The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO)(ASX: XJO) ended lower on Monday, with the Fletcher Building Limited (Australia) (ASX: FBU) share price and Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) share price ending sharply lower.
Here's a quick recap of global markets from last week:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.12%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.1%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.32%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.1%
- NASDAQ (USA): flat
It appears the Australian sharemarket followed the USA's lead to end mostly lower.
The worst performing sectors for the day were telecommunications, down 2%, and consumer discretionary, falling 0.9%. The Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price ended more than 2% lower.
Shares of both Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) and Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW) dragged on the market. Meanwhile, shares of furniture and electrical retailer Harvey Norman fell more than 8%. The company did not release any specific news, the only meaningful announcements appear to be the recent selling of shares by directors.
Shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended lower despite the iron ore price continuing to defy expectations.
Another company on the nose today was Fletcher Building, the building products manufacturer. Its shares fell almost 10% following a shock profit downgrade.
On the positive side of the ledger, healthcare shares were among the strongest performers. Shares of both CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) and Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC) ended in the green while Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME) shares were the standout, rising more than 9%.
Here are Monday's top stories:
- 4 reasons your marijuana investment could end in tears
- ASX Investors: Beware Of This Measure!
- 3 ASX dividend shares I'd buy for my kids
- SEEK Limited spends $118 million on OES as Zhaopin controversy hots up
- 2 healthcare shares I like for their long-term growth potential
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