ASX 200 live: BHP's steady March quarter; AMP, Challenger updates; Insignia extends takeover talks

The local sharemarket extended gains in afternoon trade, driven by a sharp rebound in energy stocks and buoyant gold miners. Jobs data won't push RBA rate cut in May. BHP gains on steady March quarter. Woodside spikes on LNG deal, oil price. 

Investments have been whipsawed as trade tariff negotiations between most of the world and US continue. Picture: Richard Drew/AP

Welcome to the Trading Day blog for Thursday, April 17.  At the close of trade the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index had jumped 0.8 per cent, or 60.2 points, to 7819.1.

The broader All Ordinaries index closed up 0.8 per cent, to 8021.9 points.  Gold stocks were upbeat after the yellow metal’s spot price rose to an all-time high – breaking $3,300 per ounce for the first time.

The Australian dollar was buying US63.41c, down US0.3c on the back of softer than expected jobs figures.

Trump tariff tensions continued on Wall Street with Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell warning on the 'challenging scenario' and Nvidia's falls after it flagged a hit from new US export rules.

It's the last trading day for the local sharemarket before the long Easter break. After today's close, trading will reopen on Tuesday, April 22.

Originally published as ASX 200 live: BHP's steady March quarter; AMP, Challenger updates; Insignia extends takeover talks