RCR Tomlinson Limited

The Australian shares today opened firmer after Wall Street Friday extended gains on US companies' strong earnings. The S&P/ASX200 index rose 0.95 per cent to touch 4500 points level shortly after the opening bell. Gains were led by health sector and consumer staples sector.

The Australian share market ended lower on Friday, dragged by the big miners, as global demand worries hit the prices of oil and base metals. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index fell 52.3 points, or 1.37 per cent, at 3,761.6, while the broader All Ordinaries index lost 49.3 points, or 1.3 per cent, to 3,755.4. Resources stocks are expected to gain as commodities prices were firmer. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission will lift a ban on covered short-selling of financial stocks effective from the opening of trade today.