Sydney, Aug 14, 2007 (ABN Newswire) - Australian shares could open on firmer ground this morning if mining firms track gains in their London-listed stocks on firmer industrial base metal prices; offsetting a lackluster lead from Wall Street. Still, analysts say the mood remains cautious and further volatility is possible as the global credit squeeze continues to dent sentiment. Companies set to report earnings today include Leighton Holdings and JB Hi-Fi.

The S&P/ASX200 added 76 points ending at 6.012. On the futures market the SPI200 is up 40.

Turning to currencies, the Australian dollar retreated in offshore trade this morning as investors continued to unwind riskier bets. At 8:30 AM the Aussie dollar is buying 84.17 US cents, on the crosses the dollar is buying 99.55 yen, 61.87 Euro cents, and 41.84 British pence

The full report is available at the following video and audio links.

Video Link

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/78L7VHXW


Audio Link

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/244TK4D3

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