Australian stocks have lifted again despite continued international concern about the deadly coronavirus and its impact on the global economy.
The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 23.6 points, or 0.34 per cent, at 7,017.8 at 1030 AEDT while the broader All Ordinaries index lifted 24.7 points, or 0.35 per cent, to 7,117.3 with most sectors higher.
It bucks the trend of US equities, which fell overnight as the coronavirus epidemic regained centre stage in markets.
The World Health Organisation says the coronavirus epidemic in China now constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.
Some 170 people have died from the virus in mainland China, and the number of confirmed cases is more than 7000.
Big banks and big miners were higher on the ASX with BHP up 45 cents, or 1.15 per cent, at $39.45.
Perpetual shares jumped over four per cent to $43.08 after it said it plans to buy US responsible investments firm Trillium Asset Management.
Medical device maker ResMed also jumped on local news, adding 68 cents, or 2.8 per cent, to $24.99 after telling the market demand for its masks was strong.
The Australian dollar was buying 67.16 US cents at 1030 AEDT, down from 67.38 US cents as the stock market closed on Thursday.
AAP
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