The ASX200 nudged up about 0.8 per cent after a choppy session, driven by US markets rallying on President Trump’s withdrawal of European tariff threats and a surprise boost in Australian employment. 65,200 jobs were added in December, lifting the market’s view of a February rate rise to roughly 60 per cent. Materials and tech led the losers, while energy, financials and miners showed gains. Looking ahead, the RBA’s Feb 3 meeting, US PCE inflation data and the Bank of Japan’s rate decision are set to shape market direction.

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