Stocks in Australia declined for the third day in a row. For the year the ASX 200 index fell 15% with the sharpest drops in retailers, materials and energy linked companies. Billabong plunged 78%, Harvey Norman dropped 38% and David Jones declined 47%.
Australian stocks edged lower in thin trading as metals and oil declined on the renewed jitters in international markets. Gold fell to a 3-month low. The Australian benchmark index declined 14% in the year and second yearly loss in a row and for the year BHP declined 23% and Rio Tinto dropped 30%.
Australian stocks declined and the benchmark index fell 1.3% and retail sales in the holiday period were estimated to be flat or declined slightly. Australia approved the sale of Murchison Metals stake in Western Australia port and rail project to Mitsubishi.
Australian stocks edged lower after a weakness in resource stocks and retailers. Kathmandu, the outdoor apparel retailer dropped 23% after it said same store sales in the last five weeks are below a year ago period.
Australian stocks soared tracking the gains in international markets. The dollar advanced. BHP agreed to sell its 51% stake in the diamond project on Baffin Island in Canada for $9 million to Peregrine Ltd. Fortescue agreed to pay $330 million to expand its railroad network to new iron ore mines.
Australian stocks declined but cut losses after the latest central bank minutes of meetings confirmed the worries of global slowdown. Cochlear soared after it said it is prepared to return to market the recently recalled hearing implant.
Australian stocks rebounded after extending losses for three days in a row. ANZ said at the annual general meeting that it has enough capital to withstand the euro zone. Insurance Australia Group agreed to buy New Zealand based general insurance from AMI for NZ$380 million.
Australian stocks extended losses for the third day in a row as commodities plunged in Asian markets. Silver tumbled 8%, copper fell more than 6% and gold declined 5%. Australian banks reiterate their lack of willingness to pass on future rate hikes as profits soar to record high.
Australian benchmark indexes closed nearly flat and the dollar briefly traded below parity. Mining and energy stocks generally closed higher. Rio Tinto said it has no immediate plans to increase its stake in Canada based Ivanhoe Mines. Westpac chief indicated future rate cuts may not be passed on.
Australian exports of commodities in the current fiscal year is estimated to increase 15% to $206 billion on 13% increase in iron ore and 14% rise in thermal coal exports. Stocks edged lower on the euro zone worries and a weakness in the international markets.
Sources: Data collected by 123jump.com and Ticker.com from company press releases, filings and corporate websites.
Market data: BATS Exchange. Inc.
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