By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - The S&P/ASX 200 added 9.2 points or 0.1% to 7,444.5 after the first 90 minutes of trade, following losses among U.S. equities overnight as investors retreated as data showed a tightening labour market, while Federal Reserve policymakers emphasized the need to keep interest rates higher for longer amid persistent inflation pressures.
ASX 200 Futures were pointing 0.1% higher.
Among stocks, gains were led by Energy companies, with Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX:WHC) lifting 4.5% per cent after flagging record high guidance. Santos Ltd (ASX:STO) added 1.3%, Woodside Energy Ltd (ASX:WDS) lifted 0.8% and Beach Energy Ltd (ASX:BPT) gained 1.3%.
Materials advanced 0.5% amid gains among gold miners. St Barbara Ltd (ASX:SBM) lifted 3.9%, Gold Road Resources Ltd (ASX:GOR) added 3%, Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX:NCM) lifted 2.4% and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX:NST) added 2.2%.
On the bond markets, Australia 10-Year rates were at 3.398% while United States 10-Year yields were at 3.404%.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 added 0.9% to 11,994.4.