Half-time wrap:
Australian shares rose for the first time in four sessions but remained on track for losses for the week, month and quarter as global markets struggle with sticky inflation and higher borrowing costs.
The ASX 200 climbed 30 points or 0.43% on the last session of the quarter. Trading volumes were constrained by a public holiday in Victoria and a looming long weekend in several other states.
Today's advance was spearheaded by a 1.38% upswing in the heavily-weighted materials sector. Consumer discretionary and communications were next best. Energy, healthcare, utilities and REITs sat out the rally.
While the rise brought the index within a few points of averting a second losing week, it remained firmly on track for both monthly and quarterly losses. Buying sentiment has been dented by China's economic slowdown and by the prospect of higher rates for longer as consumer prices continue to rise.
Personal trading: Market felt like Christmas this morning, and not in a good way. Very little price movement outside the handful of runners. In other words, very weak participation with Victoria on holiday and other states heading into a long weekend. I got one tiddler on the line, but it's unlikely to provide more than a snack at best.
