The Australian stock market was struggling to hold gains at lunchtime despite a positive lead from Wall St and commodity markets.
At 1pm, the ASX 200 was up 12 points or 0.32% at 3904 after touching a high of 3924 in early trade. There was strength in the IT sector (1.4%), energy (1%), health (1%) and industrials (1%).
Asian markets were mixed in morning trade. The Nikkei rose 0.3% and the Hang Seng dipped 0.04%. Dow futures were recently +9. Gold added nearly $2 to $933.90. Oil rose 20 cents to $71.43.
A dull morning here. Short runs on HST and MCC but profits taken on both needlessly early. Mind's not really on the job today, thanks to a 4.20am alarm call from the infant son.
Happy birthday to Ipod and MickeyD - may the trade winds fill your accounts this arvo.
