Thanks @shovel40, @Fiji1 and morning crew. Half-time wrap:...

Thanks @shovel40, @Fiji1 and morning crew.

Half-time wrap:

Australian stocks fell to a three-week low as investors weighed the threat of a wider conflict in the Middle East and its implications for energy prices, inflation and interest rates following Iran's weekend attack on Israel.

The ASX 200 dropped 43 points or 0.56% towards a third straight loss. The index traded as low as 7735 before moderating its decline to 7745.

Tech companies, gold miners and small caps took the most heat this morning. Gains in South32, Rio Tinto, BHP and the major energy producers helped limit the damage to the index.

US stocks slumped on Friday in anticipation of an Iranian attack that eventuated on Saturday, sharpening the risk that the Israel-Hamas conflict could flare into a full-blown war encompassing other combatants. Bank stocks were a major drag following an underwhelming start to the Q1 reporting season. The S&P 500 shed 1.46%.


Personal trading: Caught MEM and BTH at/near lows. Took a small initial position in a possible pennant forming in FRS. Will add if it develops as hoped.