The ASX ticked up to the highest level in more than a week on the back of strength in both mining and financials stocks early on. The advance was halted by stronger-than-expected employment data with the Australian economy adding 76k jobs in May and the unemployment rate falling to 3.6% – the strong data lifting expectations of another, if not two more hikes by the RBA in the next few months. The index gave back all the early gains to trade marginally lower around midday, though buyers returned into the afternoon to help eke out a small gain. Healthcare was again the laggard while Tech continues to show strength.