Aust stocks flat at noon

The Australian stock market was little changed at noon amid hopes the United States government partial shutdown will not seriously damage the economy. 

At 1206 AEST, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index inched up 0.09% to 5,211.4 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index lifted 0.09% to 5,211.2 points.

In economic news, the Australian Bureau of Statistics released international trade in goods and services, and building approvals figures, both for August.

CMC Markets analyst Ric Spooner said markets are assuming the overall impact of the US impasse will be relatively limited.

"Any loss of GDP output from the shutdown will at least partly be offset by a likely delay in Fed tapering," Mr Spooner said.

"Some believe that if it comes to the crunch, the US President may choose to break the law and increase borrowings rather than allow the nation to default on its debt."