The S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) finally breached the 7,000 point mark, adding 0.7% in Wednesday’s session with IT, healthcare and materials once again the leaders, adding 2.1%, 1.3% and 1.2%, respectively.
ASX 200 chart
ASX gold miners glitter
The iron ore sector gained despite an apparent slowdown in Chinese demand, with ASX gold miners taking off following news of a higher-than-expected inflation result in the US.
Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) was the standout, jumping 14.9% after the Ghanaian Government reversed their decision and reissued the company’s mining license.
Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) was another beneficiary, up 4.1%, as the gold price rose and the AUD weakened.
Ramsay looking to pounce
Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC) is said to be on the lookout for acquisitions, reportedly partnering with private equity firm Pacific Equity Partners in a bid for Healthe Care’s private hospital portfolio.
Healthe Care is Australia’s third-largest private hospital operator and generates around $1 billion in revenue. Ramsay shares added 0.5%.
Woodside’s management shake-up
Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) shares fell after announcing that head of development and marketing, Meg O’Neill would be acting CEO after the incumbent Peter Coleman brought forward his retirement date.
According to the latest ASX futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open lower on Thursday following a weak lead from US markets overnight. Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) will be on watch after pinching business clients from Virgin, while Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX: BOQ) just released its half-year report.