A boost in resources stocks on Friday helped to break the eight-day losing streak in Australian stocks market. The local market finished marginally higher at the close, despite the proposed new minerals resources rent tax sparked a strong gain in early trade. This is largely due to Investors' refocuse on global economy issues.
The Australian share market dropped sharply to a three-month low on Friday follwoing the plummet in overseas stocks and commodities prices. About A$31 billion was wiped from the value of stocks after the massive selling in Australian shares. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index fell 107.3 points, or 2.32 per cent, to close at 4514.3, while the broader All Ordinaries index lost 111.4 points, or 2.4 per cent, to 4532.7.
The Australian sharemarket closed lower on Tuesday led by financial stocks as investors were nervous ahead of earnings reports by US banks. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index lost 49.9 points, or 1 per cent at 4861.2, while the broader All Ordinaries index fell 46.5 points, or 1 per cent, at 4889.6.
Wall Street closed with an eighth consecutive gain on Thursday, as a series of financial firms rose and energy stocks rallied on the rebound of crude oil prices. The US government figure for GDP showed that the US economy shrank at a 1 per cent annual pace in the second quarter, better than analysts' forecast of 1.5 per cent decline.
Wall Street posted modest gains on Tuesday in choppy trade as investors started to be cautious after the recent rallies inspired by earnings results. In addition, US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said in testimony the pace of decline appears to have slowed significantly, but the financial system remained stressed and the labour market had continued to deteriorate.
The Australian share market closed firmer on Friday led by financial stocks. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 47.8 points, or 1.24 per cent, to 3903.8 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index advanced 48 points, or 1.25 per cent, to 3899.5 points. Trading volume is expected to remain at a low level before the reporting season.
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.
On Friday, the Australian shares reversed an early fall despite the negative leads overnight on overseas markets. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed up 14.5 points, or 0.41 per cent, at 3,540.7, while the broader All Ordinaries index had gained 16.8 points, or 0.49 per cent, to 3,478.1. This week traders are awaiting RBA's aggressive rate cut which is expected to announced when its board meets on Tuesday.
On Monday, the Australian share market closed around four per cent higher, boosted by gains in the financial and resources sector and a rally on United States markets on Friday. Meanwhile, bargain hunters took the buying opportunity to snap cheap stocks. Energy sector was also pushed up by the higher oil price as well as the Santos takeover talks. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index gained 141.7 points, or 4.06 per cent, to 3,631.6, while the broader All Ordinaries was up 126.6 points, or 3.69 per cent, at 3,553.8. The news a short-term rescue package for the US carmakers expected to be unveiled may strengthen the market sentiment today. Resource stocks would also gain after commodity prices advanced.
On Friday, the Australian stock market closed lower, with the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index fell 42.5 points, or 1.2 per cent, to 3,489.9, while the broader All Ordinaries reversed 40.9 points, or 1.18 per cent, to 3,427.2. The ASX200 lost about 6.8%, and the broader All Ordinary fell 6.7% for the week. Resource stocks may continue the decline after the price of commodities, including gold, oil and copper fell.
