KEY POINTS:
The Australian stock market managed a slightly higher close yesterday despite falling away in afternoon trading.
The major banks and key resources stocks were mixed. CMC Markets senior dealer James Foulsham said the local bourse had a solid lead from the US overnight. But given recent volatile trading, investors were awaiting the release of economic data in the US before making any firm commitments.
Uranium explorer Marathon Resources jumped A46c to A$3.76 as Hong Kong-based Crosby Capital Partners significantly sweetened its takeover offer.
