ASX 200 ends week flat: 10 shares you should have been watching

BHP Billiton Limited (ASX:BHP) acted as a drag on the market's returns today

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Local shares traded within a narrow band today, with the main bourse fittingly ending the session flat. The miners acted as a drag on the market's overall progress.

Here's a quick recap:

  • S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) flat at 5,434 points
  • ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) flat at 5,518 points
  • AUD/USD at US 75.90 cents
  • Iron Ore at US$56.67 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
  • Gold at US$1,256.09 an ounce
  • Brent oil at US$51.90 a barrel

BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) hindered the ASX 200's progress today, as did Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO). The pair fell 0.9% and 1%, respectively.

The banks were mixed as well, with Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) falling 0.9%, but Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) rose 0.4%.

Most of the gold miners ended today's session in the red. EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) dipped 3.6% while Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) slipped 4.4%.

Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU) fell 6%, making it one of the worst performing shares on the ASX 200. Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) and Select Harvests Limited (ASX: SHV), on the other hand, rose 2.5% and 3.4%.

Fantastic Holdings Limited (ASX: FAN) also soared 40% following a takeover offer.

Here are Friday's top stories:

  1. 3 companies with growing fully franked dividends
  2. Fantastic Holdings Limited share price set to soar
  3. 3 surprising habits of smart investors
  4. 3 shares I like for big income and growth prospects
  5. Is it time to buy CSL Limited shares?
  6. 3 game-changing companies to buy today
Motley Fool contributor Ryan Newman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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