The ASX 200 rose 42 points, or 0.5%, to close at 9,020 on Thursday, recovering after three consecutive declines and a four-week low. The index was up 12 points, or 0.2%, at 8,994 around midday. Bargain hunting, a rebound on Wall Street and stronger-than-expected second-quarter GDP supported the advance, while the data reinforced expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia could raise interest rates later this month. July's trade surplus narrowed to AUD 1.9 billion as exports fell faster than imports. Gains were led by non-energy minerals, financials, manufacturing and communications, while energy minerals, consumer durables and healthcare declined. Corporate Travel plunged 84% after trading resumed following a year-long suspension over missed financial reporting deadlines.