* Financial stocks lead gains
* Tech stocks climb to a 6-week high in line with U.S. peers
By Shriya Ramakrishnan
Jan 16 (Reuters) - Australian shares edged up on Wednesday, building on the previous session's rally driven by hopes of more stimulus measures from its biggest trading partner China.
Still, trading was cautious as investors grappled with a host of issues, including a slowing global economy, worries about a peak in corporate earnings and a yet-unresolved trade war between China and the United States.
The S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO added 0.2 percent or 9.60 points to 5,824.20 by 0058 GMT. The benchmark rose 0.7 percent on Tuesday, helped by hints from Chinese officials of further supportive measures to stabilise a slowing economy. equity markets largely shrugged off a crushing defeat for UK Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit divorce deal in parliament. The outcome, while widely expected, could yet stoke uncertainty in the weeks ahead as it may lead to a chaotic exit from the European Union or even to a reversal of the 2016 decision to leave. McCarthy, Chief Market Strategist at CMC Markets said that most investors are adopting a cautious approach after a strong start to the year.
Financial stocks, the benchmark's largest constituents, .AXFJ led gains, rising 0.6 percent, supported by the "Big Four" banks. Westpac Banking Corp WBC.AX and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group ANZ.AX gained as much as 1.1 percent and 0.7 percent respectively.
Energy stocks .AXEJ also lent support with a 0.2 percent gain, helped by strength in crude oil prices. O/R
Fuel refiner Caltex Australia CTX.AX gained 0.8 percent, while Santos Ltd, the country's no.2 independent gas producer, STO.AX added 0.6 percent.
Aussie technology stocks .AXIJ climbed 1.4 percent to a six-week high, tracking a surge for Wall Street peers after streaming service Netflix Inc's NFLX.O announced plans to raise fees for U.S. subscribers. .N
Software maker WiseTech Global WTC.AX jumped as much as 4.6 percent to its highest since Oct. 8, 2018, while Xero Ltd XRO.AX tacked on 2.2 percent.
Losses in metals and mining stocks .AXMM capped broader market gains, with global mining giants BHP Group BHP.AX and Rio Tinto (LON:RIO) RIO.AX losing 0.8 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively.
Gold stocks .AXGD dropped 2.3 percent, as a sturdier dollar and stronger equity market dented the precious metal's appeal. GOL/
Among gold producers, Newcrest Mining NCM.AX and Evolution Mining EVN.AX led declines, falling 2.3 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively.
Across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index .NZ50 rose 0.4 percent or 38.34 points to 9,002.92.
Financial and consumer stocks led gains, with dairy company A2 Milk ATM.NZ rising 2.1 percent to a near 4-month high, while Synlait Milk SML.NZ strengthened 1.6 percent.