Information technology stocks jumped nearly 4% at midday Monday.
Xero (ASX:XRO) gained 5% in recent trade.
On the flip side, the energy sector struggled, shedding about 4%.
Woodside Energy Group (ASX:WDS) shares were down almost 4% in recent trade even after the Western Australian government decision to grant "state significant project" status to the proposed Browse to North West Shelf gas project.
Indian Oil (NSE:IOC, BOM:530965), Bharat Petroleum (NSE:BPCL, BOM:500547) and Hindustan Petroleum (NSE:HINDPETRO, BOM:500104) have made crude oil purchases from the spot market, Bloomberg reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.The move comes as a buffer for potential delays in shipments from Saudi Arabia and Iraq, according to the report.The Indian state-owned oil companies have been asked to tap into their stored supplies if needed to ensure undisrupted refinery operations in August and avoid fuel, especially cooking gas, shortages, the people reportedly told Bloomberg, asking to remain unnamed.Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, on Thursday, had discussions on backup strategies with state-run refiners, Bloomberg said.Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum did not immediately respond to' requests for a comment.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)
Japan Hotel REIT Investment (TYO:8985) said its 29 hotels generated total revenue of 6.05 billion yen in June, down 0.6% from a year earlier.Hotel occupancy reached 81.2% in June, up 0.1% year over year, according to a Tokyo bourse filing on Friday.The average daily rate gained 1.6% to 18,509 yen, while revenue per available room rose 1.7% to 15,023 yen.
Daiwa Office Investment Corporation's (TYO:8976) has requested Rating and Investment Information Inc. withdraw its assigned AA- issuer rating following a cost-benefit review, according to a Tokyo bourse filing Friday.The AA long-term issuer rating by Japan Credit Rating Agency with a stable outlook is expected to remain effective.