Top Aussie lender's losses fail to dent bank rally after Westpac results

** Financials sub-index XFJ gains 1.5% to 9,362.80 points; marks strongest session since August 5

** AXFJ gains on the back of Westpac's WBC 7% rise after improved Q3 earnings

** Commonwealth Bank of Australia CBA extends losses from Wednesday; last down 1.2%

** CBA closed more than 5% lower on Wednesday as record cash profit failed to appease investors worried about lofty valuations

** National Australia Bank NAB, ANZ ANZ rise 2% and 2.2%, respectively; Macquarie Group MQG adds 0.5%

** Sub-index gains 8.1% YTD