Afternoon trading May 15

Thanks @shovel40, @Fiji1 and morning crew.

Half-time wrap:

A mining-friendly Federal Budget and positive leads from Wall Street helped the share market rise for the third time in four sessions.

The ASX 200 climbed 33 points or 0.42% by mid-session.

The materials sector set the pace, adding 1.44% after last night's budget included billions for critical mineral initiatives and as BHP rebounded after Anglo American rejected its latest takeover overture. Also strong: healthcare, REITs and consumer staples. Drags included energy and industrials.

US stocks rallied overnight after the Federal Reserve reassured investors that it still expects its next move on interest rates to be a cut. The S&P 500 gained 0.48%. The Nasdaq jumped 0.75% to a new closing high.


Personal trading: Modest pip part-fill from BUR. Also took VNL. Been waiting for it to reach this level. If it's gonna bounce, gotta think it will happen around here.