Thanks afternoon crew.A session that began with some promise...

Thanks afternoon crew.

A session that began with some promise largely fizzled out by the close. ASX 200 finishes seven points or 0.1% ahead after being up as much as 34 points. Energy the biggest drag. Financials and materials modestly lower. Defensives outperforming.

US futures still looking promising. S&P 500 futures up 0.48% at the Australian close.

IPD and SRY probably the pick of the specs here today. ALO jumping on takeover interest. BEZ offering precarious scalping opportunities on the way down, but very much a falling knife this session. Tomorrow will be an interesting test.