ASX 200

ASX 200Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite^SZSE

Asia-Pacific NBFIs Face Controlled Refinancing Risk in 2026, Fitch Says

Asia-Pacific's emerging market nonbank financial institutions (NBFIs) should observe controlled refinancing risk this year, Fitch Ratings said.Most issuers' near-term funding profiles continue to be stable amid ample domestic liquidity, solid bank funding access, and predominantly solid shareholder or government support, Fitch said.The rating agency's view comes even as the entities face modestly higher refinancing needs and unstable offshore funding conditions due to the Iran conflict.The sector's greater dependence on short-term funding compared to other regions reflects specific business models rather than weaker refinancing ability, according to Fitch.Offshore US dollar issuance could still provide gains in 2026 amid tighter market access due to high funding costs, volatile yields, and geopolitical risks, Fitch said.Greater-than-expected tightening in domestic liquidity, resurgent upward pressure on US dollar yields, or expanding credit spreads serve as risks for the sector, the rating agency said.

ASX 200ASX:NSTASX:SDFASX:WES

Australian Shares Rise; Steadfast Group Receives AU$8 Billion Takeover Proposal From Amwins, Dragoneer

Australian shares rose on Wednesday amid freshly renewed hostilities between the US and Iran.The S&P/ASX 200 Index gained 0.57%, or 49.10 points, at 8,653.30.Brent crude oil futures rose to trade at around $91 per barrel after the US held Iran responsible for the downing of a US military helicopter.On the domestic front, seasonally adjusted data revealed that the total number of dwellings approved in Australia fell 3.4% to 16,710 in April from 17,307 in the previous month, according to final figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.The ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian consumer confidence rose 2 points to 70.8 in the week of June 1 to June 7, ANZ reported. The four-week moving average rose 1.7 points to 68 points. Consumer sentiment improved broadly last week, with gains in financial conditions and medium-term confidence hitting their strongest levels since late February.In company news, Steadfast Group (ASX:SDF) said it received a conditional, non-binding, and indicative offer from Amwins Group and Dragoneer Investment Group to acquire the company by way of a scheme of arrangement at AU$6 per share in cash, representing an enterprise value of about AU$7.7 billion.Northern Star Resources (ASX:NST) Chairman Michael Chaney said that processing plant construction at Fimiston in Western Australia is nearing completion, on time and with a modest cost overrun. Chaney acknowledged that the firm's share price performance in the year had not met expectations and recognised shareholders' concerns.Lastly, Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) said it is partnering with artificial intelligence organizations to drive long-term sales and earnings growth. The company said it will use AI for agentic and conversational commerce and AI assistants for team members and supply chain optimization, among other applications.

ASX Midday Sector Update: Consumer Discretionary Stocks Advance, Information Technology Sector Struggles

Consumer discretionary stocks advanced nearly 3% at midday Wednesday.Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) gained almost 3% in recent trade after announcing that it is partnering with artificial intelligence organizations to drive long-term sales and earnings growth.On the flip side, the information technology sector struggled, shedding nearly 2%.Xero (ASX:XRO) shares were down past 1% in recent trade.

ASX 200ASX:WESASX:XRO

International5d ago

Australia Dwelling Approvals Fall in April, Final ABS Data Shows

Seasonally adjusted data revealed that the total number of dwellings approved in Australia fell 3.4% to 16,710 in April from 17,307 in the previous month, according to final figures released Wednesday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).The final figures were unchanged from the preliminary data.Private sector housing approvals edged down 1% to 10,088 in April, while approvals for private sector dwellings excluding houses fell 3.6% to 6,403, according to the ABS data.Meanwhile, the value of total non-residential building approvals rose 29.4% to AU$7.75 billion, and the value of total residential building approvals fell 0.3% to AU$10.89 billion.

International5d ago

Australian Consumer Confidence Rises as Financial Outlook Improves

The ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian consumer confidence rose 2 points to 70.8 in the week of June 1 to June 7, ANZ reported Tuesday.The four-week moving average rose 1.7 points to 68 points.Consumer sentiment improved broadly last week, with gains in financial conditions and medium-term confidence hitting their strongest levels since late February, while willingness to purchase major household items continued to strengthen amid end-of-financial-year sales, according to ANZ economist Sophia Angala.Housing confidence has softened on a four-week moving average basis since the start of the year, with mortgage holders recording the sharpest decline amid continued pressure from Reserve Bank of Australia rate hikes, Angala added.Weekly inflation expectations rose to 6.1% from 5.9%, while the current financial condition indicator for 12 months was unchanged at 60.1. The future financial conditions for the next 12 months increased to 78.4 points from 75.1.Short-term economic confidence for the next year edged down 0.6 points to 61.3, while medium-term economic confidence for the next five years increased to 80.4 points from 75.8.The "time to buy a major household item" subcategory rose 2.6 points to 73.8.

ASX 200ASX:CEHASX:JHXASX:OML

ASX Preview: Australian Shares Set to Inch Up as Oil Climbs on US Strikes Against Iran; IGO Reports Fire at CGP3 Lithium Plant in Western Australia

Australian shares are poised to inch up on Wednesday as oil prices climbed after US forces struck Iran, escalating Middle East tensions and raising concerns over potential supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.Overnight, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.3% and 1% respectively, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.2%.In the macroeconomy, the ANZ-Roy Morgan Australian consumer confidence rose 2 points to 70.8 in the week of June 1 to June 7, ANZ reported Tuesday.Australia's final building approvals report is due at 11:30 am Sydney time.In corporate news, IGO (ASX:IGO) said a fire broke out at its chemical grade plant 3 at the Greenbushes lithium operation on Tuesday and was extinguished without causing any injuries.Insurance Australia Group's (ASX:IAG) IAG New Zealand division on Wednesday urged New Zealand's government to develop a long-term roadmap to cut natural hazard risk, which it said is rising faster than the country's ability to manage it.Australia's benchmark index fell 0.2% or 20.9 points to close at 8,604.20 on Tuesday.

ASX 200ASX:IAGASX:IGO

Asia6d ago

Australian Shares Flat; oOh!media Confirms Non-Binding Indicative Offer From Bain Capital

Australian shares were flat with a negative bias on Tuesday as investors weighed in on the cessation of strikes between Israel and Iran after an exchange over the weekend.The S&P/ASX 200 Index was little changed to close at 8,604.20.Brent crude oil futures fell to trade at around $93 per barrel after indications of de-escalation between Israel and Iran.On Wall Street, the Nasdaq fell over 4% on Friday, but rebounded 0.9% overnight. Stronger economic activity and job growth in the US led investors to expect the Federal Reserve to delay its rate cuts.On the domestic front, Australia's consumer confidence fell further into pessimistic territory in June as cost-of-living pressures, weakening household finances, and softer housing expectations continued to weigh on sentiment. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index fell 2.9% to 80.6 in June from 83 in May.Business confidence in Australia lifted off a low base, rising 10 points to negative 14 index points in May. However, it is still weak, and margin pressures are likely to remain a factor for businesses in the months ahead, according to the NAB Monthly Business Survey. Sentiment remains negative across all industries despite the increase, and overall conditions continue to track below average through the year.The total value of residential dwellings in Australia rose 2.5% in the March quarter, settling at AU$12.773 trillion. The mean price of residential buildings rose AU$22,300 to AU$1.1 million in the quarter.In company news, oOh!media (ASX:OML) confirmed that it has received conditional non-binding indicative offers from Bain Capital and other financial sponsors, consistent with the terms of the I Squared Capital proposal. The company on May 11 said it received an unsolicited, non-binding takeover offer from I Squared Capital to acquire the company for AU$1.45 per share in cash via a scheme of arrangement.James Hardie Industries (ASX:JHX) has been served with a group proceeding in the Supreme Court of Victoria on behalf of investors who acquired securities between May 21, 2025, and Aug. 19, 2025, alleging that it breached regulations in relation to forward-looking statements about its forecast financial performance. It denied the allegations and said it will vigorously defend the case.Coast Entertainment Holdings (ASX:CEH) said Queensland's State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) has issued its referral agency response to the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning regarding the company's Dreamworld precinct development application. SARA's response is the penultimate step in the call-in process and is submitted to the Minister for consideration ahead of a final decision.

Business Confidence in Australia Lifts Off Low Base in May, NAB Says

Business confidence in Australia lifted off a low base, however it is still weak and margin pressures are likely to remain a factor for businesses in the months ahead, National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB) said in a report on Tuesday.Business confidence rose 10 points to negative 14 index points in May, according to the NAB Monthly Business Survey. Sentiment remains negative across all industries despite the increase, and overall conditions continue to track below average through the year.Business conditions were steady at 3 index points in the month and tracking just below their long-run average for most of the year, with employment, trading conditions, and profitability all having softened since February. The profitability sub-component is furthest below its long-run average, which suggests margin pressures persist.Conditions rose in wholesale, finance, property, and business services as well as recreation and personal services industries. Trend conditions were strongest in mining and finance, property and business services while manufacturing was the weakest industry. By state, conditions rose modestly in New South Wales and South Australia.Capacity utilization fell to 81.9%, dropping below 82% for the first time since early 2025, and is currently 1.4 percentage points below its high point in late 2025. While utilization remains above its long run average of 81.4%, the easing through the first half is consistent with softer economic growth and also reflected in the broader trend in business conditions.The survey suggests activity has slowed somewhat and that, while the Middle East cost shock has been significant, it has been less disruptive than feared, said Gareth Spence, the bank's head of Australian Economics.This "supports the view that economic growth has slowed since late 2025 but is still moving. We see the same signs in our transactions data, where spending growth has slowed but not fallen away," Spence said.Forward orders rose five points and capital expenditure lifted six points. Purchase cost growth eased to 2.6% in quarterly equivalent terms, while labor cost growth edged down to 1.5%, product price growth slowed to 0.9%, and retail price growth eased to 1.5%.Price and costs growth also eased in the month but remain elevated, particularly purchase costs, which signal the ongoing risks of the cost shock due to the Middle East conflict still making its way through supply chains, per the report.

ASX 200ASX:NAB

Potential Geopolitical Shocks Likely to Generate New Operational Challenges for Financial System, RBA Says

The impact of potential geopolitical shocks is likely to differ from more traditional macro-financial stress in several ways, including by generating new operational challenges for the financial system, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) noted in its bulletin released Tuesday.The RBA defined geopolitical risk as the potential for adverse impacts on the financial system from international tensions, including trade restrictions, sanctions, grey-zone activities and conflicts.The geopolitical risk framework identified four key stress transmission channels: financial conditions, the real economy, safety and security, and international policy responses, per the report. Credit risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, security and capacity risk, and political risk are expected to be the most relevant in a geopolitical scenario, it added.Such a shock could lead to the potential amplification of financial risks, new operational challenges for the financial system, and coordination challenges in crisis management, given the potential for multiple financial and operational risks to be triggered at once, RBA said.Periods of heightened geopolitical risk may not be fully reflected in asset prices or volatility measures until risks crystallize, the bank said. Material geopolitical risks can build while remaining only partially priced, increasing the potential for sudden and nonlinear adjustments when conditions deteriorate, it added.

US Markets6d ago

Australian Consumer Sentiment 'Deeply Pessimistic' as Cost-of-Living Pressures Mount

Australian consumers continued to show deep pessimism in June, beaten by cost-of-living pressures, while the recent fuel excise tax cut gave little relief to struggling consumers.The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index fell 2.9% to 80.6, among the weakest figures in the 50-year history of the survey, with pessimists beating optimists by 20% in numbers."Australian consumers are clearly bracing for more bad news on the financial front," said Matthew Hassan, Westpac's head of Australian macro-forecasting.Recent data seems to be in line with the comment, as Australia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 4.5% in April, up from 4.3% in March, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed recently.Also, the gross domestic product rise of 0.3% in the March quarter shows that growth over the course of the year will be at a soft pace, ANZ said last week, adding that it expects a further weakening in real income growth over the year.The Reserve Bank of Australia also expects gross domestic product growth to slow this year under the weight of higher interest rates and the Middle East conflict, with unemployment forecast to rise over the coming year but remain below pre-pandemic levels.Hassan said the central bank is likely to hold interest rates at its meeting next week after three consecutive rate hikes, though further increases are still expected in future meetings.

Asia6d ago

ASX Midday Sector Update: Consumer Staples Stocks Jump, Materials Sector Struggles

Consumer staples stocks advanced nearly 2% at midday Tuesday.Woolworths Group (ASX:WOW) gained 2% in recent trade.On the flip side, the materials sector struggled, shedding almost 3%.BHP Group (ASX:BHP) shares were down 2% in recent trade.

ASX 200ASX:BHPASX:WOW

Total Value of Residential Dwellings in Australia Rises in March Quarter

The total value of residential dwellings in Australia rose 2.5% in the March quarter, settling at AU$12.773 trillion, figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed Tuesday.The mean price of residential buildings rose AU$22,300 to AU$1.1 million in the quarter.Dwelling value growth slowed this quarter after a strong increase in late 2025, though Australia's housing stock remains 11.9% higher year-on-year, driven by continued rises in residential property prices, said Mish Tan, ABS head of finance statistics.Victoria was the only state or territory to record a decline in the mean price of residential dwellings this quarter, falling 0.3%, while Western Australia rose 7.2% and Queensland increased 4.6%, recording the strongest gains, per the report.

Australia's Consumer Sentiment Falls in June as Cost Pressures Weigh on Confidence

Australia's consumer confidence fell further into pessimistic territory in June as cost-of-living pressures, weakening household finances, and softer housing expectations continued to weigh on sentiment, according to a survey by Westpac and the Melbourne Institute published Tuesday.The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index fell 2.9% to 80.6 in June from 83 in May.Consumer sentiment has fallen back into near-record pessimism in June, with cost-of-living pressures still dominant and emerging concerns over tax changes and housing expectations dragging confidence lower, said Matthew Hassan, head of Australian macro-forecasting at Westpac.Family finances deteriorated sharply in June as confidence in both current conditions and the year ahead fell, reversing most of May's gains amid renewed cost-of-living pressure.Consumer sentiment toward the economy over the next 12 months improved slightly in June but remains weak overall, with the modest 0.3% gross domestic product growth in the March quarter easing some earlier fears of a sharper downturn.Purchase sentiment remains weak as the "time to buy a major item" index rose 0.9% to 86.4, but remains far below its long-run average of 123, signaling continued consumer restraint.The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Unemployment Expectations Index was broadly unchanged in May, down 0.1% to 139.8, remaining above its long-run average of 129 and signaling continued consumer caution about job prospects.Homebuyer sentiment partially recovered after last month's sharp drop, with the "time to buy a dwelling" index rising nearly 13% to 81.1 from a very weak May reading of 72, though it remains well below the long-run average of 119.June saw a sharp drop in house price expectations, with the Westpac-Melbourne Institute index falling 14.9% to 128.2 and dropping below the long-run average of 130 for the first time in nearly three years.Australian households are increasingly viewing bank deposits and debt reduction as the "wisest" places for savings, while confidence in housing investment has fallen to record lows.The Reserve Bank is expected to pause interest rate rises at its next meeting to assess the impact of recent energy price shocks and aggressive monetary tightening, but persistent underlying inflation is likely to keep the door open to further hikes later in the year.

ASX 200^BSEHang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225^NSENifty 50^NZ50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^SZSETaiwan Weighted

Asia6d ago

ASX Preview: Australian Shares Set to Rise as Oil Gains on Iran-Israel Tensions; James Hardie Industries Faces Victoria Class Action Alleging Disclosure Breaches

Australian shares are poised to rise on Tuesday as oil prices gained amid renewed Middle East tensions following exchanges of strikes between Iran and Israel and concerns over supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.The move comes despite an agreement by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to increase output targets.Overnight, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.3% and 0.9% respectively, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.2%.In the macroeconomy, investors are eyeing the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index and National Australia Bank Business Confidence Index.In corporate news, James Hardie Industries (ASX:JHX) has been served with a group proceeding in the Supreme Court of Victoria on behalf of investors who acquired securities between May 21, 2025, and Aug. 19, 2025, alleging breaches of Australian corporate and consumer law relating to forward-looking statements about its forecast financial performance.Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) said Tuesday it is increasing its annual community investment commitment in Canada by 30% through its Rio Tinto Canada Fund, bringing total annual funding to CA$13 million to support community-led initiatives across the country.Australia's benchmark index fell 0.7% or 61 points to close at 8,625.10 on June 5.

ASX 200ASX:JHXASX:RIO

International7d ago

Asia Week Ahead: Inflation Prints; GDP Estimates; and Trade Balance

For the week ahead in Asia, inflation, trade and growth data will be in focus as investors assess the region's economic momentum.The week opens with Japan's revised first-quarter GDP figures, followed by trade data from China and Taiwan on Tuesday.Mid-week, China's consumer and producer inflation reports will dominate headlines, while Japan will release producer price data.Thursday will be led by unemployment figures from South Korea and Malaysia, before Friday brings India's inflation report.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, June 8The week was off to a relatively light, but notable start with Japan's first-quarter GDP growth rate.Japan's economy expanded at an annualized rate of 1.8% in the first quarter, according to final data released by the Cabinet Office. The reading was revised down from the preliminary estimate of 2.1% growth, but exceeded the market consensus forecast for a 1.3% increase, according to Trading Economics.The data comes as attention turns to the Bank of Japan's June 15-16 policy meeting, where policymakers are expected to consider another interest-rate increase. The growth figures are unlikely to derail expectations for further policy tightening.TUESDAY, June 9Data readouts will pick up Tuesday, starting with China's trade figures for May.Economists at ING said they expect China's exports to rise 19.5% year-on year and imports to gain 36.4% for a trade surplus of $86.5 billion. The surplus would be an increase from the $84.8 billion recorded in April, thanks in part to higher tech prices, which are boosting both export and import prices, ING said.Taiwan will similarly report trade figures, with ING expecting the island nation's trade surplus to rise to $15.5 billion from $14.4 billion in April. "Strong export orders from previous months suggest external demand remains robust amid the AI boom," ING said in a preview.Markets will be watching for any revisions to South Korea's first-quarter GDP growth rate when the Bank of Korea releases its final estimate on Tuesday.The central bank's advance estimate indicated that South Korea's real GDP increased 3.6% annually and 1.7% on a quarterly basis.In Australia, a pair of reports will capture business and consumer sentiment, while in the Philippines, unemployment stats will be due.Other key data scheduled for the day include Japan's machine tool orders.WEDNESDAY, June 10China's consumer and producer price inflation will dominate headlines Wednesday.Consumer prices are expected to show an uptick of 1.3% year on year in May from 1.2% a month prior, reflecting higher manufacturers' input and output prices due to the Middle East conflict, the Wall Street Journal reported.Japan will similarly report its May producer prices, with analysts expecting the PPI to accelerate to 5.5% year on year from 4.9% in April, according to a Trading Economics consensus.Indonesia will release its May consumer confidence report on the same day.THURSDAY, June 11Unemployment data from South Korea and Malaysia will be the highlight of the day.According to Trading Economics, South Korea's unemployment rate could remain unchanged at 2.80% in May. The platform similarly forecasted that Malaysia's unemployment would remain steady at 2.90%, a level it has held since November 2025.A forward-looking report on consumer inflation expectations will be due in Australia. According to Trading Economics, consumer inflation expectations could rise to 6.5% for June from the 5.6% estimated in May.Meanwhile, Indonesia will report its retail sales stats for April.FRIDAY, June 12India's May inflation data will be in the news Friday.Economists at ING said they expect consumer prices to pick up to 3.9% year on year from the 3.48% recorded in the month prior due to a rise in gasoline prices. Still, the figure would be below the Reserve Bank of India's 4% target."The key risk to the outlook lies in potential second-round effects on food inflation. Fertiliser shortages, alongside the rising probability of an El Niño event, could exert upward pressure on food prices in the coming months and warrant close monitoring," ING said in a preview.Friday will also feature industrial production reports from Japan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, with Malaysia additionally reporting its retail sales stats for April.In Thailand, the consumer confidence report for May will be due.On the activity front, the Business NZ manufacturing purchasing managers' index report will be due in New Zealand. CommBank said it expects manufacturing activity in May to stabilize, or even lift somewhat, given a decline in fuel prices over late April and May.The Business NZ PMI previously dropped to 50.5 in April from 52.8 in March.

Asia10d ago

Australian Shares Continue to Retreat; nib Agrees to Sell ANZ Travel Insurance Businesses to Allianz Group Unit

Australian shares continued their retreat on Friday as the prospects of a peace agreement between the US and Iran seemed distant.The S&P/ASX 200 Index dropped 0.7%, or 61 points, to close at 8,625.10.Brent crude oil futures were trading at around $95 per barrel as traders await more clarity on US-Iran talks.The Hezbollah militia rejected a new ceasefire in Lebanon, and Israel said it would not withdraw troops from the country, Reuters reported.The iron ore price in Singapore reached $100.85 per tonne, a three-month low.On the domestic front, the number of seasonally adjusted filled jobs in Australia rose 0.6% to 16.2 million in the March quarter, following a 0.3% increase in the December 2025 quarter, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said. Total jobs rose 0.7% to 16.5 million, and job vacancies increased 5.2% to 344,000, while secondary jobs increased 0.6% to 1.1 million in the March quarter.In company news, nib (ASX:NHF) agreed to sell its Australian and New Zealand travel insurance businesses, excluding World Nomads, to Allianz Partners, an Allianz Group subsidiary, for up to AU$50 million. The company also partnered with Allianz Partners for the distribution of nib-branded travel insurance products to its customers in Australia and New Zealand.Resolute Mining (ASX:RSG) said full-year 2026 production at its Syama Gold Mine in Mali is now expected to be around the lower end of its guidance range of 195,000 to 210,000 ounces due to logistical and supply chain disruptions caused by road insecurity in parts of Mali. The company said second-quarter gold production at Syama is expected to be about 30,000 ounces, compared with its original forecast of 40,000 to 45,000 ounces.Lastly, Perpetual (ASX:PPT) agreed to acquire 70% of the shares in financial technology firm Interfi Systems. The sale and purchase agreement also comes with an option to acquire the remaining 30% of Interfi Systems' shares by fiscal 2031.

ASX 200ASX:NHFASX:PPTASX:RSG

International10d ago

Market Chatter: China Overtakes Japan in Car Exports to Australia

Chinese car exports to Australia reached nearly 36,000 units in April, overtaking Japan's 29,000 deliveries, Bloomberg News reported Friday, citing government data.The number drove Chinese car deliveries to Australia in the first four months of 2026 to above 100,000, 51% higher compared with the year-ago period, the report said.Imports from BYD (HKG:1211, SHE:002594) helped lift Chinese car imports, according to the report.Electric vehicles and hybrids comprised nearly 46% of new car sales across all sources in May, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries said Wednesday.(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.)

ASX 200Nikkei 225Shanghai Composite^SZSE

Asia10d ago

ASX Midday Sector Update: Healthcare Stocks Jump, Materials Sector Struggles

Healthcare stocks jumped nearly 3% at midday Friday.CSL (ASX:CSL) gained 4% in recent trade.Meanwhile, the materials sector struggled, shedding nearly 2%.BHP Group (ASX:BHP) shares fell nearly 2% in recent trade.

ASX 200ASX:BHPASX:CSL

International10d ago

Filled Jobs in Australia Up 0.6% in March Quarter

The number of seasonally adjusted filled jobs in Australia rose 0.6% to 16.2 million in the March quarter, following a 0.3% increase in the December 2025 quarter, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said Friday.Total jobs rose 0.7% to 16.5 million, and job vacancies increased 5.2% to 344,000, while secondary jobs increased 0.6% to 1.1 million in the March quarter.Health care and social assistance, administrative and support services, and education and training were the three industries with the highest number of secondary jobs.The number of employed people increased by 0.7% to 15.1 million in the March quarter, while the number of multiple job-holders rose by 0.3% to 978,000.Average income per employed person lifted 0.5% to AU$25,825.40, while hours worked rose 0.9% to 6.1 billion hours.The highest hours worked in the March quarter were in health care and social assistance, construction, and professional, scientific and technical services.On an annual basis, filled jobs rose 1.9% in the March quarter. Total jobs rose 2%, while job vacancies increased 4.1%.