Local shares followed international markets today, falling slightly upon heightened expectations of an interest rate hike in the United States.
Closer to home, RBA chief Glenn Stevens gave little away in the outlook for Australia's own interest rates, although the Australian dollar did fall below US72 cents.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) down 0.4% to 5361 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) down 0.4% to 5295 points
- AUD/USD at US 71.85 cents
- Iron Ore at US$51.22 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,245.18 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$48.11 a barrel
Each of the banks ended in the red today, with Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) being the biggest mover of the lot. Its shares fell 0.7%.
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) held up, despite a heavy fall in the iron ore price overnight, although the gains did diminish as the day went on. The pair rose 0.1% and 0.5%.
Meanwhile, Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares dropped 1.2% and 1.8%, respectively.
Select Harvests Limited (ASX: SHV) and Aconex Ltd (ASX: ACX) were among the market's best, lifting 5.4% and 3.3%.
Unfortunately, Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) was again at the opposite end of the market, falling 5%.
Here are Tuesday's top stories:
- Will Australia and New Zealand Banking Group sell its life insurance business?
- Why another broker thinks you should buy Aconex Ltd shares
- Should you buy shares or property?
- Slammed: Why the Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd share price has fallen 16%
- 4 secret wealth compounding stars to buy today
- 3 dirt cheap tech stocks under $5
- Is Wesfarmers Ltd profit under threat?