Day traders' after-market lounge August 19

Thanks afternoon crew.

End-of-day summary:

Aussie shares launched the week with a tentative seventh straight advance as investors waited to see if Wall Street can build on its best week of the year.

The ASX 200 edged up nine points or 0.12%. The index climbed 2.48% last week as the mood on global markets improved.

Mining stocks continued to underperform the wider market as iron ore declined for a sixth day in China. Drags included BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals. Gold miners shone after the yellow metal surged on Friday to an all-time high.

US stocks capped a stunning week with a modest rise on Friday. The S&P 500 firmed 0.2%, extending its best weekly return since November to 3.9%.