The local share market failed to inspire today, ending the day virtually flat.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) flat at 5346 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) flat at 5384 points
- AUD/USD at US 72.35 cents
- Iron Ore at US$51.03 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,164.90 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$47.27 a barrel
The ASX traded within a narrow range today. Gains achieved by some of the banks were counteracted by heavy falls in a number of Australia's biggest resources companies after a poor session for commodity markets.
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 0.9% and 1.9% lower, respectively, while Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) was down 9%.
Together with Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), Fortescue was the worst performing stock from the ASX 200.
Meanwhile, Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (ASX: LNG) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) were down 6.8% and 9%. Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) also fell 7.3%.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) provided some support, gaining 0.3% and 1.7% respectively. Market debutant Link Group (ASX: LNK) also soared, lifting 11% above its offer price.
Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) also rose 6.4%, making it the best ASX 200 stock for the day.
Here are Tuesday's top stories:
- National Australia Bank Ltd. on verge of $2.5 billion business unit sale
- How to grow your wealth, the lazy way
- Sirtex Medical Limited forecasts another big year of sales growth
- What 1-Page Ltd's capital raising means for you
- 5 ASX stocks to get your portfolio MOO-ving
- FlexiGroup Limited makes 'transformational' acquisition
