Local shares were pulled lower today, although the market did recover some of its losses as the day went on.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) down 0.2% to 5243 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) down 0.1% to 5312 points
- AUD/USD at US 76.06 cents
- Iron Ore at US$66.24 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,294.18 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$46.83 a barrel
Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) kicked off a busy week for investors as it reported its half-year earnings report. The results were mediocre at best, and investors responded accordingly, selling the shares down 3.5%.
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) also lost 2.2%, while Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) lost 2.1% each.
Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) provided some support, rising 2.8% after it said it would return an additional $1.5 billion to investors.
Another share that dominated today was embattled law firm Slater & Gordon Limited (ASX: SGH), whose shares doubled in price after gaining as much as 130% earlier in the session.
Gold miner EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) was the strongest on the ASX 200, rising 9.7%, while Aconex Limited (ASX: ACX) was among the worst, falling 3.9%.
Here are Monday's top stories:
- Westpac Banking Corp delivers flat dividend: What you need to know
- Are the big four banks still the best source of dividends?
- Shareholders of Telstra Corporation Ltd to receive extra $1.5 billion
- Top stock picks for May
- Why the Slater & Gordon Limited share price is rocketing today
- 8 of the ASX's best technology shares you can buy today
