The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 gained 11.0 points to 4,307.5 after figures showed a 0.5 percent increase in retail sales in July and 4.9 percent growth in private capital expenditure in the second quarter.

The positive figures offset a further slump in manufacturing, with activity contracting for a 10th month in the past year, according to the latest data.

Boosted by rebounding Chinese manufacturing numbers, the Australian dollar was also firmer at 107.10 US cents, up from Wednesday's close of 106.86.