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Key North American, European and Australian market indices had closed higher yesterday ahead of the data out earlier today.
It showed exports rose 9.1% and imports fell 1.5% compared with a year earlier, both beating analysts' forecasts, Reuters reported.
BHP (ASX: BHP) was up 1.4% in early afternoon trade, touching a high earlier today of A$36.68 - levels last seen in 2011.
The benchmark S&P/ASX200 was holding steady at the time of writing.
Gold was similar to yesterday at US$1,308 an ounce on the spot market.
Metals and mining stocks had managed a 0.34% gain in Toronto yesterday.
Barrick Gold (TSX: ABX) closed down 3.9%. It had yesterday outlined lower than expected earnings and flagged higher costs in 2019.
