Australian Markets Closed Flat After a Positive Start

• The Australian markets closed flat after a positive start as banking shares slipped, however news of an up tick in retail sales helped offset broader losses. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index closed at 5,313.6 (-2.4 points) while the broader All Ordinaries index closed at 5,327.5 (+8.8 points).

• As per market experts' opinion, the big four banks lost ground today with Westpac slipping 0.5 per cent and ANZ fell 0.4 per cent. Here's a quick look at how different sectors performed today:

• Consumer Discretionary:        1,830.9         1.3

• Consumer Staples:                   10,057.1        59.9

• Energy:                                      13,473.9        69.8

• Financials:                                  5,865.8        7.2

• Health Care:                               14,395.7      36.5

• Industrials:                                 3,930.4       18.2

• Information Technology:          743.0          4.7

• Materials:                                   9,994.5        -3.4

• Telecommunication Services: 1,824.5         -6.7

• Utilities:                                      5,396.0        -9.6

• Australian dollar appreciated against US dollar today. Presently, it is trading at 88.78 US cents.

ASX 200 Tips