Energy stocks advanced nearly 2% at midday Thursday, the only sector in the green.

Shares of Woodside Energy Group (ASX:WDS) rose almost 2%, while Santos (ASX:STO) shares were up more than 1% in recent trade as hopes grew for a quick end to the Middle East conflict and for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

On the flip side, the information technology sector struggled, shedding more than 3%.

WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) shares fell almost 4% in recent trade after artificial intelligence firm Anthropic said it will expand to Australia and New Zealand with the opening of an office in Sydney.