Healthcare stocks jumped nearly 4%, leading a broad-based rally at midday Wednesday.
CSL (ASX:CSL) gained almost 7% in recent trade following news that it will conduct clinical trial work to confirm the efficacy and safety of immunoglobulin manufactured using its Horizon 2 process.
Meanwhile, the financial sector edged up nearly 1%.
Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) shares inched up in recent trade.