Consumer staples stocks inched up 0.1% at midday Friday, the only sector on the Australian Securities Exchange trading in the green.

Woolworths Group (ASX:WOW) confirmed changes to its store operating model across its New Zealand stores, where team members will collaborate on tasks rather than working separately in departments. In an emailed statement to MT Newswires, a Woolworths New Zealand spokesperson said the restructuring is expected to ensure better floor coverage, improve product availability, and enhance the overall customer shopping experience.

On the flip side, the energy sector shed 2.9%, as Brent crude oil futures fell 3.3%.

Losses for US stocks intensified in trading on Thursday after the US President Donald Trump's administration clarified that the US will tax Chinese imports at 145%, rather than the previously expected 125%.

Santos (ASX:STO) is exploring US liquefied natural gas opportunities but has yet to find a suitable target, according to a Thursday report by The Australian.