Thanks @shovel40, @Fiji1 and morning crew.
Half-time wrap:
A volatile month for Australian stocks looked set to end with a whimper as the market reached mid-session little changed.
The ASX 200 spent the morning in a tight 19-point range, easing three points or 0.05% by 1 pm AEST.
Telstra, Wesfarmers and the major banks provided most of the positive momentum during a mixed session for resource stocks. Index heavyweights Woodside and Woolworths were amongst the biggest drags as they traded ex-dividend.
The major bulk metal miners bounced off their lows after China's factory gauge came in stronger than expected this month. The official manufacturing purchasing managers' index lifted to 49.7 from 49.3 in July, exceeding downbeat expectations.Personal trading: This is the kind of directionless session where I'm inclined to force trades and get myself into trouble. Haven't had to take any losses yet, but everything is still close to my entry level. Oh well. At least my broker can eat tonight.
