BHP Group BHP.AX rose more than 4% this week, closing at a record high of A$49.6 on Friday. By Rishav Chatterjee Jan 13 (Reuters) - Australian shares rose for a third straight session on Friday to post their best week in nine, as easing U.S. inflation lifted hopes of the Federal Reserve slowing the pace of rate hikes. He said Australian stocks continued to react favourably to evidence of easing inflation globally and changes in China's COVID policy.