daytrade diaries... september 3 part 2

Half-time round-up:

Big gains for gold miners and a retreat to defensive shares helped Australian shares inch into positive territory this morning.

At lunchtime the ASX 200 was up 4 points or 0.09% at 4442 after a 6.5% surge in the gold sector and gains for consumer discretionary stocks (+0.9%), health (+0.9%) and telecoms (+0.8%). Property trusts, energy stocks and industrials were the main drags on the index.

Asian markets were mixed again. Japan slipped 0.41% but a 2.33% rise in China helped Hong Kong gain 0.57%. Dow futures were recently at +8. Gold eased a couple of dollars off this morning's high, trading at $975.30. Oil rose around 20 cents to $68.19.

A solid morning here. MCR delivered the goods for a second day - definite buying interest at these levels despite sliding nickel prices. Caught SFR and CSR on the bounce for a few points each. Added GCR on retrace with the expectation that it will recover when the capper at 3.6 has had his fill.

Potential overnight holds: SLR on breakout if it holds gains. MCC on possible reversal. BUY and MMR still look bullish - possible buys on a break to a new high for this week.