Rio Tinto Limited

The Australian market closed lower on Wednesday. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index ended down 83.4 points, or 2.3 per cent, at 3540.0, while the broader All Ordinaries dropped 95.8 points, or 2.68 per cent, to 3479.6. Analysts expect the US rally sustain for a while as there are some good signs in the global financial markets.

Yesterday, benefited from the US government's bailout plan on Citigroup, the Australian market benchmark S&P/ASX200 share index had its best day in more than 11 years, jumping 5.8%, or 198.3 points, to 3623.4, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 5.5%, or 186.6 points, to 3575.4. Analysts say the market sentiment remains fragile as fundamental problems have not changed, although world governments are taking action to stimulate economy.

On Thursday, the Australian sharemarket closed more than four per cent weaker, dropping almost to five-year lows, with losses in all sectors. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 146.7 points, or 4.19 per cent, at 3,352.9 while the broader All Ordinaries index had shed 150.6 points, or 4.32 per cent, to 3332.6. Analysts predict the bottom is getting closer and lower than 3000 points is possible as market would be dragged down by the US and growing concerns on recession in Australia.

On Wednesday, the Australian sharemarket closed lower despite a positive start led by rally on Wall Street overnight. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 23.6 points, or 0.67 per cent, at 3,499.63 while the broader All Ordinaries index shed 29.9 points, or 0.85 per cent, to 3,483.23. The market has lost half its value, or A$804 billion in just over one year. Analysts say that the overall trend may not change without catalyst for the market to go up while the overseas will pull the Australia market lower each time it seems to hit the bottom.

At week's end, Wall St. rebounded with about 2.9% rise on hopes for further US rate cuts and President-elect Barack Obama's call for another economic stimulus plan. China's announcement over the weekend that it will spend 4 trillion yuan by 2010 to help re-ignite growth may also shore up Australian stocks, particularly miners.

The Australia share market closed marginally weaker after a 75 basis point interest rate cut by the RBA boosted the bourse back from earlier sharply lower levels. The deep cut mirrors RBA's worry about the domestic and global economic outlook. Analysts said the Australia market may have hit the bottom last week at about 3600 points, and the Democratic win in the US election will also give a positive lead to the Australia market.

Overnight Wall Street closed with a 2.1 per cent gain, qualifying it as one of the quietest sessions in October. As the recent Australian share market has never made consecutive gains more than two days, analysts speculate a flat market today. Investors may take the breather as they did and wait until the expected RBA rate cut next Tuesday to move back into the market.

Overnight the Wall St took a dive on grim economic news pointing to weaker growth and profits in the year ahead, with Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 7.87% for its biggest percentage loss since October of 1987. The US Federal Reserve's snapshot of business conditions said economic activity was weaker across all 12 districts in September and consumer spending fell in most regions.

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.

CHALCO (NYSE:ACH)(HKG:2600)(SHA:601600) has confirmed recently to present as the platinum sponsor of CHINA MINING Congress & Expo 2008 following on from its successful sponsorship of CHINA MINING 2007, said CHINA MINING, the organizing committee of CHINA MINING 2008.