Good afternoon and welcome to The ASX Today. The ASX is off to a positive start in Week 27, with technology stocks leading the charge as investors welcomed signs of easing tensions in the Middle East after the U.S. and Iran agreed to halt recent hostilities and resume talks.
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The benchmark index was up around 0.2 per cent by midday, with eight of the 11 sectors trading higher. Tech was the standout sector. Xero climbed more than 5 per cent, WiseTech gained over 4 per cent, and Life360 jumped more than 10 per cent, extending its recent rally as investors piled back into growth stocks.
Healthcare was another winner, led by Neuren Pharmaceuticals, which surged almost 30 per cent after its Rett syndrome treatment moved a step closer to European approval. Telix and Pro Medicus also posted solid gains.
Major miners have been largely mixed, with BHP edging slightly higher while Rio Tinto slipped intraday. Gold stocks were also mixed, despite bullion holding around the US$4,000 an ounce mark.
Elsewhere, Ramelius rallied after agreeing to sell its Edna May gold mine in WA for $300 million, and Karoon jumped after restoring production at one of its key wells and announcing a new on-market share buyback.
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