Yesterday the Australian market closed slightly lower led by Rio(ASX:RIO) and BHP(ASX:BHP), although metals prices were higher on the dropping of US dollar and rising Chinese imports. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed down 26 points, or 0.73%, to 3531.4, while the broader All Ordinaries index fell 24.1 points, or 0.69%, to 3468.2.

On Friday, the Australian market closed marginally higher with rise on most sectors except energy stocks. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index gained 34.5 points, or 0.96 per cent, at 3,615.7, while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 25.5 points, or 0.72 per cent, to 3,547.2. Low trading volumes are expected this week.

Yesterday the Australian shares ended flat as weaker Commonwealth Bank and energy stocks weighed on the market. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 10.6 points, or 0.3 per cent, at 3,581.2, while the broader All Ordinaries index gained 6.7 points, or 0.19 per cent, to 3,521.7. It could be fairly quiet during the pre-Christmas sessions. But the local market may be hit by the dropping commodities prices and the fears on US auto industry as US government has admitted that orderly bankruptcy can be one of the options for the troubled automakers.

Yesterday the Australian stock market closed marginally higher despite a big lead from United States markets. The banking sector was pulled down by Commonwealth Bank as it tried to sell shares to institutional investors for A$2 billion capital raising. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index had gained 14.4 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 3570.6 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 16.1 points, or 0.46 per cent, at 3515.0 points. Commonwealth Bank's termination of the share placement and rising bad debts has hit the confidence of the banking sector.

Yesterday Australian shares closed lower as almost all sectors were down. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 35.2 points, or 0.98 per cent, at 3556.2, while the broader All Ordinaries index was down 36.8 points, or 1.04 per cent, at 3,498.9 points. Telecom sector continued to lose on Telstra's failure to submit an adequate tender for the national broadband network.

The Australian stock market closed more than two per cent lower on Friday following weakness in United States markets caused by doubts over a rescue package for US car makers. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index had fallen 87.6 points, or 2.43 per cent, to 3,510.4, while the broader All Ordinaries index lost 81.7 points, or 2.31 per cent, to 3,452.5. As the US Senate's rejected the $14-billion bailout for American automotive makers, the stock market is expected to continue moving downward on the negative news.

Yesterday the Australian shares ended lower as traders looked to make short-term gains, despite a positive start in the morning. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 share index yesterday lost 1.2%, or 42.7 points, to 3598, while the All Ordinaries index shed 1.1%, or 39.1 points, to 3534.2. But today resource stocks may gain after commodity prices advanced.

Yesterday Australia's share market closed higher after surge in the mining sector. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index yesterday ended 36.4 points or 1% higher at 3640.7, while the broader All Ordinaries was up 39.6 points, or 1.1%, at 3,573.3. The stronger commodity prices for gold and oil overnight may further buoy the stocks market which has been oversold.

Yesterday Australian market closed lowered as banks stocks plunged after Westpac(ASX:WBC) announced its A$2.5 billion capital raising. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index had lost 27.3 points or 0.75 per cent to 3604.3, while the broader All Ordinaries was down 20.1 points or 0.57 per cent at 3533.7. Analysts expect more companies such as Commonwealth Bank(ASX:CBA) may also have to raise capital.

On Monday, the Australian share market closed around four per cent higher, boosted by gains in the financial and resources sector and a rally on United States markets on Friday. Meanwhile, bargain hunters took the buying opportunity to snap cheap stocks. Energy sector was also pushed up by the higher oil price as well as the Santos takeover talks. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index gained 141.7 points, or 4.06 per cent, to 3,631.6, while the broader All Ordinaries was up 126.6 points, or 3.69 per cent, at 3,553.8. The news a short-term rescue package for the US carmakers expected to be unveiled may strengthen the market sentiment today. Resource stocks would also gain after commodity prices advanced.