The ASX200 has been up 0.2% at 8,208 points in afternoon trade.
The Westpac–Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index declined –0.7% to 92.1 in January, from 92.8 in December. Consumer mood has soured for two months in a row and remains on the pessimistic side. The survey results were also weaker later in the survey period than in the first two days.
However, sentiment is still less negative than a year ago and some components suggest consumers expect things to continue to improve from here.
Energy and Telecommunication have been the strongest sectors, up 0.9%, followed by Real Estate, up 0.85%, and Materials 0.7%.
Discretionary has been the worst, down 0.33%.
Company News
Wellard (ASX:WLD) has been up around 100% after selling its remaining livestock vessel, the M/V Ocean Drover, for US$50 million ($81.2 million). The transaction signifies the sale of Wellard’s primary undertaking and requires shareholder approval.
Wellard has been 14.5 cents.
Auric Mining (ASX:AWJ) has been up 3.3% after strong sales at its Jeffreys Find Gold Mine in Western Australia. The company has sold more than 14,800 ounces of gold, generating revenues of $58.7 million.
Auric Mining has been 31.5 cents.
Pivotal Metals (ASX:PVT) has been up 14.3% after presenting its vision for building a copper business in Quebec, validating the region as one of the world’s premier mining jurisdictions. The company highlighted its ongoing exploration endeavours and its comprehensive growth trajectory.
Pivotal Metals has been $0.008.
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