The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX:XJO) was eventful yet again this week. Here are four big stories you may have missed that affected the ASX 200 index:
Brexit rumbles on?
The UK government was defeated in Parliament in its attempt to pass its Brexit deal that it has been working on for two years.
It seems the two most likely options at this point will either see the UK leave the EU without a deal or perhaps not leave the EU.
UK based bank CYBG Plc's (ASX: CYB) share price rose 3% over the week in response to the news.
Afterpay Touch Group Ltd (ASX: APT) rockets
The Afterpay share price rose 20% this week after announcing its latest trading update to ASX investors. Underlying sales grew by 140% compared to the prior corresponding period.
US growth continues to go well with Australian growth also being solid, going some way to justify the valuation it trades at. The buy now, pay later business also said that UK growth efforts are going to plan.
Domestic airline travel slows
The Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD) share price dropped nearly 3% on Friday after reporting that domestic passengers had fallen by 2.6% in December 2018 compared to December 2017. Management attributed this fall to storms and adverse weather activity.
Despite international passengers growing by 3.7% over the prior corresponding period, total passengers declined by 0.1% in December 2018. Who knows if this will lead to a fall in activity for businesses like Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) and Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)?.
More profit hits to Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)
The big banks have had to recognise a number of negative hits to profit over the past year, particularly with remediation and legal costs relating to the Royal Commission.
Commonwealth Bank announced another $169 million hit to the profit this week. The big four banks are finding it very difficult to grow profit at the moment.
