ASX 200: May rate cut 'locked in'; ResMed soars on strong quarter; US considers slashing China tariffs

Westpac's Luci Ellis predicts rate cuts in May, Aug, Nov. Miners lead local gains. Mixed Asian markets reflect Trump trade uncertainty amid softening stance on China. 

US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have not yet started trade talks, leaving equity markets swinging. Pictures: Mandel Ngan and Greg Baker/AFP

That's all from the Trading Day blog for Thursday, April 24. The ASX 200 index ends up 0.6 per cent to 7968.2 points led by the materials sector. Energy and consumer staples were the only drags. 

The local bourse will be closed tomorrow for Anzac Day.

On Wall Street, the Dow Jones index rose 419 points, or 1 per cent, the S&P 500 index gained 1.7 per cent and the Nasdaq index climbed 2.5 per cent.

Cryptocurrency giant bitcoin is above $US93,000.

The Aussie dollar is trading around US63.55c.

Originally published as ASX 200: May rate cut 'locked in'; ResMed soars on strong quarter; US considers slashing China tariffs