The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO)(ASX: XJO) ended higher on Friday with gains from Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) and losses from Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL).
Here's a quick recap of global markets:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.1%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.1%
- CAC 40 (France): up 1.5%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.8%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.8%
Here are today's key stats:
- ASX 200: up 0.6%
- All Ordinaries (ASX: XAO) (Index: ^AXAO): up 0.5%
- Australian dollar (A$) (AUDUSD): 75.35 cents
- Gold price: up 0.2%
- Copper: up 0.2%
- WTI Crude Oil: down 0.5%
- Iron ore: up 2.2% to $US65.36 a tonne, according to The Metal Bulletin
Among the ASX's best-performing shares was DUET Group (ASX: DUE). Today, the energy and utility company announced that the Foreign Investment Review Board approved its takeover by CKI.
The Fortescue Metals Group share price also rallied strongly, finishing more than 5% higher. The catalyst behind the rise appears to be a modest increase in iron ore prices overnight, which came after weeks of heavy falls.
Also, Mesoblast Limited (ASX: MSB), Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU) and Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) were amongst the best performing mid-cap companies.
At the other end of town, Coca-Cola Amatil shares were heavily discounted by investors following another profit downgrade.
TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM), Vocus Group Ltd (ASX: VOC) and NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF) shares also continued their recent falls.
Here are today's top stories:
