This lift appeared to reverse last week’s 2.2pc fall in the EMI, which came on top of several weeks of falling wool prices.

But the upturn was confined to Melbourne and to the higher quality wools there.

In Melbourne, the southern regional indicator jumped up by 10c/kg, to 857c/kg.

AWEX says the Melbourne market was dearer on the back of limited supply of good quality wool.

The 18.5 microns and broader wools sold fully firm and up to 5c/kg dearer on best specification lots.

But there was heavy discounting for poor style and low specification wool.

In Sydney, the northern regional indicator fell by 5c/kg, to 922c/kg, with the market struggling under the pressure of lower style and low Nkt types, which fell by 10-15c/kg.

The burrier wools finished 20c/kg cheaper for most microns.

But, as in Melbourne, betters style wools in Sydney rose by up to 70c/kg.

Fremantle fell by 4c/kg. The western indicator closed on 864c/kg.