S&P/ASX 200 rises as jobless rate continues to tumble

S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX:XJO) has reclaimed ground over the morning session to be up 0.26% to 6902.8 by about 1.45 pm despite a weak lead from Wall Street. New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed employment increased by 29,100 people (0.2%) to 12,939,900 people in January 2021 compared to December 2020. Full-time jobs rose by 59,000 while part-time roles dropped 29,800. The unemployment rate fell to 6.4% from 6.6%. Outperformers ANZ Bank (ASX:ANZ) gained 3.37% after revealing unaudited statutory profit after tax for the first quarter of $1.6 billion, up from a quarterly average of $773 million the first half of last year. CSL Limited (ASX:CSL) was up 2.4% after declaring a first half net profit after tax (NPAT) of US$1.8 billion, up 44% on strength in its immunoglobulin business and a change in its distribution model in China. Top gainers Today’s top gainers on the ASX include MGC Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX:MXC) (+14.49%), Nanoveu Ltd (ASX:NVU) (+10.34%), 9 Spokes International Ltd (ASX:9SP) (+26.09%) and Brookside Energy Ltd (ASX:BRK) (+9.09%). Proactive news headlines: Infinity Lithium raises A$15 million in strongly supported placement to advance Europe supply strategy Infinity Lithium Corporation Ltd (ASX:INF) (FRA:3PM) has raised A$15 million through a strongly supported placement and will issue more than 79.47 million shares at A$0.19 per share to advance the San José Lithium Project in Spain and its integrated supply strategy in Europe. Bellevue Gold set to generate strong profits, robust free cashflows with namesake project expected to be ranked among Australia’s top 25 gold mines Bellevue Gold Ltd’s (ASX:BGL) (OTCMKTS:BELGF) stage one feasibility study has found that its Bellevue Gold Project in Western Australia is expected to be ranked amongst Australia’s top-25 gold mines based upon annual production. Fe Limited’s strongly supported $5.5 million placement set to fast-track iron ore projects Fe Limited (ASX:FEL) (FRA:B4T) has received firm commitments for its $5.5 million placement via the issue of around 123.4 million shares at $0.045 per share to sophisticated and professional investors (before costs of raising). AVZ Minerals drills 173 metres at 1.63% lithium and 1,134ppm tin from Roche Dure pit floor of Manono Project AVZ Minerals Ltd (ASX:AVZ) (OTCMKTS:AZZVF) (FRA:3A2) has received further strong results from mineral resource drilling at Manono Lithium and Tin Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo with 172 metres at 1.63% lithium and 1,134ppm tin returned from the pit floor 'wedge' at Roche Dure. Strategic Elements developing Sensor Fusion stack to integrate into autonomous robotic security vehicles Strategic Elements Ltd (ASX:SOR) has started developing a ‘Sensor Fusion’ stack for integration into a new generation of autonomous robotic security vehicles that will make them more intuitive and more responsive to their environment. Marvel Gold drilling confirms southeast extension at Tabakorole Gold Project Marvel Gold Ltd's (ASX:MVL) (OTCMKTS:GRXMF) (FRA:GR2) results from the first eight holes of a resource expansion drill program at the Tabakorole Gold Project in southern Mali has confirmed an extension to the southeast. Lithium Australia’s field trial demonstrates successful update of micronutrients from spent alkaline batteries Lithium Australia NL (ASX:LIT) (OTCMKTS:LMMFF) (FRA:3MW) and its 90%-owned subsidiary Envirostream Australia Pty Ltd’s field testing of fertiliser blends containing manganese micronutrients derived from spent alkaline batteries recycled by Envirostream have demonstrated successful uptake of these micronutrients in a field setting. Nanoveu higher on enhancing antiviral technology with new products and outdoor testing Nanoveu Ltd (ASX:NVU) has enhanced the reputation of its antiviral technology with the release of new products and successful environmental testing leading to a lift in share price today.