ABB Grain Limited

Wall Street closed lower overnight after American consumer confidence reading in September dropped unexpectedly. The weakness in US technology stocks, which had been a leader for much of Wall Street's six-month rally, yesterday led a fall in the market. The Conference Board's consumer confidence index dipped in September to 53.1 from 54.5 in August as people worries about job market.

Overnight US stocks rose for a fourth consecutive session led by industrial stocks. But market sentiment were dented after Federal Reserve report showed that consumer spending was still soft and retail sales were flat. The report also said labour market conditions remained weak across all districts.

US stocks rose overnight as commodities prices jumped. Kraft Foods' US$16.7 billion takeover bid for Cadbury boosted the market confidence on a rebound in merger and acquisition activities, despite Kraft's offer was rejected.

Yesterday, the Australian stocks closed lower led by weakness in mining and energy sectors following the drop in oil prices. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index lost 44.5 points, or 1.16 per cent, to 3,783.7 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index was 42.4 points, or 1.11 per cent lower, to 3,784.2 points. Analysts expect the market remains low trading volume as the investors were nervous ahead of the reporting season.

The Australian shares Wednesday closed slightly higher ahead of the US Federal Reserve's monetary outlook meeting. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index gained 10.1 points, or 0.27 per cent, at 3807 points, while the broader-based All Ordinaries index rose 9.2 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 3802.2 points.

Yesterday the Australian share market was bolstered by favorable local and overseas economic data. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index gained 60.9 points, or 1.56 per cent, to 3955.3 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index surged 60.2 points, or 1.55 per cent, at 3948.1 points.

The Australian shares closed marginally higher on Wednesday despite weak lead from Wall Street and steep quarterly contraction in Japan. The resources stocks were higher on stronger commodities prices. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 was up 7.3 points, or 0.19 per cent, at 3824.6, while the broader All Ordinaries gained 8.3 points, or 0.22 per cent, to 3808.9. Investors are expecting some pullback in recent trading sessions and seeking more fund raisings at discount on the market.

The Australian share market yesterday ended stronger despite the negative lead from Wall Street. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 was up 81.7 points, or 2.2 per cent, at 3817.3, while the broader All Ordinaries gained 79.0 points, or 2.1 per cent, to 3800.6. Today the local market could be buoyed by the rising commodities prices.

Australian share closed at their five-year low point. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 was down 0.1%, or 4.1 points, at 3327.5, while the broader All Ordinaries index also fell 0.1%, or 3.5 points, at 3281.5.

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.