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.
Asian markets are expected to drop after the plummet on Wall St. On Friday Japan's Nikkei stock average lost 3.1 per cent, sliding on economic woes and a tumble by Toshiba Corp after it was hit by news it may merge part of its chip operations, a loss forecast, and a ratings cut. The benchmark Hang Seng Index closed up 123.78 points, or 0.94 per cent, at 13,278.21. The Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges open today after the week-long Chinese New Year holidays.
On Friday the Australian stock market ended higher on the recovery in mining sector. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed up 21.4 points, or 0.61%, at 3550.9, while the broader All Ordinaries gained 18.1 points, or 0.52%, to 3494.9. Analysts expect the market may keep its way of turbulence in the reporting season until some clarity of the economy could be seen. Tomorrow Barack Obama's inauguration will be the focus of the week to boost some confidence in the market.
Yesterday the Australian stock market closed nearly 1% higher with gains in banking and resource sectors. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index ended up 32.4 points, or 0.9%, at 3687 and the broader All Ordinaries index was up 30.4 points, or 0.9%, at 3624.3. Earlier, the market had sunk into negative territory. Today's focus will be the official unemployment figures for December 2008 which are expected to rise on the deepened credit crisis.
Yesterday the Australian share market ended lower, led by energy and mining stocks and a fall on a dismal earnings season in the US. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 0.8%, or 28.7 points, at 3654.6, while the broader All Ordinaries index slid 0.8%, or 30.1 points, to 3593.9. After some rise at the start of the year, the market may see more volatility due to the renewed bleak global outlook.
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 slightly lower led by Rio(ASX:RIO) and BHP(ASX:BHP), although metals prices were higher on the dropping of US dollar and rising Chinese imports. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed down 26 points, or 0.73%, to 3531.4, while the broader All Ordinaries index fell 24.1 points, or 0.69%, to 3468.2.
