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

Thanks @shovel40, @Fiji1 and morning crew.

Half-time wrap:

Australian shares pushed for their first gain in three sessions as positive US leads helped the market look past inflation and rates worries as the curtain descended on the fiscal year.

The ASX 200 bounced 33 points or 0.43%, extending yesterday's partial rebound. Tech stocks, utilities and insurers were among the main drivers. The materials sector was the only drag, falling 0.3% as iron ore and base metals opened weaker in China this morning.

US stocks crept higher overnight in muted trade ahead of this morning's presidential debate and tonight's May inflation report. The Dow and S&P 500 inched up 0.09%. The Nasdaq firmed 0.3%.

US stock futures firmed following the recent conclusion of the presidential debate. S&P 500 futures climbed 0.31%.


Personal trading: Struggled to find much within my margin for safety. Got a couple of tiddlers on the go, but too thinly traded to mention here. Not loving this market.