The ASX rose strongly today, but was unable to hold onto its gains, ending the day slightly lower.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) down 0.1% to 4995 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) down 0.1% to 5070 points
- AUD/USD at US 76.34 cents
- Iron Ore at US$54.80 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,217.74 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$38.29 a barrel
Local shares gave up a strong lead this afternoon, prompted in part by retreating oil prices as well as disappointing economic data. This included flat retail sales for February and a 0.2% decline in March consumer prices.
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) was one of the biggest disappointments, shedding 2.7%. Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) lost 4.3% and 5.5% as well, while Senex Energy Ltd (ASX: SXY) plunged 10.2%.
The big four banks produced mixed results. National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) lifted 0.6% and 0.2%, whereas Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) ended mostly flat.
Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL) was one of the best shares for the day, rising 4.3%.
Here are Monday's top stories:
- Why you needn't worry about your Bellamy's Australia Ltd shares
- Senex Energy Ltd shares crash 10% on $6m lawsuit
- Why the RCR Tomlinson share price is sinking today
- Is this the end for iron ore miner Arrium Ltd?
- Why the Pro Medicus Limited share price is rocketing today
- Which is the better mega-miner – Rio Tinto Limited or BHP Billiton Limited?
- A bargain hunter's guide to Beach Energy Ltd