Rio Tinto Limited

Asia's major markets ended mostly lower yesterday. Tokyo stocks were hit by the data of huge contraction in the economy, but Shanghai Composite outperformed the Asian markets backed by hopes of further government economic stimulus measures, which also boosted the Hong Kong shares.

Last Friday Australian shares ended higher, capping a winning week after reports that the US government was working on a program to help troubled US home owners. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 rose 44.8 points, or 1.27 per cent, at 3,559.1, while the broader All Ordinaries gained 38.2 points, or 1.1 per cent to 3,496.7. The Obama administration's seeking to lower expectations of a quick fix to the financial crisis and the coming earnings reports may send the market to a negative territory.

Yesterday the Aussie market ended higher amid expectations debt-laden Rio Tinto would announce the A$30 billion deal with Chinese steelmaker Chinalco. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 was up 39.9 points, or 1.15 per cent, at 3,514.3, while the broader All Ordinaries rose 40.4 points, or 1.18 per cent, to 3,458.5. Today investors will also be looking to the proceeding of government's A42$ billion economic stimulus package as Parliament will debate a new version after the Senate rejected the government's first proposed plan.

Yesterday the Australian share market weathered the bad lead from Wall Street and ended with a modest drop. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed down 0.4%, or 14.3 points, at 3474.4, while the All Ordinaries fell 0.3%, or 10.5 points, at 3418.1. Today traders are expecting Rio Tinto's earnings report with a profit increase and details of the talks with Chinalco over the A$30 billion cash injection deal.

Yesterday the Australian market closed slightly lower. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 0.6%, or 19.9 points, at 3488.7, while the broader All Ordinaries index dropped 0.5%, or 17.2 points, to 3428.6.

The Australian share market ended last week with 1% higher led by the overseas markets. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index surged 41.3 points, or 1.2%, to 3469.9 while the broader All Ordinaries index closed with 34.9 points higher, or 1%, settled at 3407.5.

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.

On Friday, the Australian shares reversed an early fall despite the negative leads overnight on overseas markets. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed up 14.5 points, or 0.41 per cent, at 3,540.7, while the broader All Ordinaries index had gained 16.8 points, or 0.49 per cent, to 3,478.1. This week traders are awaiting RBA's aggressive rate cut which is expected to announced when its board meets on Tuesday.

On Thursday, the Australian shares rose for the third consecutive day led by rallies in overseas markets and strong commodities prices. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 30.7 points, or 0.88 per cent, at 3,526.2, while the broader All Ordinaries index had gained 26.2 points, or 0.76 per cent, to 3,461.3. The Australian market might lose its recent gains following the heavy fall in Wall St.

Yesterday the Australian shares ended higher led by banking sector. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 share index gained 1.5%, or 51.5 points, to 3495.5 points. The broader All Ordinaries index gained 1.3%, or 42.8 points, to 3435.1.