The ASX traded mostly flat today, but ultimately ended the session higher.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.2% to 5279 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 0.2% to 5344 points
- AUD/USD at US 74.97 cents
- Iron Ore at US$60.09 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,280.65 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$45.20 a barrel
Investors were given the chance to catch their breath today after two wild sessions. Compared to those sessions, there weren't as many major swings in the prices of blue chip shares, although National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) did rise 2%.
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) also lifted 1.8%, while the other two major banks delivered more muted results.
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP), on the other hand did experience another fall, losing 1.9% following another sharp decline in the iron ore price.
On a more positive note, Cover-More Group Ltd (ASX: CVO) shares soared 18% after yesterday's heavy decline. Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) also rose 4.9%, while Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) gained 7.4%.
Here are Thursday's top stories:
- National Australia Bank Ltd. reports: 5 things you need to know
- Here's how Bill Shorten just sent these ASX shares rocketing
- Why the Prophecy International Holdings Limited share price crashed 30% today
- BHP Billiton is in Serious Trouble
- 3 shares that could benefit from a falling Australian dollar
- The iron ore price was smacked again overnight
- Will interest rates fall to just 1.5% by August?