Wall Street closed higher overnight on investors' buying in industrial and materials stocks. Meanwhile, the fears of trade dispute between the US and China was offset by the news that a Chinese wealth fund is in talks to take over a minority stake in the US power plant AES.
Wall Street closed with an eighth consecutive gain on Thursday, as a series of financial firms rose and energy stocks rallied on the rebound of crude oil prices. The US government figure for GDP showed that the US economy shrank at a 1 per cent annual pace in the second quarter, better than analysts' forecast of 1.5 per cent decline.
Japan Airlines Corp. (TYO:9205) is looking to team up with shipping firm Nippon Yusen KK (TYO:9101) as part of the airline's plan to return to profitability with the help of restructuring.
Brambles Ltd (ASX:BXB), the world's top pallet supplier, sees its earnings recovering while the global economy is improving. It has already benefited from growth in China and India. Increased sales revenue was achieved from the emerging businesses in these countries.
US stocks opened lower overnight due to the massive drop in Shanghai shares, which also caused a broad selloff in Asia markets. But Wall Street ended the day higher as the energy companies were boosted on hope of an improving demand. The US oil futures rose after the US Department of Energy said US oil inventories plunged unexpectedly.
The Australian share market closed firmer on Friday led by financial stocks. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 47.8 points, or 1.24 per cent, to 3903.8 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index advanced 48 points, or 1.25 per cent, to 3899.5 points. Trading volume is expected to remain at a low level before the reporting season.
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.
