Local shares ended the week on a poor note, slipping further today after Thursday's decline.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) down 0.6% to 5329 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) down 0.5% to 5396 points
- AUD/USD at US 72.99 cents
- Iron Ore at US$55.05 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,271.74 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$47.77 a barrel
Part of today's decline likely stemmed from weak numbers from some of the United States' leading retailers, together with concerns regarding the future direction of commodity prices.
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) were among the weakest blue chips for the day. They fell 2.1% and 2.7%.
From the banks, it was Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) that did much of the damage. While all four banks ended the day in the red, this pair dropped 1.3% and 1.1%, respectively.
Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW) and Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL) were also weak, losing 3% and 2.1%.
Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (ASX: LNG) shares fell sharply, losing 4.4%. On a more positive note, however, APN News and Media Limited (ASX: APN) rose 11.1%.
Here are Friday's top stories:
- Should you bet big on these ASX-listed lithium shares?
- Top broker says focus on value instead of growth with these 6 ASX shares
- Trouble in Paradise: Why Coles' petrol prices are under investigation
- 4 high-yield dividend shares for 1% interest rates
- Why investors are going crazy for Cochlear Limited
- Should you buy Telstra Corporation Ltd or Woolworths Limited shares?
