The local share market ended today's session marginally lower, with a number of big movers dominating the headlines.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) down 0.1% to 5779 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) down 0.1% to 5827 points
- AUD/USD at US 79.46 cents
- Iron Ore at US$72.97 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,288.07 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$50.49 a barrel
There were a number of big movers today, but the company that arguably received the most attention was Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS). The Telstra share price plunged 10.6% after it released its full-year earnings results, and changed its dividend policy as well. Dividends in 2018 are expected to be up to 30% lower.
The Vocus Group Ltd (ASX: VOC) share price retreated as well after the group downgraded its earnings guidance.
Other shares that endured heavy falls today were QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE), down 7.1%, and Iress Ltd (ASX: IRE), down 5.7%.
Elsewhere, Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH) shares jumped 7.2% following the group's own earnings release. The company reported an 18% increase in net profit for the year, and 12% growth in sales on a constant-currency basis.
Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) and Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) were among the market's other top performers, rising 6.8% and 5.3% respectively.
