Australia's S&P/ASX 200 opened 73.5 points higher, or 0.83%, at 8,896.5 on Thursday, July 23.

North Dakota regulator said Bakken and Three Forks oil production in May was 1.096 million barrels per day.

US intelligence analysts are investigating whether Russia assisted Iran in identifying targets during recent drone strikes on CIA facilities in the Gulf region, but have reached no conclusion. Officials are reviewing whether Moscow provided targeting intelligence or advanced drone technology. The probe follows multiple Iranian strikes that hit several CIA sites, including a CIA station inside the US embassy in Riyadh and a facility in eastern Iraq. Some officials say Russia may have upgraded Iran's Shahed drones to improve accuracy and navigation.