Australia and New Zealand Banking Corporation

Yesterday the Australian share ended 3.1% higher lifted by banks and miners. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index gained 103.5 points at 3,451.9, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 96.1 points, or 2.91 per cent, to 3,393.4. Today the local market has delivered a strong opening boosted by Wall Street's rally.

On Friday the Australian stocks posted a strong gain with financial sector soaring 5.3%, capping the best week for the market in three months. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index ended 3.4% higher, or 109.7 points, at 3345.2, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 3.3%, or 104.3 points, at 3294.7. The ASX200 rose 6% for the week. But analysts say that it is too early to say the bear markets end, although the US banks delivered turnarounds.

The Australian stocks closed Friday with little change after falls from early highs. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index declined one point, or 0.03 per cent, to 3344.5, while the broader All Ordinaries fell half a point, or 0.02 per cent, to 3296.9. With the reporting seasons over, the market focus will return to the economic data and RBA's rate cut decision this week.

Yesterday the Australian shares posted a modest gain as the market saw the rising oil prices and increased optimism about the outlook for commercial banks. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index rose 18 points, or 0.54 per cent, at 3345.5, while the broader All Ordinaries index was 15.9 points higher, or 0.48 per cent, to 3297.4.

Yesterday the Aussie market ended higher amid expectations debt-laden Rio Tinto would announce the A$30 billion deal with Chinese steelmaker Chinalco. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 was up 39.9 points, or 1.15 per cent, at 3,514.3, while the broader All Ordinaries rose 40.4 points, or 1.18 per cent, to 3,458.5. Today investors will also be looking to the proceeding of government's A42$ billion economic stimulus package as Parliament will debate a new version after the Senate rejected the government's first proposed plan.

The Australian share market ended last week with 1% higher led by the overseas markets. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index surged 41.3 points, or 1.2%, to 3469.9 while the broader All Ordinaries index closed with 34.9 points higher, or 1%, settled at 3407.5.

Asian markets ended mixed Tuesday as and financial stocks gained but property developers lost ground on a weak outlook for prices.

The Australian share market closed higher on Tuesday, as the central bank's interest rate cut bolstered the financial stocks. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index ended up 11.3 points, or 0.32 per cent, at 3,508.7 while the broader All Ordinaries index was 5.6 points stronger, up 0.16 per cent, at 3,449.1. Today investors may focus their attention on the earnings report of BHP Billiton and the decision by the four major banks after RBA's rate cut.

On Friday the Australian stock market ended higher on the recovery in mining sector. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed up 21.4 points, or 0.61%, at 3550.9, while the broader All Ordinaries gained 18.1 points, or 0.52%, to 3494.9. Analysts expect the market may keep its way of turbulence in the reporting season until some clarity of the economy could be seen. Tomorrow Barack Obama's inauguration will be the focus of the week to boost some confidence in the market.

Yesterday the Australian share market ended lower, led by energy and mining stocks and a fall on a dismal earnings season in the US. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 0.8%, or 28.7 points, at 3654.6, while the broader All Ordinaries index slid 0.8%, or 30.1 points, to 3593.9. After some rise at the start of the year, the market may see more volatility due to the renewed bleak global outlook.