Wall Street finished slightly lower overnight after the US stocks hit a fresh high on Friday. Investors locked in profits ahead of economic data due to release this week, including monthly retail sales figures and the Federal Reserve's statement on interest rates and the economy.
US stocks fell for a second day on Thursday as investors worried over the key employment figures, which are scheduled to release on Friday. Most economists expect the data will show the unemployment rate climbed to 9.6 per cent, from a 26-year high of 9.5 per cent in June.
Yesterday the Australian shares closed lower. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index fell 56.6 points, or 1.5 per cent, at 3737.5 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index fell 52.6 points, or 1.1 per cent, to 3738 points. Analysts expect the market remained quiet until investors the corporate earnings bolster their confidence.
Australian shares posted a strong gain yesterday. The better-than-expected employment data also boosted the stocks market. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index rose 1.9%, or 71.6 points, at 3938.7, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 1.9%, or 72 points, at 3912.1.
Cardiac catheter manufacturer CathRx Limited (ASX:CXD)(PINK:CTHXF) today announced the John Hunter Hospital had joined its Australian clinical trial to gather data for Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval for its quadrapolar and decapolar diagnostic catheters.
Most Asian markets started the trading session with volatility on Monday after US stocks retreated on Friday. Tokyo and Seoul shares opened flat, and soon proceeded to a negative territory. Today Investors are also awaiting US government to unveil its plan to help the auto industry.
Nanosonics Limited (ASX:NAN) is pleased to announce that it has commenced production and commercial sale of its breakthrough Trophon(TM) EPR ultrasound probe disinfector system, through distribution partners in New Zealand and Australia.
