The last trading day of January ended with a sharp loss on Friday. Australian shares plunged more than 2 per cent while the market was clouded with negative sentiment. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 103.7 points, or 2.2 per cent, to 4569.6, while the broader All Ordinaries index fell 100.8 points, or 2.1 per cent, to 4596.9. For the month, a 6.2 per cent, or A$85 billion in value, was wiped off from the market.
Key Economic Facts and Figures
The Reserve Bank of Australia said total credit provided to the private sector by lenders rose by 0.3 per cent in December, the most since January 2009, following a 0.1 per cent increase in November. Over the year to December, total credit rose by 1.5 per cent, the RBA said, driven largely by housing credit which rose by 0.7 per cent in December, rising 8.2 per cent over the year, seasonally adjusted.
Australian Industry Group Monday releases performance of manufacturing index for January. TD Securities/Melbourne Institute releases inflation gauge for January. Housing Industry Association will unveil new home sales data of December. Reserve Bank of Australia's index of commodity prices is also due.
M&A News
Australia's largest exporter of dairy products, Murray Goulburn, said Friday its takeover bid for all shares in Warrnambool Cheese and Butter (
Macarthur Coal Ltd. (
Important Corporate News
BHP Billiton (
Energy Resources of Australia (
Colorpak's (AQSX:CPK) produced revenues from sale of goods and services of A$42.6 million in the December half, 5.6 per cent up on the corresponding prior comparable period of A$40.3 million. Net profit after tax for the six months increased from A$3.3 million to A$3.7 million which is its highest six monthly profit.
Australian Power and Gas Company Ltd (
Contact
Michelle LiangAsia Business News Asia Bureau
TEL: +61-2-9247-4344
Email: michelle.liang@abnnewswire.net
Related Companies
Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory Co.hold.ltd
Energy Resources Of Australia Limited
Australian Power And Gas Company Limited
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