Sky News Business Reporter Edward Boyd says the ASX 200 started the day quite strong but “ran out of steam” in the afternoon, rising 0.28 per cent on Thursday.Healthcare, utilities and the banks all closed higher.
Top performers included construction and mining contractor NRW Holdings which rose 4.03 per cent and diversified miner South32 and explosives maker Orica rising as well after its full year results. Bottom performers included accounting software company Xero which fell 12.42 per cent after its full year results.
Private hospital operator Healius dropped 6.57 per cent and buy now pay later company Zip fell 5.06 per cent.