Materials stocks advanced 2.3% to lead gainers in midday trading Friday as markets digested reports of renewed clashes in the Middle East.
BHP Group (ASX:BHP) shares rose nearly 3%, and Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) climbed past 3%.
On the flip side, health care stocks fell 1.6% to lead decliners.
Sigma Healthcare (ASX:SIG) was 2% lower after it said on Thursday that shareholders Jack and Sam Gance may sell up to 20% of their respective stakes in the company once the shares are released from escrow.