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The Australian stock market closed more than two per cent lower on Friday following weakness in United States markets caused by doubts over a rescue package for US car makers. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index had fallen 87.6 points, or 2.43 per cent, to 3,510.4, while the broader All Ordinaries index lost 81.7 points, or 2.31 per cent, to 3,452.5. As the US Senate's rejected the $14-billion bailout for American automotive makers, the stock market is expected to continue moving downward on the negative news.

Yesterday the Australian shares ended lower as traders looked to make short-term gains, despite a positive start in the morning. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 share index yesterday lost 1.2%, or 42.7 points, to 3598, while the All Ordinaries index shed 1.1%, or 39.1 points, to 3534.2. But today resource stocks may gain after commodity prices advanced.

On Thursday, the Australian share market closed higher for a fourth day with around 1.4 per cent stronger led by the big miners as commodities surged. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed up 48 points, or 1.36 per cent, at 3588, while the broader All Ordinaries gained 48.6 points, or 1.4 per cent, at 3528.2. Analysts said the market seems to be a little quiet with less participation, except for some fluctuation after BHP's decision of dumping its takeover bid for Rio Tinto.

Yesterday the Australian share market closed 3.5 per cent down at fresh four-year lows, largely dragged down by banks and miners, wiping A$34 billion from the value of the market. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was 129.8 points, or 3.55 per cent lower at 3523.2, while the broader All Ordinaries lost 126.4 points, or 3.47 per cent, to 3513.1 led down by resource and banking stocks. Analysts said the market fell more than expected as it was closing to the end of short-selling ban.

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.

At week's end, Wall St. rebounded with about 2.9% rise on hopes for further US rate cuts and President-elect Barack Obama's call for another economic stimulus plan. China's announcement over the weekend that it will spend 4 trillion yuan by 2010 to help re-ignite growth may also shore up Australian stocks, particularly miners.

Yesterday, the Australian share market closed slightly lower following weaker commodity prices. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 17.3 points, or 0.34%, to 5118.3, while the broader All Ordinaries index fell 15.5 points, or 0.3%, to 5200.

The Australian stock market has received negative leads from Wall Street on Friday. Oil rose again in anticipation of Hurrican Gustav making landfall in the continental US.

The share market closed firmly in the black yesterday, driven by gains in resources and finance stocks following a positive lead from Wall Street. And US stocks gained for a third day overnight led by manufacturers and financial companies.