Prime Media Group

Wall Street was higher on Friday as a government report showed that the pace of job losses slowed in August. But the US stocks were still in negative territory for the week with the worst performance since early July.

Yesterday the Australian shares ended modestly higher despite a strong lead overseas. The market in late trading gave up some of its early gains as investors started to pocket their profits in recent rallies. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 0.8%, or 29.7 points, at 3580, while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 1%, or 34.2 points, at 3517.3. Today resource stocks may decline after metals prices fell.

The Australian market ended lower Friday. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 46.5 points, or 1.4%, at 3402.4. The broader All Ordinaries index shed 45 points, or 1.3%, to 3353. The market sentiment hit by the bearish tone from overseas is not likely to change by the upcoming half year earnings.

Yesterday the Australian market ended lower. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 43.3 points, or 1.2%, at 3497.4 while the broader All Ordinaries index fell 34.6 points, or 1%, to 3443.5. The market is watching RBA's rate cut decision and earnings reports to be released today.

Australian shares yesterday closed higher after the lift of commodities prices. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 38.4 points, or 1.08 per cent, at 3,589.3, while the broader All Ordinaries index advanced 36.1 points, or 1.03 per cent, to 3,531 after a positive lead from Wall Street on Friday.

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.

Australia market gained total over 8% on last Monday and Tuesday but eroded by sell-offs in the rest of the week. Investors were selling the stocks they can sell. Australian shares have ended the week with another day of losses on fears that a possible global recession may hammer earnings for local companies. Analysts foresee a tough week and expect it will not improve until the credit market gets some sustained improvement.