ASX 200 gains 0.3%, resource giants up, insurers hit

Stocks lose ground to close just 0.3 per cent higher, driven by resource giants. Insurers IAG and Suncorp down on earthquake claim woes. China's Evergrande strikes deal with bondholders.

Investors remain cautious after big sharemarket falls.

Welcome to the Trading Day blog for Wednesday, September 22. Australian stocks give up gains to finish 0.3 per cent higher. Resource giants BHP, Fortescue Metals and Rio Tinto were in demand, although trading volume was very light. Insurance groups QBE, IAG and Suncorp under pressure following earthquake in Victoria, which will lead to claims.

Earlier, European markets closed higher after the previous day’s losses.

Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.15 per cent overnight, while Nasdaq rose 0.2 per cent.

Originally published as ASX 200 gains 0.3%, resource giants up, insurers hit