ASX 200 live: BHP in focus; Virgin lifts on broker optimism; Mesoblast top gainer; Fletcher's outlook warning

Bullish sentiment grips local bourse. BHP's FY26 production forecasts more subdued amid Jansen blowout. Mesoblast banks first millions from key US product sales.

BHP's key operational update in on resources investor radars on Friday. Picture: Getty Images

Welcome to the Trading Day blog for Friday, July 18. The ASX 200 index is 1.5 per cent higher at 8767.50 points at 2.20pm AEST, on track for its highest daily and weekly close on record. Miners are strongest. 

On Wall Street, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indexes lifted 0.5 per cent and 0.7 per cent, respectively, to new all-time highs. The Dow Jones index closed 0.5 per cent stronger.

Cryptocurrency giant bitcoin is just under $US120,300, after hitting a record high above $US123,000 earlier this week.

The Aussie dollar is trading around US65.09c.

Originally published as ASX 200 live: BHP in focus; Virgin lifts on broker optimism; Mesoblast top gainer; Fletcher's outlook warning