Information technology stocks advanced 1.7% at midday Monday, tracking a 0.7% rise in Nasdaq futures after US lawmakers reportedly agreed to a deal to end the US government shutdown. S&P 500 futures rose 0.5%, and Dow Jones futures rose 0.2%.

Iress (ASX:IRE), whose shares jumped over 6%, began a business efficiency program targeting a sustainable cash earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) margin of around 25% by the end of fiscal year 2026, compared with an expected cash EBITDA margin of around 19% for fiscal year 2025.

On the flip side, the consumer staples sector fell 0.4%.

The a2 Milk Company (ASX:A2M, NZE:ATM) expanded its long-term strategic cooperation arrangements with China State Farm Agribusiness Holding Shanghai to include English-label infant milk formula products in the cross-border eCommerce channel. The arrangement will initially begin with a2 Genesis from early 2026, with the intention to further expand the scope of the arrangements to include other English-label infant milk formula products later on.