The Australian market yesterday closed flat as traders were cautious about the economic outlook. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index rose one point, or 0.03 per cent, at 3767.9, while the broader All Ordinaries index declined 1.8 points, or 0.05 per cent, to 3766.0 points. Today investors' focus would be the unemployment rate released by ABS.

Yesterday Australian shares slightly fell on weaker base metal prices. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index dropped 16.8 points, or 0.4 per cent, at 3766.9 points while the broader All Ordinaries index had shed 16.4 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 3767.8.

On Friday Asian and European markets fell while Wall Street was closed for public Holiday. The Australian shares closed lower Friday as US shares tumbled on the unfavorable unemployment figures and commodities prices were also lower. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index lost 49.1 points, or 1.27 per cent, to 3828.2 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index slumped 48.6 points, or 1.25 per cent, at 3826.6 points. The Reserve Bank of Australia Tuesday will announce its official interest rate after board meeting.

Yesterday the Australian market posted a marginal rise as investors were cautious ahead of US jobs data in June. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was 3.3 points, or 0.09 per cent higher, at 3877.3 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index gained 2.9 points, or 0.07 per cent, to 3875.2 points.

The Australian shares yesterday started the new financial year with a significant fall led by financial and resources stocks. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index lost 80.9 points, or 2.05 per cent, to 3874 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index was 75.5 points, or 1.91 per cent lower, at 3872.3 points.

The Australian shares Wednesday closed slightly higher ahead of the US Federal Reserve's monetary outlook meeting. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index gained 10.1 points, or 0.27 per cent, at 3807 points, while the broader-based All Ordinaries index rose 9.2 points, or 0.24 per cent, to 3802.2 points.

Last Friday, the Australian shares ended higher for the first time in a week. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index gained 7.5 points, or 0.19 per cent, to 3,899.6 points, and the broader All Ordinaries index advanced 7 points, or 0.18 per cent, at 3894.4 points.

The Australian shares closed lower as weaker commodities prices weighed on the resources sector. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index fell 30.5 points, or 0.75 per cent, at 4031.7 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index shed 31.1 points, or 0.77 per cent, to 4030.4 points.

The Australian market was slightly up on Friday fuelled by resources stocks. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed up 15 points, or 0.37 per cent, to 4062.2, while the broader All Ordinaries index gained 14.8 points, or 0.37 per cent, to 4061.5. The local market has received negative lead from weaker commodities prices. Investors may look towards profit guidance while there could be limited company news scheduled this week.

On Friday, the Australian market closed higher, lifted by the news of a massive joint venture between mining giants BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto after Rio scrapped the takeover deal with Chinalco. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 36.6 points, or 0.93 per cent, at 3971.2, while the broader All Ordinaries index gained 36.5 points, or 0.93 per cent, to 3969.0 points. Today the local market could be hit by lower commodities prices.