Reports » Australia

Australian stock market and companies daily report (February 10, 2012)

Stocks drifted higher as investors weighed a Greek refinancing deal and continued improvement in the US labour market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 6.51 points, or 0.1%, to 12890.4. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index gained 1.99 points, or 0.2%, to 1351.95, and the Nasdaq Composite edged up 11.37 points, or 0.39%, to 2927.23. Technology and consumer-staple stocks led sector gains. United Technologies led among Dow members, rising 2.5%.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (February 09, 2012)

US stocks drifted for another day, finishing a smidgeon higher as investors awaited an agreement among Greek politicians on reforms ahead of the country's second international bailout. The Dow Jones Industrial Average inched 5.75 points, or 0.04%, to 12,883.95, a fresh high that stretches back to May 19, 2008. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index gained 2.91 points, or 0.22%, at 1,349.96, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 11.78 points, or 0.41%, to 2,915.86.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (February 08, 2012)

US stocks rose, with blue chips reaching at a fresh multiyear closing high, as investors were encouraged by progress in Greece over austerity measures to address its debt crisis. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 33.07 points, or 0.26%, to 12,878.20, after reversing early losses. The Dow finished at its highest close since May 2008. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index was up 2.72 points, or 0.20%, to 1347.05, and the Nasdaq Composite rose 2.09 points, or 0.07%, to 2,904.08. Seven of the S&P 500's 10 sectors were higher, led by utilities and energy stocks. McDonald's was the largest percentage gainer on the Dow, up 1.4%.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (February 07, 2012)

Stocks drifted lower, putting on hold five weeks of gains for the broader market, as investors shifted their focus to wrangling in Greece over fiscal austerity. The Dow Jones Industrial Average eased 17.10 points, or 0.13%, to 12,845.13. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index lost 0.57 point, or 0.04%, to 1,344.33, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 3.67 points, or 0.13%, to 2,901.99. Monday's declines came on the heels of five straight weeks of gains in the S&P 500, the benchmark's longest winning streak since March 2010.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (February 06, 2012)

The Dow industrials finished in the red for the fifth time in six sessions, as a mixed earnings curbed sentiment ahead of Friday's key reading on jobs and unemployment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged lower by 11.12 points, or 0.1%, to 12,705.34. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index rose 1.45 points, or 0.1%, to 1,325.54, and the technology-oriented Nasdaq Composite edged up 11.41 points, or 0.4%, to 2,859.68. The Nasdaq is up 9.8% this year. An early reading on Thursday showed initial unemployment claims decreased by 12,000, to 367,000, last week, slightly better than expectations.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (February 03, 2012)

The Dow industrials finished in the red for the fifth time in six sessions, as a mixed earnings curbed sentiment ahead of Friday's key reading on jobs and unemployment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged lower by 11.12 points, or 0.1%, to 12,705.34. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index rose 1.45 points, or 0.1%, to 1,325.54, and the technology-oriented Nasdaq Composite edged up 11.41 points, or 0.4%, to 2,859.68. The Nasdaq is up 9.8% this year. An early reading on Thursday showed initial unemployment claims decreased by 12,000, to 367,000, last week, slightly better than expectations.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (February 02, 2012)

US stocks moved to within striking distance of a multiyear high, buoyed by solid manufacturing reports around the globe. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 83.55 points, or 0.66%, to 12716, a day after indexes notched their strongest January gains in more than a decade. The Dow was within 70 points of overtaking last year's peak, enough to put the blue-chip index at its highest level since May 2008. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index rose 11.67 points, or 0.8%, to 1324, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 34 points, or 1.2%, to 2848.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (February 01, 2012)

A disappointing round of economic data weighed on US stocks on Tuesday, but major indexes still posted the largest January gains in 15 years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 20.81 points, or 0.2%, to 12,632.91, punctuating the month's end with its first four-session losing streak since November. Nonetheless, the Dow's 3.4% rise in January was the biggest since 1997, and the Dow's 415 point gain in January was the most on record.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 31, 2012)

Stocks pared losses on Monday but still finished the day in the red as investors focused on the standoff between Greece and its private creditors, as well as a surge in Portugal's borrowing costs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 6.74 points, or 0.1%, at 12,654. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index lost 3.32 points, or 0.3%, to 1,313.01, and the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 4.61 points, or 0.2%, to 2,811.94. Stocks got off to a rocky start, with the three major indexes each down by more than 1% in early trading, though they clawed back throughout the day. US equities markets were relatively lightly traded, with just over 3 billion shares traded compared with the daily average of 3.9 billion this month, which some traders said may have contributed to the intra-day turnaround.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 30, 2012)

US stock indexes ended mixed after a reading on domestic economic growth fell short of expectations, with the Dow recording its first losing week of 2012. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 74.17 points, or 0.6%, to 12,660.46. The Standard & Poor's 500 fell 2.1 points, or 0.2%, to 1,316.33, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 11.27 points, or 0.4%, to 2,816.55. The Dow and the S&P, which spent nearly all day in the red, mounted late-day rallies that pared losses for blue chips and turned the broader index positive briefly, though both finished down. On the week, the S&P and the Nasdaq ended in positive territory for the fourth week in a row.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 27, 2012)

US stocks fell, surrendering early gains, after a wave of disappointing economic data offset strong earnings from blue chips and the Federal Reserve's pledge to hold down interest rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.2%, closing in the red for the third time in four sessions. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index fell 7.63 points, or 0.6%, to 1,318.43, while the Nasdaq Composite was off 13.03 points, or 0.5%, to 2,805.28. For the year, the Dow has climbed 4.3% this year, while the S&P 500 is up 4.8%. The Nasdaq has gained 7.7%.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 25, 2012)

Stocks declined, as investors eyed a standoff in Greece's debt-reduction talks and mixed quarterly earnings from a basket of major companies. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was recently down 0.3%. The Dow was on pace to post its second consecutive decline for the first time in nearly three weeks. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index shed one point (0.1%) to 1,315, and the Nasdaq rose two points (0.1). The day was full of companies reporting their earnings.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 24, 2012)

US stocks edged lower on Monday, jeopardizing the Dow's four-session climb, as investors mulled the sustainability of this year's rally and watched Europe for developments connected to the region's ongoing debt issues. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 11.66 points (0.09%) to 12,709 in afternoon trading. Blue chips slumped after hitting their highest level since May early in Monday's session. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index ticked down 1 point (0.05%) to 1,316, and the Nasdaq Composite fell three points (0.1%) to 2,784. Traders cited the desire to lock in profits as a reason for a late-morning turnaround that sent stocks lower. All three benchmarks have posted weekly gains for the past three weeks.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 23, 2012)

Strong earnings from International Business Machines powered blue-chip stocks higher for the fourth-straight session, even as discouraging quarterly reports from other bellwethers kept the broader market flat. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 96.50 points (0.8%) to 12,720.48, ending on Friday at the session high. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index turned positive in the final minutes of the trading session, gaining 0.88 (0.1%) to 1,315.38. The Nasdaq Composite slipped 1.63 points (0.06%) to 2,786.70. Each measure finished with a third straight weekly gain.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 20, 2012)

Financial stocks pulled major US stock indexes higher on Thursday on strong bank earnings, improving jobless figures and a pair of well-received European bond auctions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 45 points (0.4%) to 12,624, setting up the blue-chip measure to close at a six-month high. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index gained 6 points (0.5%) to 1,315, and the Nasdaq Composite rose 19 points (0.7%) to 2,788.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 19, 2012)

US stocks pushed toward six-month highs as home-builder sentiment hit its highest level since 2007, and generally positive corporate earnings bolstered shares. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 97 points (0.78%) to 12,579. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index rose 14 points (1.1%) to 1,308, and the Nasdaq Composite added 42 points (1.5%) to 2,770.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 18, 2012)

US stocks were ahead but well off session highs late on Tuesday, as an early rally ran up against technical resistance and weakness in bank stocks after a handful of key earnings reports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 60 points (0.5%) to 12,482, though the measure was up by as much as 151 points early in the session. The gains were still enough to push the blue-chip index to what would be a closing high since late July. The Dow already breached five-month highs earlier this month.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 17, 2012)

US markets were closed on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. European stock markets rose on Monday, as the French government successfully sold Treasury bills and investors shrugged off last week's news that Standard & Poor's downgraded the credit ratings of nine euro-zone nations, including France, Italy and Spain.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 16, 2012)

US stocks fell on Friday, but squeaked out an advance for the week, as fears of a credit downgrade of several euro-zone countries added to disappointing results from JP Morgan Chase. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished down 48.96 points (0.39%) to 12,422.06, after tumbling as many as 159 points. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index dropped 6.41 points (0.49%) to 1,289.09, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 14.03 points (0.51%) to 2,710.67.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 13, 2011)

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 21.57 points, or 0.17%, to 12,471.02, closing at the highest level since late July for the second time this week. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index gained 3.02, or 0.23%, to 1,295.50, its fourth straight advance. The Nasdaq Composite rose 13.94 points, or 0.51%, to 2,724.70, the sixth straight gain and the technology-oriented measure's longest winning streak since early July.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 12, 2012)

US stocks finished the day roughly flat as concerns over a weakening economy in Europe prompted investors to consolidate some of the market's recent gains. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index inched up 0.40 points, or 0.03%, to 1,292.48. The Nasdaq has risen for five straight sessions. The cautious move came as investors reassessed the recent run-up in stocks. In the past 15 trading sessions, the Dow has risen nearly 700 points, or 6%.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 11, 2012)

Blue-chip stocks rose to their highest close since late July, after an upbeat start to the US earnings season and strong overseas gains boosted investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 69.78 points, or 0.56%, to 12,462.47, the highest closing level since July 26. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index gained 11.38 points, or 0.89%, to 1,292.08 and the Nasdaq Composite added 25.94 points, or 0.97%, to 2,702.50.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 10, 2012)

US stocks rose as hopes for the impending US earnings season overpowered a batch of unsettling headlines from Europe. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 32.77 points, or 0.27%, to 12,392.69, building on its 1.2% rise in the first week of the new year. The Standard & Poor's 500 finished up 2.89, or 0.23%, at 1,280.70, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 2.34 points, or 0.09%, to 2,676.56.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 09, 2012)

US stocks fell on Friday for a second straight day as worries about Europe overshadowed a drop in US unemployment to its lowest level since February 2009, but the market finished the week with strong gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 55.78 points, or 0.45%, to 12,359.92, bringing its gains for the holiday-shortened week to 1.2%.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 05, 2012)

US stocks finished little changed on Wednesday after rallying sharply in the previous session, as encouraging results from auto makers helped offset fresh euro-zone liquidity concerns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 21.04 points, or 0.17%, to 12418.42. The slim gain came after the blue-chip Dow surged 179.82 points on the first US tradingday of 2012, the third-biggest point gain to kick off a new year in the index's history.The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index edged up 0.24 point, or 0.02%, to 1277.30.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 04, 2012)

US stocks kicked off the new year with strong gains, as better-than-expected economic data around the globe buoyed investor sentiment on the first U.S. trading day of 2012. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 179.82 points, or 1.47%, to 12397.38, its highest level since July. The blue-chip index registered the third-biggest point gain to start a new year in its history. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index climbed 19.46 points, or 1.55%, to 1277.06, led higher by material and financial stocks. The technology-oriented Nasdaq Composite advanced 43.57 points, or 1.67%, to 2648.72.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (January 03, 2012)

The final Labor Department jobs report for 2011 will punctuate another holidayshortened week. In addition to the figures on joblessness--some of the most closely watched indicators--markets will mull over monthly sales figures from retailers for the key holiday-shopping month of December.  Major US stock exchanges closed Monday in observance of the New Year's holiday the day before. It came down to the wire last Friday, but in the final minute of 2011 trading, the Standard & Poor's 500-stock index closed the year virtually unchanged from where it closed in 2010.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (December 23, 2011)

This is our final morning report for 2011. We will resume production on Tuesday 3rd January 2012. Have a Merry Christmas! US stocks headed into the last day of trading before Christmas in good cheer, notching a third-straight advance on a batch of better-than-expected economic readings. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 61.84 points, or 0.51%, to 12169.58 on Thursday, building on a 341-point advance over the previous two sessions.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (December 22, 2011)

US stocks battled back from intraday losses on Wednesday to add to the previous day's powerful gains as investors scrutinised a new European lending facility for euro-zone banks and shrugged off some earnings disappointments. The Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up 4.16 points, or 0.03%, to 12107.74, erasing a decline of as many as 104 points in the early afternoon. The advance gives the blue-chip index its second straight gain, keeping the Dow in positive territory for the week, month and year.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (December 21, 2011)

US stocks surged as domestic home building jumped to the highest level in nearly two years and another successful Spanish debt auction buoyed investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 337.17 points, or 2.87%, to 12103.43, registering its biggest gain since Nov. 30. The rally propelled the blue-chip Dow into positive territory for the month. It is up 4.5% this year. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index climbed 35.95 points, or 2.98%, to 1241.30. All 10 of the S&P 500's sectors advanced, led higher by energy, material and financial stocks. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 80.59 points, or 3.19%, to 2603.73.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (December 20, 2011)

Banks led US stocks lower, sagging under the weight of another batch of worrisome headlines from Europe and fresh expectations for tighter capital standards. The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 100.13 points, or 0.84%, to 11766.26. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index shed 14.31 points, or 1.17%, to 1205.35, and the Nasdaq Composite lost 32.19 points, or 1.26%, to 2523.14. Major indexes held onto slim gains until European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said Europe's economic outlook was subject to "high uncertainty" and that the central bank was trying "to do its best" to avoid a euro-zone credit crunch.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (December 19, 2011)

US stocks ended the week with a whimper on Friday as continued jitters surrounding Europe's debt crisis weighed on investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.42 points (0.02%) to 11,866.39, after earlier rising nearly 100 points. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index tacked on 3.89 points (0.32%) to 1,219.65. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 14.32 points (0.56%) to 2,555.33. US consumer prices were unchanged in November as a drop in energy costs offset a slight rise in food prices and other items.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (December 16, 2011)

US stocks gained after investors took heart from stronger US economic data, snapping a three-day losing streak, but finished off session highs after another warning about Europe's sovereign-debt crisis. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 45.33 points, or 0.38%, to 11868.81. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index tacked on 3.94 points, or 0.33%, to 1215.76, and the Nasdaq Composite eked out a gain of 1.7 points, or 0.07%, to 2541.01. The defensive utilities, health-care and consumer-staples sectors posted the strongest gains as investors edged back into stocks.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (December 15, 2011)

US stocks sank for a third straight day as investors confronted a drop in the euro and steep declines in commodity prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gave up 131.46 points, or 1.10%, to finish at 11823.48, a two-week low. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index lost 13.91 points, or 1.13%, to 1211.82 and the Nasdaq Composite shed 39.96 points, or 1.55%, to 2539.31. European stocks fell sharply and the euro dropped below the psychologically key $1.30 level, as worries over Europe's sovereign-debt crisis combined with lingering disappointment over policy inaction by the US Federal Reserve.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (December 14, 2011)

US stocks dropped as Federal Reserve officials didn't take immediate action to bolster the economy and as US retail-sales data offered a disappointing view on the holiday-shopping season. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 66.45 points, or 0.55%, to 11954.94. The bluechip Dow gained as much as 126 points in early trading, but wavered throughout the session and turned negative after the Fed statement. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index shed 10.74 points, or 0.87%, to 1225.73, led lower by consumer discretionary and material stocks. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 32.99 points, or 1.26%, to 2579.27.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (December 13, 2011)

US Sharp criticisms of last week's European sovereign-debt summit by credit-rating companies sent US stocks stumbling, underscoring investor worries that Europe's crisis will last well into next year and could still trigger a global recession. The blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average finished 162.87 points, or 1.34%, lower at 12021.39, wiping out most of the gains in the summit's immediate wake on Friday. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index shed 18.72 points, or 1.49%, to 1236.47, and the technology-oriented Nasdaq Composite slid 34.59 points, or 1.31%, to 2612.26. 

Australian stock market and companies daily report (December 12, 2011)

US stocks wrapped up a second straight week of gains as the euro zone's latest plan to fix its debt crisis overshadowed some disappointing forecasts from big US companies. The move came after the 17 countries of the euro zone, overriding opposition from the UK, formally agreed to run only minimal budget deficits in the future and allowed the European Court of Justice the right to strike down national laws that don't enforce such discipline, a major transfer of national sovereignty over budget policy.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (December 09, 2011)

US stocks tumbled into the close on Thursday, falling after a summit that investors hoped could help stem Europe's economic turmoil got off to a rocky start and the European Central Bank declined to enact aggressive new bond purchases. Sentiment turned negative before the open of US trading after the European Central Bank cut its key lending rate to 1% from 1.25% but opted against increased government-bond purchases that traders have hoped could be used to fight Europe's sovereign-debt crisis.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (December 08, 2011)

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose for a third straight day as investors struggled to keep up with a torrent of headlines ahead of two key European meetings this week. Developments in Europe again seized the spotlight in a week that has been billed as a critical one for the euro zone's future. Stocks reversed course several times throughout the day as investors were buffeted by negative and positive remarks from various European officials.

Australian stock market and companies daily report (December 07, 2011)

US blue-chip stocks closed higher after investors seized on reports of two separate rescue funds that could bolster efforts to stem Europe's sovereign debt crisis.  Stocks spent much of the day in a narrow trading range. But the market got an afternoon jolt after a newspaper reported European officials are in negotiations to implement two separate bailout funds. The proposals would nearly double the firepower of the region's financial rescue system and help stem the sovereign-debt crisis.