Australian Markets Closed Negative Today

• Australian markets slipped after a positive start and closed on a negative note amid absence of US markets for Thanksgiving. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 fell 14.3 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 5320. The broader All Ordinaries also slipped 12.3 points, or 0.2 per cent, to 5314.3.

• On a weekly basis, ASX 200 fell 15.91 points, or 0.3 per cent and on monthly basis, it lost 105.5 points, or 1.9 per cent. If we take a look at November month data, it was not a big month as ASX 200 was lagging due to major banks going ex-dividend, a number of IPOs and earnings downgrades.

• Here's a quick look at today's best and worst performers of ASX 200:

http://www.capitalvia.com/au/

Australian Market Slipped After a Flat Opening

• The Australian markets slipped after a flat opening as US markets were closed because of Thanksgiving. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index is up 3.2 points, or 0.06 per cent, at 5,337.5, while the broader All Ordinaries index is up 3.1 points, or also 0.06 per cent, at 5,329.7.

• Most of the sectors opened negative. Here's how the sectors opened:

• Consumer discretionary: -0.2%
• Energy: -1%
• Financials: -0.2%
• Telecommunications: -0.1%
• IT: -0.4%
• Materials: +0.5%

• The Australian dollar also plunged to day's low at 90.56 US cents in after noon trades. It's lowest in nearly three months. Presently, it is trading at 90.83 US cents.

http://www.capitalvia.com/au/

Australian Markets Closed Flat as Early Gains Faded Off

• Australian markets closed flat today after early gains were faded in afternoon trades. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index edged up 1.7 points to 5334.3, while the broader All Ordinaries added 1.7 points to 5326.6. Among the sectors, financials added 0.2 per cent, while materials closed flat and consumer staples lost 0.8 per cent.

• That's how some of the index heavyweights performed today at ASX 200:

• BHP: -0.2%
• Rio: +0.2%
• ANZ: -0.1%
• CBA: +0.9%
• NAB: +0.15%
• Westpac: +0.7%
• Woolies: -0.2%
• Wesfarmers: -1.4%

• Take a quick look at today's winners and losers in ASX 200:

http://www.capitalvia.com/au/

Australian Markets Opened Higher But Faded in Afternoon Session

• The Australian markets were trading higher in morning session but it faded in afternoon trades. If we talk about opening session, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index was up 13.8 points, or 0.26 per cent, at 5,346.7, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 14.00 points, or also 0.26 per cent, at 5,338.9.

• Not only the ASX 200 but Australian dollar also jumped a third of a cent to 91.15 US cents on the better than expected capital expenditure figures. Presently, it is trading at 91.26 US cents. 

• All regional markets are trading positive today. Here's a quick look:

• Nikkei: +1.1%
• Shanghai: +0.2%
• Hong Kong: +0.7%
• Taiwan: +0.8%
• South Korea: +0.6%
• Singapore: +0.6%
• New Zealand: +0.1%

http://www.capitalvia.com/au/

ASX 200 Closed Lower Today

• The Australian market closed slightly lower with a drop of 24-points led by mining shares. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 fell 24.1 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 5332.9. The broader All Ordinaries slipped 25.7 points, or 0.5 per cent, to 5324.9.

• Australian dollar is also trading near its low-levels. The local currency is trading at 91.26 US cents.

• The energy and resources sectors were the big weight on the ASX today:

• Materials: -1.4%
• Energy: -1.1%
• Gold miners: -4%
• Utilities: -1%
• Industrials: -0.8%
• Consumer staples: -0.6%

• Today's gainers and losers of ASX 200 are:

http://www.capitalvia.com/au/

Australian Markets are Trading Lower Today

• Australian markets opened slightly lower today with the benchmark index S&P/ASX 200 sliding 13.1 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 5343.9. The broader All Ordinaries has dropped 12.4 points, or 0.2 per cent, to 5338.2.

• Australian dollar is not doing good also. The local currency (AUD) is remaining close to its year's low with the US dollar. It was buying 91.25 US cents this morning, having fallen below 91 US cents overnight. It fell to a low of 88.48 US cents in August. Presently, it is trading at 91.22 US cents.

• Most of the regional markets are doing positive. Here's a quick look:

• Tokyo: -0.2%
• Taiwan: +0.6%
• Hong Kong: -0.1%
• Shanghai: +0.1%
• Taiwan: +0.6%
• South Korea: -0.3%
• New Zealand: +0.1%

ASX 200 Tips

Australian Market Closed Flat Today

• Australian markets closed flat after a pulling back from day's highs. Banking shares lead the recovery after a shaky start in morning session. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 added 4.2 points, or 0.1 per cent, to 5357, while the broader All Ordinaries gained 4.5 points, or 0.1 per cent, to 5350.6.

• Different sectors traded mixed today:

• Energy: +0.4%
• Financials: +0.4%
• Gold miners: +0.6%
• Materials: -0.5%
• Industrials: -0.5%
• Consumer discretionary: -0.2%

• Given below are the best and worst performers of the day:

ASX 200 Tips

Australian Market Bounced Back After Not-So-Good Opening Session

• Australian markets opened flat to slightly higher following the Wall Street's overnight session. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index is up 4.5 points, or 0.1 per cent, to 5357.3, while the broader All Ordinaries has gained 5.1 points, or 0.1 per cent, to 5351.2. Gains in financials (+0.2%), consumer staples (+0.4%) and gold (+1.7%) are outweighing the materials' sector (-0.6%) losses.

• The local currency is doing a bit fine against its US counterpart and it rose 0.3 per cent to 91.91 US cents, following a four-day, 2.9 per cent decline. But Australian dollar is touching five-year low against its New Zealand counterpart amid prospects of change in monetary policy between the two nations.

• Regional markets are trading with mixed views today:

• Japan: -0.7%
• Shanghai: -0.1%
• Hong Kong: +0.1%
• Taiwan: +0.4%
• South Korea: -0.3%
• Singapore: -0.2%
• New Zealand: -0.1%

ASX Tips

Australian Market End Higher Today

• The Australian markets closed higher today. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 added 16.9 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 5352.8. The broader All Ordinaries gained 15.8 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 5346.1. 

• Mining stocks didn't perform well today. Here's how different sectors performed:

• Consumer discretionary: +0.4%
• Financials: +0.3%
• Industrials: +0.7%
• Materials: +0.3%
• Property trusts: +0.5%
• Gold miners: -3.2%

• However, the local currency (AUD) isn't doing well against its counterparts. The Australian dollar is on track to record its biggest monthly loss against the U.S. dollar since June.

• The local dollar is trading near three-month lows against the U.S. dollar and euro, and it’s the second-biggest loser against the two currencies this month. It has shed 2.79 per cent against the US dollar and 2.54 per cent against the euro in November.

ASX 200 Tips

Australian Markets are Going High Today

• The Australian markets are trading higher today as Wall Street is touching record levels. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index opened 32.9 points up, or 0.62 per cent, at 5,368.8, while the broader All Ordinaries index opened 32.9 points up, or also 0.62 per cent, at 5,363.2.

• Here's how sectors opened today: 

• Consumer staples: +1%
• Consumer discretionary: +0.9%
• Energy: +0.6%
• Financials: +0.7%
• Health: +1%
• Materials: +0.4%

• Oil prices have also tumbled down on the back of Iran nuclear deal. Brent Crude is trading down 1.9 per cent at $US 108.65 a barrel, while WTI crude is 2.58 per cent lower at $US94.00.

ASX Share Tips

Australian Markets Closed Positive after Four Days Losing Streak

• Australian markets closed positive with a circuit breaker of four days of losing streak; the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 jumped 47.6 points, or 0.9 per cent, to 5335.9 and the broader All Ordinaries gained 46 points, or 0.9 per cent, to 5330.3. On a weekly basis, the ASX 200 fell 65.77 points, or 1.2 per cent.

• Japanese stocks are gaining momentum while other regional markets are more subdued:

• Japan (Nikkei): +1.2%
• Hong Kong: +0.6%
• Shanghai: -0.2%
• Taiwan: +0.4%
• Korea: +0.7%
• ASX 200: +0.9%
• Singapore: -0.04%
• New Zealand: -0.1%

• Below given are today's gainers and losers:

http://www.capitalvia.com/au/

Australian Markets Broke its Losing Streak with a Circuit

• Australian markets broke its losing streak with a circuit after a positive US employment data which also sent the Dow Jones industrial average to its highest close ever, above 16000-mark. On the back of positive cues from U.S. market, the market opened higher, with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 jumping 54.7 points, or 1 per cent, to 5343. The broader All Ords also rose 52.8 points, or 1 per cent, to 5337.

• All sectors are doing positive today. Here's how all the sectors opened in morning:

• Consumer staples: +0.7%
• Consumer discretionary: +0.9%
• Energy: +1.6%
• Financials: +1.1%
• Health: +0.6%
• Materials: +0.7%
• Industrials +1.7%

http://www.capitalvia.com/au/  

ASX 200 Closed Negative after Range Bound Trading Session

• The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index closed negative after a range bound trading session posting a drop for the fourth straight day. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 fell 19.4 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 5288.3, while the broader All Ordinaries lost 20.3 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 5284.3.

• Among the sectors, gold got smashed, chalking up a 5 per cent drop after the price of the precious metal slumped overnight. Materials fell 0.4 per cent, financials lost 0.4 per cent, while energy inched up 0.1 per cent.

• Regional markets are also going down after US Fed Reserve signalled that stimulus package might get a cut in coming months and a weak Chinese manufacturing data is also supporting this down trend:

• Japan (Nikkei): +1.4% (the exception, after the USD strenghtened)
• Hong Kong: -0.7%
• Shanghai: -1.05%
• Taiwan: -1.2%
• Korea: -1.5%
• ASX 200: -0.3%
• Singapore: -0.5%
• New Zealand: -0.45%

http://www.capitalvia.com/au/

Australian Markets are on Loosing Spree for Consecutive Fourth Session

• Australian markets are on loosing spree consecutively on fourth day also. This losing stretch started in morning when Australian share market opened more than a third of a per cent lower. In early trade, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index was down 20.9 points, or 0.39 per cent, at 5,286.8, while the broader All Ordinaries index was down 20.5 points, or also 0.39 per cent, at 5,284.1.

• HSBC's China flash manufacturing PMI came below expectation at 50.4 and it sent the local currency (AUD) below at 93 US cents. It is currently trading at 92.98 US cents, well off yesterday's highs around 94.5 US cents.

• Most of the regional markets are going negative today. Here's how they are doing:

• Nikkei: +1.5%
• Shanghai: -0.9%
• Hong Kong -0.5%
• Taiwan: -1%
• South Korea: -1%
• Singapore: -0.7%
• New Zealand: -0.5%

http://www.capitalvia.com/au/

Australian Markets Ended Negative Today

• Australian markets closed on a negative note for a third straight day. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index dropped 45.2 points, or 0.8 per cent, to 5307.7, while the broader All Ordinaries fell 43.2 points, or 0.8 per cent, to 5304.6.

• Losses were led by the energy sector, which plunged 2.7 per cent. Materials lost 0.9 per cent, financials dropped 0.7 per cent, while utilities was the only sector posting a gain (+0.2 per cent).

• Australian dollar bounced higher in morning on the back of release of prepared comments of US Fed Reserve Chief Ben Bernanke in which he said that the central bank is set to keep interest rates lower for longer after the end of its quantitative easing program.

• The local currency (AUD) jumped after Ben Bernanke's remarks to 94.43 US cents and presently AUD is trading at 93.99 US cents.

ASX Share Tips 

Australian Markets are Falling for Third Consecutive Session

• Australian markets are falling for third consecutive session this week as investors are booking profits. Australian markets are closely following the Wall Street movements and because of that movement the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index opened 21.9 points down, or -0.41 per cent, at 5,331.0, while the broader All Ordinaries index fell 20.5 points, or 0.38 per cent, at 5,327.3.

• Regional market's are mixed today as some markets are trading positive after Fed Chief Ben Bernanke's speech while other markets are trading lower by profit booking.

• Japan (Nikkei): -0.1%
• Hong Kong: +0.3%
• Shanghai: +0.15%
• Taiwan: -0.3%
• Korea: -0.5%
• ASX200: -0.9%
• Singapore: +0.05%
• New Zealand: -0.6%

ASX Shares Tips

ASX is Trading Lower Following Wall Street's Plunge

• Australian markets opened lower today as Wall Street took a plunge yesterday. Following the same trend of Wall Street, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index opened 36.9 points down, or 0.68 per cent, at 5,347.8, while the broader All Ordinaries index opened 34.5 points down, or 0.64 per cent, at 5,343.4.

• Even Regional markets are also trading lower. Here's how they are performing:

• Nikkei: -0.5%

• Hong Kong : +0.7%

• Shanghai: +0.1%

• Taiwan: +0.6%

• South Korea: +1.1%

• Singapore: -0.1%

• New Zealand: -0.2%

• The local currency (AUD) is showing some firmness against its U.S. counterpart. It was trading at 94.19 US cents about 8 PM yesterday, but has since fallen back below 94 US cents. It's currently fetching 93.79 US cents.

http://www.capitalvia.com/au/

ASX 200 Market Wrap-Up: Australian Markets Closed Negative Today

• Australian markets closed on a negative note today as investors booked profits in banking shares following last weeks record highs.

• The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index dipped 17 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 5384.7, with every major sector in the red. 

• The broader All Ordinaries fell 18.3 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 5377.9.

• Three of the four major banking shares saw falls today and these falls contributed in a big way in today's market losses. 

• Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) fell 0.6 per cent to $77.34, while ANZ lost 0.6 per cent to $32.10, and ­Westpac fell 0.4 per cent to $32.87. National Australia Bank (NAB) bucked the trend, up 0.2 per cent to $34.36.

• Metals and mining shares also closed flat today.

ASX Tips

Australian Markets are Trading Lower Today

• Australian markets are trading lower today and this down trend can be seen right from the opening session. In morning, Australian share market opened lower, with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index down 6.1 points, or 0.11 per cent, at 5,395.6, while the broader All Ordinaries index was down 6.4 points, or 0.12 per cent, at 5,389.8.

• That's how sectors were doing in morning session:

• Consumer staples: -0.6%

• Consumer discretionary: -1%

• Energy: -0.9%

• Gold -1.7%

• Financials: -0.7%

• Industrials: -1%

• Materials: -0.7%

• Australian dollar (AUD) is depreciating a bit against its US counterpart, Currently, it is trading at 93.94 US cents.

ASX Shares Tips

Australian Markets Closed on a High Today

• Australian Markets closed on a strong positive note today as banking shares lead the performers' band wagon. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index opened lower but as the session progressed, ASX 200 rose 46.3 points, or 0.9 per cent, to 5401.7, while the broader All Ordinaries gained 44.2 points, or 0.8 per cent, to 5396.2. All sectors posted gains, with financials jumping 1.1 per cent and materials gaining 0.4 per cent.

• Blue chip stocks were on a gaining spree today and this is how some of the blue chips performed lead by banking shares:

• BHP: +0.2%
• Rio: +0.6%
• ANZ: +1.4%
• CBA: +0.8%
• NAB: +1.5%
• Westpac: +1.1%
• Woolies: +0.2%
• Wesfarmers: flat
• Telstra: +0.8%

ASX 200

Australian Markets are Back on Gaining Spree

• Australian markets are back on gaining track and markets opened higher today, with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 down 12.9 points, or 0.2 per cent, at 5342.5. The broader All Ordinaries is off 11.4 points, or 0.2 per cent, at 5340.6.

• Regional markets are also doing good after US Fed Reserve Vice Chairperson Janet Yellen's comments of continuing the economic stimulus:

• Japan (Nikkei): +1.8%

• Hong Kong: +1.4%

• Shanghai: +2.3%

• Taiwan: +0.8%

• Korea: +1.8%

• ASX200: +0.8%

• Singapore: +0.2%

• New Zealand: +0.1%

Stock Market Advice Australia

ASX 200 Market Wrap-up - November 14, 2013

• Australian markets closed higher today as banking shares recovered yesterday's big losses. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index rose 30.3 points, or 0.7 per cent, to 4445.4, while the broader All Ords gained 36.2 points, or 0.7 per cent, to 5355.4.

• Among the sectors, materials gained 1 per cent, financials rose 0.8 per cent and industrials gained 0.4 per cent.

• Gold extended some gains after US Fed Vice Chair Janet Yellen indicated the US central bank would continue to support the economy through its stimulus measures.

ASX 200

ASX 200 Update: Markets Bounced Back Today

• After going through one of the worst days in past six-weeks, ASX bounced back today and it opened higher at 5343,4 adding 24.2 points or 0.5 per cent up. The broader All Ords also opened higher by 23.3 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 5340.8. 

• Australian markets bounced back after US Fed Reserve Vice Chairperson Janet Yellen signalled that there is no quick end to stimulus.

• This is how all the sectors opened today:
• Financials: +0.5%
• Gold miners: +1.7%
• Materials: +0.8%
• Consumer discretionary: +0.3%
• Consumer staples: +0.2%

• Here's how all the regional markets doing today:
• Nikkei: +1.4%
• Hang Seng: +0.6%
• Shanghai: -0.2%
• Taiwan: +0.4%
• South Korea: +0.3%
• Singapore: +0.6%
• New Zealand: +0.1%  

ASX 200

ASX 200 Closing Bell: ASX Took a Plunge Today

• The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index took a plunge of  73.9 points and closed near day's low at 5319.2 (-1.4%), while the broader All Ords index lost 69.3 points, or 1.3 per cent, to 5317.5.

• Today's losses were the biggest since September 30, when the ASX 200 fell 1.7 per cent. 

• Banking shares took quite a beating today and mining shares were mixed:

• BHP: -1%

• Rio: -0.1%

• ANZ: -2.1%

• CBA: -2.3%

• NAB: -2.5%

• Westpac: -1.8%

• Fortescue: +2.85%

• Woolies: -1.6%

• Wesfarmers: unchanged

• Telstra: -0.6%

ASX 200 Updates

ASX 200 Market Update - November 13, 2013

• ASX opened lower today and fell 16 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 5377.1. The broader All Ords has dipped 14.9 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 5371.9. 

• This is how different sectors opened today:

• Consumer discretionary: -0.4%

• Energy: -0.8%

• Financials: -0.5%

• Gold miners: -1.3%

• Materials: -0.5%

• IT: +1.6%

• Market slipped a bit around 11:00 am with ASX 200 down by 30.3 points, or 0.6 per cent, to 5362.8 and the broader All Ords lost 28.6 points, or 0.5 per cent, to 5358.2.

• The Australian dollar also opened lower and was trading at 93.01 US cents, down from 93.32 US cents yesterday.

• Here's how regional markets are doing:

• Japan (Nikkei): -0.1%

• Hong Kong: -1.3%

• Shanghai: -1.1%

• Taiwan: -0.55%

• Korea: -1%

• ASX200: -1%

• Singapore: -0.2%

• New Zealand: +0.1%

ASX Tips

ASX 200 Market Wrap-Up: November 12, 2013

• The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index added 6 points, or 0.1 per cent, to 5393.1 and the broader All Ordinaries index also gained 6 points, or 0.1 per cent, to 5386.6. Investors took to the sidelines today amid uncertainty over when the U.S. Federal Reserve will start to trim its bond-buying stimulus.

• The big four banks all finished lower. Westpac fell 0.8 per cent at $32.85, while Commonwealth Bank shed  0.3 per cent at $78.09. National Australia Bank lost 0.2 per cent to $34.50 and ANZ dipped 0.1 per cent to $32.11.

• However, the Australian dollar (AUD) showed some strength against its US counterpart and at the local close, the dollar was buying the US93.36 cents down from US93.82 cents at the previous close.

ASX 200 Updates

ASX 200 Update: Banking Shares are Pulling ASX Down

• ASX opened higher today morning up 20.4 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 5407.5. The broader All Ords is 20.3 points, or 0.4 per cent, higher at 5401.1. The dollar also reacted to the poor business conditions and confidence numbers, and it slipped from 93.69 US cents down to 93.44 US cents.

• This is how different sectors started today at ASX:

• Consumer discretionary: +0.5%
• Energy: +1.2%
• Gold miners: +1.3%
• Industrials: +0.7%
• Materials: +0.9%
• Financials: +0.4%

http://www.capitalvia.com/au/

ASX 200 Market Wrap-Up: November 11, 2013

ASX 200 index fell today after a promising start on the back of strong US jobs data and investors booked major profits in banking shares and Telstra. Today, the S&P/ASX 200 index lost 13.6 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 5387.1, while the broader All Ordinaries index also fell 13.6 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 5380.8.


After a weak opening, the Australian dollar (AUD) traded positive at the end and at the local close, the dollar was buying US93.82 cents from US94.64 cents at Friday’s close. 
This is how major banking shares and Telstra performed today:

• BHP: -0.1%

• Rio: -0.3%

• ANZ: -1.75%

• CBA: -1%

• NAB: -0.6%

• Westpac: -0.2%

• Woolies: -0.6%

• Wesfarmers: flat

• Telstra: -0.8%

ASX Tips

ASX 200 Market Today: ASX is Trading Lower Today

• ASX is trading lower today despite of  Friday's gains on Wall Street after positive job data from US. In morning, Australian markets opened higher with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 added 24.3 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 5425. The broader All Ords opened up by 24.3 points, or 0.5 per cent, at 5418.7.

• This is how different sectors opened today:

• Consumer discretionary: +1.2%

• Consumer staples: +0.7%

• Energy: +0.7%

• Financials: +0.4%

• Materials: +0.7%

• Gold miners -1.6%

• The Australian dollar is surprisingly trading lower after a strong US jobs data; The local unit was trading at 93.72 US cents, down from 94.65 cents on Friday. 

ASX 200 Tips

ASX Market Wrap-up: ASX Ended Negative on Weekend

ASX ended the week on a negative note today and it slipped 21.3 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 5400.7. For the week, the ASX fell 10.4 points, or 0.2 per cent. Most of the regional markets are in red today:

• Nikkei: -1.2%
• Hang Seng: -0.6%
• Taiwan: -0.6%
• South Korea: -0.7%
• Singapore: -0.5%
• New Zealand: -0.6%

Given below are the best and worst performers of this week at ASX:

ASX 200

ASX 200 Update: ASX is Trading Lower Today

• ASX is trading lower today at 5390-5395 levels after the Wall Street had its worst day since August, despite Twitter's bumper opening day. 

• Australian dollar (AUD) fell after the RBA's (Reserve Bank of Australia) statement on quarterly monetary policy but now the local currency has recovered most of its losses. AUD was trading just above 94.60 US cents but fell to as low as 94.28 US cents after RBA's statement. The statement said the RBA was forecasting lower growth for 2014 and that a lower exchange rate was needed for balanced growth.

• A big economic data is coming on calendar tonight is US employment report. The data is predicted to show the nation added 120,000 jobs last month, while the jobless rate inched up to 7.3 per cent, from 7.2 per cent in September.

ASX Tips

ASX 200 Market Wrap-up - November 7, 2013

ASX finished lower today as investors sold shares in ANZ and National Australia Bank. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index was down 11.8 points, or 0.22 per cent, at 5,422. The broader All Ordinaries index was down 10.6 points, or 0.2 per cent, at 5,415.4.

ANZ shares shed $1.42, or 4.2 per cent, to $32.38 and NAB dropped $1.21, or 3.37 per cent, to $34.68. However, Commonwealth Bank was up $1.36 to yet another record high at $79.32, and Westpac edged 16 cents lower to $34.23.

National turnover was 1.57 billion securities worth $5.15 billion. 

ASX 200

ASX Update: ASX is Trading Lower Today

• ASX is trading lower today and it is weighed down by major banks ANZ and NAB.

• Some of the key sectors in Australia are recovering now as housing market is recovering and construction sector is expanding for the first time in more than three years.

• The Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association Australian Performance of Construction Index (PCI) rose 6.8 points to 54.4 in October, rising above the 50-point level which separates expansion from contraction.The construction industry has been in contraction since 2010.

• Let's take a look at how regional stock markets are doing today:

• Nikkei: -0.5%

• Hang Seng: -0.6%

• Taiwan: -0.2%

• South Korea: -0.6%

• Singapore: +0.1%

• New Zealand: -0.1%

ASX Tips

ASX 200 Wrap-up - November 6, 2013

ASX closed flat today at 5433.8 after recovering from heavy fall at the open to post a modest gain of 1.8-points. 

ASX was positively affected by Commonwealth Bank of Australia's rise on bumper first quarter profits and continued gains of mining stocks, it was also supported by stronger than expected bulk commodity prices and shrinking trade deficit.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) did the most heavy lifting, rising 1.3 per cent to a record $77.96, after earnings in the quarter ended September 30 surged 14 per cent to $2.1 billion, boosted by lower bad debts and gains in the home loan market.

Here are the worst and best performers of the day:

ASX 200

ASX Market Update - November 6, 2013

• ASX is trading below yesterday's level as investors are worried about the US Federal Reserve's stimulus plans, but Commonwealth Bank has hit a new record high on the back its profit update.

• Even regional stocks are also behaving same way as ASX after upbeat US economic data fanned speculation the Federal Reserve could start slowing its asset buying as early as next month:

• (Japan) Nikkei: -0.1%

• Shanghai: -0.1%

• Taiwan: -0.2%

• South Korea: Flat

• Hong Kong: -0.1%

• Singapore: -0.1%

• New Zealand: +0.3%

ASX 200 Tips

ASX 200 Market Wrap-up - November 5, 2013

• The ASX closed strongly higher, supported by gains in mining and energy shares. The benchmark index added 41.4 points, or 0.8 per cent, to 5432.0, as the big four banks, along with the biggest mining and energy stocks, led the bourse higher. 

• Local shares opened higher, taking their lead from international equities after Wall Street and major European markets closed higher. The local market continued to climb in the afternoon, despite declines in major equity markets around Asia.

• Among the banks, CBA jumped 1.2 per cent to a record $77. National Australia Bank rose 1 per cent to $35.80, while ANZ gained 0.8 per cent to $33.79. Westpac added 0.6 per cent to $34.35. 

• Resources stocks were the best performers, the energy index was up 1.3 per cent, and the metals and mining index gained 1.4 per cent.

ASX 200