Local shares have followed international markets lower today, hammered on fears of a potential Brexit. This was highlighted by an overnight spike in the VIX, otherwise known as the "fear index", which also shot higher overnight.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) down 2.1% to 5203 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) down 2% to 5282 points
- AUD/USD at US 74.01 cents
- Iron Ore at US$52.91 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,278.52 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$49.92 a barrel
The banks led today's broad-based sell-off, with all four of the majors ending the session at least 2% lower. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) were the worst of the lot, dropping 2.6% each.
The resources companies were on the ropes, as well. BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) shares plunged 3.2%, while Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) lost 3% and 7%, respectively.
It was a different story for the gold miners, who continue to rise higher on elevated uncertainty. Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) rose 3%, while Beadell Resources Ltd (ASX: BDR) gained 4.6%.
Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) was by far the worst for the day, crashing 42.2%. Metcash Limited (ASX: MTS), by comparison, rose 4.8%.
Here are Tuesday's top stories:
- Here's why the ASX 200 has been smashed today
- Look out for Guvera's tech competitors
- ResMed Inc. (Chess) and Brambles Limited – is it time to buy shares?
- These gold miners are going berserk! Is it time to buy?
- Is this super-cheap ASX-listed bank right for your portfolio?
- There could be more pain ahead for Mesoblast limited as credibility sinks
- Better buy: Telstra Corporation Ltd or Woolworths Limited?
