Noble Group Limited

US stocks on Monday rose to a fresh 18-month high on improved economic data. The market was encouraged as the Labor Department Friday released nonfarm payrolls report which showed a biggest job increase in three years. In addition, better-than-expected figures in service and real estate sectors also helped to support the US shares. Asian markets mostly opened higher on Tuesday. Resources shares today could be stronger after oil and metals prices rose. Asian stocks closed higher on Monday with Japan's Nikkei 225 ended at a new 18-month high for the third straight session. Regional volume was light, as markets in Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan were shut for holidays. Most of these markets resume trading today, but Hong Kong bourse remains closing for Ching Ming Festival.

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.

The Australian share market posted a strong gain boosted by banks and miners on Tuesday after good lead from European markets and Wall Street. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 69.1 points, or 1.49 per cent, at 4704.2 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index surged 64.9 points, or 1.39 per cent, to 4724.4.

Wall Street closed in negative territory on Friday despite a survey showed that US consumer sentiment rose to its strongest level in three months. But the Dow still surged 164 points, or 1.74 per cent, with four days rally in the week.

Australian shares gained 1.3% on Friday but still lost 4.3% for the week. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was 49.8 points, higher at 3773.2 and the broader All Ordinaries index was also up 1.3%, or 48.1 points, at 3758.9. The local market is expected to soften on jitters over the US economy.

Yesterday the Australian shares fell in a day of light trading as the market had a breather after a few weeks of rally. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index were 1.2%, or 48.8 points, lower at 3877.2, while the broader All Ordinaries index was down 1.2%, or 46.9 points, at 3863.6.

The Australian shares posted strong gains yesterday. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index ended 3% higher, or 113.4 points, at 3883. The broad-market All Ordinaries index was up 2.9%, or 108.1 points, at 3846. Today the local market is expected to extend its rally after the boost of overseas and rising commodities prices. Reserve Bank of Australia's interest rate decision will be the focus of the day.

Yesterday Australian shares lost their early gains and ended lower, dragged by big miners. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 0.2%, or 5.6 points, at 3446.3, while the broader All Ordinaries index fell by 0.2%, or 7.2 points, at 3386.2.

Yesterday the Australian shares posted a modest gain as the market saw the rising oil prices and increased optimism about the outlook for commercial banks. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index rose 18 points, or 0.54 per cent, at 3345.5, while the broader All Ordinaries index was 15.9 points higher, or 0.48 per cent, to 3297.4.