AWEX said its northern indicator (Newcastle) was steady at 522C/kg, while its southern indicator (Melbourne) rose one cent to 499C/kg.

In Newcastle, merino fleece of 17.6-18.5 micron spinners style was up to five percent dearer, with 17.6-18.5M Best style up to two percent dearer, 18.6-19M Slightly dearer, 19.5M Unchanged, 20M One percent cheaper and 21M And coarser unchanged.

In Melbourne, merino fleece of 19/22/23M Was 0.5 per cent dearer, 20/21M Up to one percent dearer and 24M Generally unchanged.

Merino skirtings of 18/19/20M Were generally 1.5 per cent cheaper and 21M Up to one percent dearer in Melbourne; in Newcastle, 18.5M And finer best style were five percent dearer, with all other skirtings descriptions unchanged.

Crossbreds were generally unchanged in Newcastle, with 28/30M Up to one percent dearer and 32M 0.5Percent cheaper in Melbourne.

Locks were up to three percent dearer in Newcastle and upto two per cent cheaper in Melbourne, with crutchings irregular and cheaper in Newcastle.

The main buyers were Itochu Wool Ltd with 2,746 bales, A SGedge 2,058, Lempriere Aust 1,837, and G.H Michell 1,798.

Of the 27,493 bales offered, 8.2 per cent were passed in.

Sales continue on Thursday in Newcastle and Melbourne with about 25,870 bales on offer.