Afternoon trading June 12

Thanks @shovel40, @Fiji1 and morning crew.

Half-time wrap:

Australian shares struggled for a second day as mining heavyweights BHP and Rio Tinto fell to multi-week lows following renewed Chinese efforts to crack down on emissions from steel-making.

The ASX 200 declined 46 points or 0.59% to its lowest level this month. BHP dropped 1.02% back where it was around four weeks ago. Today's fall came after China's state planner set a new target for steel-makers to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Iron ore prices slumped 4.16%. Rio fell 1.63% to a level last seen in early April.

Energy was the only sector to advance, gaining 1.17% following overnight rises in oil and natural gas. Consumer staples was next best, trading near flat.

US stocks finished mixed overnight ahead of tonight's inflation data and Federal Reserve rates decision. Strength in tech helped the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rally 0.27% and 0.88%, respectively, to new highs. The Dow eased 0.31%.


Personal trading: NAN offered a nice low-risk entry back at support. Also took NTU and RNX on retrace.