It was another topsy-turvy day for local investors ahead of the US Federal Reserve's meeting tonight, with the share market ultimately ending slightly higher.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.1% to 5116 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 0.1% to 5175 points
- AUD/USD at US 74.55 cents
- Iron Ore at US$52.88 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,232.15 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$39.10 a barrel
Another down night for commodity prices all but ensured another cautious day on the market today, although gains from the banks went a way towards offsetting the losses among the miners.
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) was on the chopping block again, losing 1.5%, while Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) also shed 4.3% and 1.6%.
The gold producers traded mostly higher. EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN), for instance, rose 1.7%, while Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) gained 4%.
National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) was the best of the banks, rising 1%, with all four of the majors ending the day higher.
WHITEHAVEN COAL LIMITED (ASX: WHC) was one of the best shares for the day, lifting 10.2%, but Slater & Gordon Limited (ASX: SGH) shares tumbled another 3.3%.
Here are Wednesday's top stories:
- 2 tech stars you'll never want to sell
- Here's why Bellamy's Australia Ltd shares could be worth a closer look
- Why is the Regis Healthcare share price down in the past 6 months?
- Brokers think this under-the-radar small-cap could offer blockbuster returns
- Here's why the BHP Billiton share price has sunk 14%
- Top broker names financial services giant as hot buy
