By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - The S&P/ASX 200 added 19.20 points or 0.26% to 7293.00 in early deals on Wednesday, extending slight gains of 0.25% in the previous session as traders remained cautious ahead of this week’s U.S. Federal Reserve meeting, while closely monitoring the risks from China’s Evergrande Group (HK:3333) crisis.
In coronavirus news, New South Wales added 1035 cases, with first dose vaccinations at 83% as health authorities mandated a week-long lockdown in 3 local government areas on Tuesday after a coronavirus-infected authorised worker with a valid permit flew from Sydney to Ballina on Saturday and was active in the community. Victoria added 628 cases as fears that the virus infections could explode amid mass construction protests take place in Melbourne.
Among stocks, Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX:CUV) added 3.35%. The financial sector weighed, with Commonwealth Bank Of Australia (ASX:CBA), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX:NAB) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX:WBC) down 0.72%, 0.96% and 1.07% respectively. Meantime, Zip Co Ltd (ASX:Z1P) added 0.16% after announcing that it has made its entry to the Indian market.
ASX 200 Futures were up 24.5 points or 0.34%.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 added 6.3 points or 0.05% to 13170.64.