Half-time wrap:
The share market overcame a mid-morning wobble to rise for the first time in three sessions as the heavily-weighted financial sector scaled new heights.
The ASX 200 climbed 16 points or 0.2% by mid-session. Gains in Woolworths, Santos, QBE and Macquarie Group helped offset down-pressure from Fortescue Metals, Transurban and most of the big four banks.
The financial sector hit a new peak in early trade before swinging into the red. Retailers Kathmandu and Mosaic Brands were spanked after warning of sales pressure as the rising cost of living crimps retail spending.
US stocks finished mixed overnight as a reversal in Nvidia weighed on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, while the Dow rallied 0.77%.
Personal trading: I got plenty of nuttin'. Will be glad when tax loss selling is finally over. Much harder to pick a bounce when sellers are determined to get out at any cost.
