Local stock indexes are on course for a new 2009 closing high after energy, financial and materials stocks tracked their American counterparts higher.
At lunchtime the ASX 200 was 57 points or 1.22% higher at 4720. This year's highest close was 4714 on September 17.
Energy stocks led the advances, up 2.3%. Also strong: IT +2.2%, gold +1.9%, financials +1.2%, miners +1.3% and materials +1.3%.
In economic news, skilled job vacancies rose 1.2% this month, compared to August. It was the second consecutive monthly increase after steady falls since November 2007.
Asian markets were less enthusiastic about the overnight action. Hong Kong was down 0.09%, Shanghai off 0.15% and Singapore -0.02%. Japan remained closed for a public holiday. Dow futures were mildly negative at -23.
Just two trades here this morning, both profitable: caught the early run on AAX and scalped a few points out of KAR off its lows. Must work harder.
Potential overnight holds: BLY still looks nice as it breaks out of a saucer bottom. Perhaps AVG for similar reasons. CIF and IFN on breakout.
