The S&P 500 added 0.01% to 5,709.54, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.08% to 17,925.12. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 39.55 points, or 0.09%, to finish at 42,196.52.

ADP data released Wednesday showed better-than-expected private payroll growth in September.

ASX to inch higher. SPI Futures up 3 points (+0.04%). On the calendar today, August trade numbers out at 11:30am. AFI, PRN, MIR, and ARB all hosting AGMs. ARB trading ex-dividend today.

COMMODITIES

• US dockworker strike enters second day with talks at a standstill.
• Gold rally cools as traders eye Mideast developments, US data.
• Middle East conflict lifts oil prices despite large US crude build.
• LME monitors tightness in aluminium market after spike in spread.
• Copper climbs on hopes for more China stimulus.

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