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Yesterday the Australian shares closed slightly lower as falls in financial stocks overshadowed the gains in big miners. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 0.1%, or 5.4 points, at 3747.5, while the broad-market All Ordinaries index fell 0.1%, or 4 points, at 3693.9.

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.

Yesterday the Australian share market was closed in thin trading. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index ended down 26.8 points, or 0.7%, at 3687. The All Ordinaries index gained 16.8 points, 0.5%, to 3638.9. Market is expected to follow the US trends, but the rising oil and commodities prices may give resources sector a push.

Last Friday the Australian share market had a poor start at the first trading day of the New Year, as S&P/ASX 200 Index closed down 8.5 points, or 0.23 per cent, at 3713.8 points, while the All Ordinaries Index closed just 3.6 points down at 3655.7 points. Analysts warn that it is too early to get excited despite a positive lead from the US. The market might remain volatile in the coming three months as there will be some bad news ahead in the reporting season.

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.

Yesterday, benefited from the US government's bailout plan on Citigroup, the Australian market benchmark S&P/ASX200 share index had its best day in more than 11 years, jumping 5.8%, or 198.3 points, to 3623.4, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 5.5%, or 186.6 points, to 3575.4. Analysts say the market sentiment remains fragile as fundamental problems have not changed, although world governments are taking action to stimulate economy.

Yesterday the Australian share market closed higher with most of the upside in the financial sector, after news that American billionaire Warren Buffet would buy a $US5 billion slice of investment bank Goldman Sachs. As Buffet is a long term investor with a good record of investing at the right time, people speculate that potentially it's the bottom of financial stocks.

Wall St closed down over 4% overnight as the US investment bank Lehman Brothers filing for bankruptcy. Yesterday, with rumours surrounding Lehman Brothers yet to be confirmed, the Australian share market finished down over 1.5 per cent. Analysts expect the Australian dollar may fall even further today with negative lead from Lehman Brothers demise and the fire sale of Merrill Lynch.