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.
On Wednesday, the Australian shares dropped more than 2% dragged by the property and mining sectors. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 70.8 points, or 2.02 per cent, at 3,437.9, while the broader All Ordinaries index shed 66.8 points, or 1.94 per cent, to 3,382.3. The market could restore some confidence over the news that the US service sector shows it shrank at a low pace and China's national purchasing managers index suggests a recovery in China.
The Australian share market closed higher on Tuesday, as the central bank's interest rate cut bolstered the financial stocks. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index ended up 11.3 points, or 0.32 per cent, at 3,508.7 while the broader All Ordinaries index was 5.6 points stronger, up 0.16 per cent, at 3,449.1. Today investors may focus their attention on the earnings report of BHP Billiton and the decision by the four major banks after RBA's rate cut.
Most Asian markets were hammered Monday over the concerns that the global recession is deepening. Hong Kong shares plunged sharply, even as mainland-Chinese shares gained after the Chinese New Year holidays. In Tokyo, some of Japan's biggest industrial companies fell to multiyear lows. China's Shanghai Composite contrasted other major indexes with 1 per cent surge as agricultural sector was strengthened after the Chinese government announced measures to prevent grain production from falling.
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 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.
The Australian share market yesterday closed around 3% higher. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 101.3 points, or 3.03 per cent, at 3444, while the broader All Ordinaries index lifted 92 points, or 2.79 per cent, to 3392.3. With the positive lead of Wall St. the market is expected to continue its upward movement today.
