Lendlease Group

On Wednesday, the Australian shares dropped more than 2% dragged by the property and mining sectors. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 70.8 points, or 2.02 per cent, at 3,437.9, while the broader All Ordinaries index shed 66.8 points, or 1.94 per cent, to 3,382.3. The market could restore some confidence over the news that the US service sector shows it shrank at a low pace and China's national purchasing managers index suggests a recovery in China.

On Thursday, the Australian shares rose for the third consecutive day led by rallies in overseas markets and strong commodities prices. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 30.7 points, or 0.88 per cent, at 3,526.2, while the broader All Ordinaries index had gained 26.2 points, or 0.76 per cent, to 3,461.3. The Australian market might lose its recent gains following the heavy fall in Wall St.

Last Friday the Australian share market had a poor start at the first trading day of the New Year, as S&P/ASX 200 Index closed down 8.5 points, or 0.23 per cent, at 3713.8 points, while the All Ordinaries Index closed just 3.6 points down at 3655.7 points. Analysts warn that it is too early to get excited despite a positive lead from the US. The market might remain volatile in the coming three months as there will be some bad news ahead in the reporting season.

Yesterday, the Australian market closed higher as the miners surged on rising commodities prices offsetting the slump dragged by Telstra after the government ruled out the company from the tender list for bidding on the national broadband network. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 share index ended the day 2.3% higher, or 81 points, at 3591.4, while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 2.4%, or 83.2 points, to 3535.7. Traditionally the market would be quiet during this period with more focus on specific stocks rather than the market as a whole.

The Australian stock market staged a late rally on last Friday, with the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closing up 63.6 points, or 1.9 per cent, at 3,416.5, while the broader All Ordinaries index gained 54.3 points, or 1.63 per cent, to 3,386.9. Market is struggling to recover with some "bear market rally" although the fundamental problems remain. Analysts said the recent fluctuation is because of uncertainty and the political factors are important at this stage.

Yesterday, the Australian share market closed in the red for a second consecutive day with the broader All Ordinaries index ending 38.2 points lower, or 1%, at 3,883.6. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 share index yesterday lost 33.6 points, or 0.9%, to close at 3927.3. The industrial, materials, energy and consumer discretionary sectors sent the market lower.

Yesterday, the Australian share market closed at a fresh three-year low, plummeting 5% as the continuing fallout from the global credit crisis wiped A$56 billion from the value of stocks. The benchmark S&P/ASX-200 share index lost 5% yesterday, the biggest one-day fall for both major stock exchange indices since January 22 this year. RBA has said the Australian economy is slowing faster than originally anticipated. Analysts said the sell-off is totally unemotional. Markets across Asia also slumped with 5-10% drop in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mumbai and Jakarta.

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.

The Australian share market had its best day in two weeks yesterday, with the market closing firmly in the black after ovecoming a negative lead from Wall Street.

The Australian share market opened higher today led by the financial sector and despite disappointing US economic growth data. US equities slumped on readings on jobs and manufacturing which indicated that businesses and workers still face a tough economy.