The Aussie market is slightly stronger so far today, following the mixed leads from international markets overnight. The XJO is presently 10 points (+0.2%) in the green, holding around 4440

Most sectors rare in the green, despite the minimal point gain for the index. Consumer discretionary, IT and energy stocks are the best performs collectively, whilst materials and healthcare stocks are the weakest links.

In company news, Boart Longyear has been down as much 2.7% after announcing the resignation of CEO Craig Kipp. Elsewhere, APN News & Media is down 2.3% after denying that it has made any decision regarding the strategic review of the Company's New Zealand assets.

In economic news, Australia recorded its widest trade deficit since March 2008 as coal exports dropped, sending the dollar to the lowest level in almost a month. Imports exceeded exports by $2.03 billion in August, from a revised $1.53 billion shortfall in July that initially was reported as a $556 million deficit, the Bureau of Statistics said in a report today.

Economists had expected the trade gap to come in at $685 million. Around the region, Asian markets are mainly stronger; the Hang Seng is 0.5% stronger, whilst the Nikkei is up 0.1%.

Midday Market Analysis: Modest Gains is a post from: Australian Stock Report Market Pulse Blog