Aust stocks lift at noon

The Australian stock market held morning gains at noon after international markets stayed in the black overnight.

At 1205 AEDT, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was 0.31% higher at 5,389.7 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index increased 0.29% to 5,389.5 points.

No major economic news is expected.

In Australia, the market on Thursday finished higher, driven by strong gains among the big banks.

The nation's biggest bank, Commonwealth, surged to a record high as the bank reporting season approaches.

The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 16.8 points, or 0.31%, higher at 5,372.9.

The broader All Ordinaries index was up 16.9 points, or 0.32%, at 5,373.7.