By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - The S&P/ASX 200 added 23.8 points or 0.3% to 3,957.5 during Tuesday’s trade, advancing for the third consecutive session, with Staples and Utilities leading the gains, while Westpac consumer sentiment data fell to levels not seen since the start of the pandemic amid surging inflation pressures and higher interest rates.
Among stocks, Woolworths Ltd (ASX:WOW) lifted, 1.6%, Coles Group Ltd (ASX:COL) added 2.1%, Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX:EDV) gained 1.3% and A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX:A2M) popped 4.4%.
Meantime, Origin Energy Ltd (ASX:ORG) lifted 0.4%, APA Group (ASX:APA) added 1.6% and AGL Energy Ltd (ASX:AGL) gained 1.6%.
On the data front , Westpac’s consumer sentiment index came in at -6.9% from -0.9% in the previous month, while NAB’s Business Confidence fell to 0 from 5 in the previous month.
On the bond markets, Australia 10-Year rates were at 4.045% while United States 10-Year yields were at 4.231%.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 fell 1.2% to 11,151.9.