St George Bank Limited

Yesterday the Australian stock market closed marginally higher despite a big lead from United States markets. The banking sector was pulled down by Commonwealth Bank as it tried to sell shares to institutional investors for A$2 billion capital raising. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index had gained 14.4 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 3570.6 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 16.1 points, or 0.46 per cent, at 3515.0 points. Commonwealth Bank's termination of the share placement and rising bad debts has hit the confidence of the banking sector.

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.

Yesterday, Australian shares slumped to their lowest close since October 8, 2004. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 share index plummeted 5.9% to 3697.3. The broader All Ordinaries index fell 211.2 points, or 5.44 per cent, to 3,672.4, its weakest close since October 1, 2004. Analysts said although local stocks may rebound after rise in US stocks and oil price, markets worldwide still have a significant unsettling economic outlook.

This morning shortly after open the Australia market has joined the rally with S&P/ASX200 up 4.3%, or 162.7 points, to 3957.3 points. Yesterday Australian shares suffered their fifth consecutive day of losses, hitting fresh four-year lows, as falls by the big banks eclipsed gains by miners. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 share index was down 14.6 points, or 0.4%, to 3794.6, recovering from an earlier drop of as much as 2.2%. Analysts expected the next few weeks ahead a relief period.

During yesterday's trading, Australian stocks closed lower for the second consecutive day on Thursday, falling by more than 4%. The market was dragged down by big losses in the resources sector amid renewed fears of a global economic slowdown. The two days drop gave up all the gains early this week.

The US Federal Reserve's bailout of insurance giant American International Group (AIG) did little to ease the concerns of investors worldwide, Asian markets were deeply in the red, with Hong Kong's bourse down about seven per cent. The Australia share market took another massive beating yesterday.

On Friday, the Australian share market fell more than 2% as major banking and resources stocks felt the impact of renewed concerns about the health of the global economy. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 finished down 102.4 points, or 2.06% to 4877.1. The broader All Ordinaries lost 101.4 points, or 2.01% to 4949.5.

Yesterday, the Australian share market closed slightly weaker despite a cut to official interest rates and a drop in the oil price. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 was down 2.3 points, or 0.04 per cent, to 5,116, while the broader All Ordinaries fell five points, or 0.1 per cent, to 5,195. The Australian stock market may continue the decline today with US equities and commodities down overnight.

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.

Yesterday the Australian share market closed moderately stronger driven by an improvement in financial stocks. But actually Australia's big four banks have lost almost A$80 billion in share market value since reaching highs late last year. The financial stocks have been hit by specific issues which include fears of bad debts or how much the credit crunch will squeeze banks margins.