Market Wrap / cracking high

The local market started the shortened trading week on a high!

The S&P/ASXX 200 gained 0.8% to 8,587.2 points, surpassing the previous closing high set on February 14.

Positive sentiment was bolstered by US President Donald Trump saying trade talks with China were positive, albeit “not easy”.

The local gold miners were down, and Evolution Mining receded 3.9%. 

However, the energy sector tracked higher oil prices, with Santos's 1.1% gain beating Woodside’s 0.9%. 

In terms of corporate stories, Monash IVF was under fire after another IVF mix-up, the second one since April. The share price dropped 26.2%. 

Elsewhere, NextDC gained 5.5% after it said recent contract wins mean the company’s pro forma contracted utilisation has increased. 

And Metcash reported an unaudited profit after tax beating market expectations. The share price rose 4.1%. 

Tonight, US and Chinese officials are expected to continue a round of trade negotiations in London. President Trump is also expected to address the military with turmoil in Los Angeles as a backdrop.