached a near two-week high. New Zealand stocks also rose 1.2% despite the central bank signaling potential rate hikes.

Ten of the 11 sectors closer higher after CPI slows in April; ASX Ltd tumbles to 10-year low; Global stocks rally on chip stocks; AustralianSuper names next CIO. Follow live.

Ignoring new records on Wall Street overnight, the Australian sharemarket wobbled in early trade, led lower by banks and property trusts.