Half-time wrap:
The share market rose for the third time in four sessions after a contraction in claims for US unemployment benefits soothed recession worries Stateside.
A "risk-on" session saw the ASX 200 surge 111 points or 1.45% by mid-session. Tech companies, small caps and spec stocks shone during a rally that lifted all sectors.
The Small Ords put on 1.94%. The Emerging Companies index gained 2%, a sign of improved risk appetite as buyers bet the worst of the latest market turmoil is behind.
The S&P 500 popped 2.3% overnight to its biggest gain since November 2022 after the week's only significant economic release - claims for jobless benefits - came in weaker than expected. The decline in claims helped calm concerns that joblessness will rise faster than the Federal Reserve can lower interest rates.
Personal trading: So I sold everything a day too soon. Never a great feeling, but a regular part of risk management during times of market turmoil. Turned into a low-return week for me - each step forward largely cancelled by a step back in something else. Oh well - we go again next week.
