Non-energy minerals advanced 2.6% at midday Friday on the Australian Securities Exchange, leading a broad-based rally, with aluminum rising 5.5%.
BHP (ASX:BHP) gained 1.8% in recent trade.
Meanwhile, retail trade recorded the smallest gain, up 0.01%, with the increase likely capped by a 0.6% decline in the specialty stores industry.
Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) fell 0.3% in recent trade.