ASX 200 falls sharply: 12 shares you should have been watching

Local shares fell heavily today, dragged down by the big four banks following a worrying update from Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC).

Here's a quick recap:

• S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) down 0.6% to 5508 points
• ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) down 0.5% to 5599 points
• AUD/USD at US 76.95 cents
• Iron Ore at US$60.58 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
• Gold at US$1,341.94 an ounce
• Brent oil at US$43.82 a barrel

Westpac was the worst of the banks, its shares falling 2.6%.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) also lost 1.9%, while National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) dropped 1% each.

They were the biggest drag on the market, but BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) also fell 0.9%. Meanwhile, Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) closed 1.6% lower as well.

St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) and EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) were among the worst on the market today, losing 6.2% and 4.6%.

JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH), on the other hand, rose 2.1%. Automotive Holdings Group Ltd (ASX: AHG) also gained 7% while Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) jumped 14.2%.

Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK) shares rallied 15%, as well, following its earnings results this morning.

Here are Thursday's top stories:

1. Telstra Corporation Ltd reports 36% jump in profit: Is it a bargain?
2. Why has the Automotive Holdings Group Ltd share price suddenly soared?
3. Nick Scali Limited shares surge on bumper profit result: Is is still a buy?
4. JB Hi-Fi Limited shares soar on 'The Good Guys' approval
5. These are the 10 most popular shares among investors
6. Here are 3 ASX shares brokers think you should buy
7. 1300 Smiles Limited reports: Is it still an opportunity for investors?