Market Update: Materials and health push ASX up

The ASX200 is up nearly 0.6 of a percent, in line with futures’ predictions.

Materials and healthcare are in the lead this morning – both sectors are up more than a percent. Energy and industrials are a drag mid-session.

In other news this morning – the Wage Price Index (WPI) rose 0.8% in the March quarter, and 4.1% for the year, according to seasonally adjusted data released by the ABS today.

In company news

The Australian Agricultural Company (ASX:AAC) is down nearly 1.8% after reporting a statutory net loss after tax of $94.6m – a big drop from a profit of $4.6m for the previous corresponding period, citing softening cattle prices.

Its net assets are down 3% to $1.52 billion, and its operating cash flow is down 40%.

AAC has been trading at $1.38.

Auckland International Airport (ASX:AIA) has released its monthly traffic report, showing passenger numbers were up 8% year-on-year.

Its total international passengers were up 10%, and transit movements were also up 16% year-on-year.

AIA has been trading at $7.

Raiden Resources (ASX:RDN) is up nearly 3% on confirming that its final heritage report for the Andover South lithium project has been cleared for drilling, where no culturally sensitive areas were identified within the project boundary envelope.

Raiden is engaged in discussions with contractors for drilling on-site and will select a provider once the Andover North heritage report is finalised.

RDN has been trading at 5 cents.

The Calmer Co (ASX:CCO) is up nearly 34%on its April sales figures – which have clocked in $150,000 just off Coles alone.

Broken down by week, the company saw more than $30,000 in sales every seven days and over 4,600 units sold per week in the eighth week following touchdown on the shelves.

E-commerce sales broadly, have brought in more than $11,000 per day for the company.

CCO has been trading at 0.8 cents.