Australia: Shares propped up by tech stocks; energy weighs

[BENGALURU] Technology companies kept Australian shares afloat on Thursday, although Wall Street's overnight declines and weakness in the local energy index offset gains.

The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.09 per cent points to 7,509.800 by 0021 GMT.

The main index has closed at record highs in two sessions in a week that saw the US$29 billion buyout of Australia's buy now, pay later pioneer Afterpay Ltd.

Elsewhere, Japan's Nikkei was up 0.5 per cent, while S&P 500 E-minis futures were up 0.2 per cent.

On Wednesday, Wall Street was hit by data showing US private payrolls increased far less than expected in July.

The energy sub-index led losses on the ASX 200, falling as much as 1.3 per cent, touching its lowest level since July 20, as oil prices fell on a surprise build in US crude stockpiles.

Oil Search led losses, falling as much as 2 per cent, and Whitehaven Coal declined 1.6 per cent.

Tech stocks were among the bright spots, up 0.4 per cent, with Nuix leading the charge, up 2.4 per cent, and software maker Xero gaining 1.3 per cent.

Markets will soon turn their attention to a busy earnings season, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia and National Australia Bank, scheduled to report their results next week.

Financials jumped 0.4 per cent, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia and National Australia Bank rising as much as 0.8 per cent and 0. per cent, respectively.

Australia's miners fell about 0.7 per cent, as BHP Group and Fortescue Metals both shed nearly 1 per cent.

Gold stocks fell 0.5 per cent on Thursday, led by Dacian Gold, down 2 per cent, and, losing 1.83 per cent.

In New Zealand, the benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index fell 0.24 per cent to 12,765.2.

REUTERS