The local stock market retreated today, weighed down by a number of blue chip companies.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) down 0.9% to 5193 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) down 0.9% to 5247 points
- AUD/USD at US 71.48 cents
- Iron Ore at US$49.18 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,110.41 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$48.68 a barrel
The ASX was weighed down by the big banks and miners today, while comments from the RBA's governor, Glenn Stevens, may have also impacted sentiment. Stevens said any upcoming interest rate movements would likely be down, but appeared confident that such a move would not be necessary.
National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) was the big casualty, shedding 4.5% after it went ex-dividend. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) also lost 1% following its quarterly report, with the other majors both falling less than 1% as well.
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) lost 0.8% and 1.4%, but it was the gold miners doing most of the damage in the resources sector. Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) and EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) fell 3.3% and 3.6%, respectively.
Ardent Leisure Group (ASX: AAD) plummeted 13.6%, making it the worst stock from the ASX 200. Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) bucked the trend, ending the day 9.6% higher.
Here are Thursday's top stories:
- Commonwealth Bank of Australia reports: 5 things you need to know
- Why the National Australia Bank Ltd share price is down 4.5%
- Why the share price of Ardent Leisure Group plunged today
- Here's why oOh!Media Ltd's share price is skyrocketing today
- Why the Credit Corp Group Limited share price exploded today
- Vocus Communications Limited, M2 Group Ltd merger approved by ACCC
