Fortescue Metals Group Ltd

Yesterday the Australian market ended slightly higher. The big miners such as BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto pushed the market up despite falls in the banking and finance sector, according to CMC Markets. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 9 points, or 0.29 per cent, at 3154.5, while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 10 points to 3121.7. Today the big miners are not likely to help the market up after the falls of commodities prices and lacking positive news from the US.

Yesterday the Australian shares were showing their resilience to the bad leads from overseas. The market ended with a modest drop after a rebound from the early losses. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 ended down 0.6%, or 19.6 points, at 3331.6, while the broader All Ordinaries index also fell 0.6%, or 19.1 points, to 3285.

Yesterday the Australian market closed lower even it rebounded after news the US Government may end up owning as much as 40% of Citigroup's common stock. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index ended down 1.5%, or 51.2 points, at 3351.2, while the broader All Ordinaries index shed 1.5%, or 48.9 points, at 3304.1. Today the local stocks are expected a fresh low level on the massive lost in Wall Street.

Yesterday Asian markets ended lower after big overnight losses on Wall Street and on concerns about European banks. Tokyo's Nikkei index reached its lowest since October. Shanghai Composite saw a massive 4.7% fall in a single day. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index ended up 0.6% and Taiwan's Taiex gained 0.2%.

Yesterday Australian shares plunged sharply, dragged by financial stocks as investors feared the UK banks might need to raise more funds. The unfavorable corporate earnings results also weighed down the market. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 was down 1.5%, or 52.6 points, to 3464.3, while the broader All Ordinaries index lost 1.4%, or 49.1 points, to 3412.2.

The Australian market closed lower on Wednesday. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index ended down 83.4 points, or 2.3 per cent, at 3540.0, while the broader All Ordinaries dropped 95.8 points, or 2.68 per cent, to 3479.6. Analysts expect the US rally sustain for a while as there are some good signs in the global financial markets.

On Thursday, the Australian sharemarket closed more than four per cent weaker, dropping almost to five-year lows, with losses in all sectors. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 146.7 points, or 4.19 per cent, at 3,352.9 while the broader All Ordinaries index had shed 150.6 points, or 4.32 per cent, to 3332.6. Analysts predict the bottom is getting closer and lower than 3000 points is possible as market would be dragged down by the US and growing concerns on recession in Australia.

On Monday, the Australian share market fell to a four-year low as investors remained concerned about the continuing gloomy economic outlook. The big miners and the banks led the market lower, and all sectors were down. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 95.1 points, or 2.54 per cent, at 3,653, while the broader All Ordinaries index lost 86.5 points, or 2.32 per cent, to 3639.5. Analysts said the market was oversold on fundamentals, but more softened half-year results would be expected in recent days.

Wall Street slumped on Friday with hedge fund selling in advance of a Saturday deadline. On Friday, the Australian sharemarket reversed its sharp losses of mid week to close up over one per cent following a strong US lead and higher base metals prices. As the G-20 leaders failed to come up with specific stimulus action after their weekend meeting in Washington, analysts expect the market volatility to continue but it would be getting close to the bottom.

Share markets around the world rebounded strongly on Friday as regulators took steps to shore up the financial system. The Australia sharemarket regained much of its losses last Friday, closing 4.3% higher, but still down 2% for the week.