Suncorp Group Limited

The Australian market yesterday closed flat as traders were cautious about the economic outlook. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index rose one point, or 0.03 per cent, at 3767.9, while the broader All Ordinaries index declined 1.8 points, or 0.05 per cent, to 3766.0 points. Today investors' focus would be the unemployment rate released by ABS.

On Friday Asian and European markets fell while Wall Street was closed for public Holiday. The Australian shares closed lower Friday as US shares tumbled on the unfavorable unemployment figures and commodities prices were also lower. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index lost 49.1 points, or 1.27 per cent, to 3828.2 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index slumped 48.6 points, or 1.25 per cent, at 3826.6 points. The Reserve Bank of Australia Tuesday will announce its official interest rate after board meeting.

Yesterday the Australian market concluded the last day of the financial year higher, led by energy and retail sectors. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index gained 68 points, or 1.75 per cent, to 3954.9 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 65.1 points, or 1.68 per cent, to 3947.8 points. The ASX200 has posted four consecutive months of gains.

The Australian market was slightly up on Friday fuelled by resources stocks. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed up 15 points, or 0.37 per cent, to 4062.2, while the broader All Ordinaries index gained 14.8 points, or 0.37 per cent, to 4061.5. The local market has received negative lead from weaker commodities prices. Investors may look towards profit guidance while there could be limited company news scheduled this week.

Australian shares market yesterday was buoyed by the news Rio Tinto reached a better than expected iron ore price agreement with Japan's Nippon Steel. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index gained 50.5 points, or 1.4 per cent, at 3788.4, while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 46.3 points, or 1.2 per cent, to 3781.6.

Yesterday the Australian shares ended lower dragged by financial stocks after the lifting the eight-month short-selling ban. The market was also hit by news of a nuclear weapon test by North Korea. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index fell 23.7 points, or 0.63 per cent, to 3737.9, while the broader All Ordinaries index was down 20.1 points, or 0.54 per cent, to 3735.3.

The Australian shares closed marginally higher on Wednesday despite weak lead from Wall Street and steep quarterly contraction in Japan. The resources stocks were higher on stronger commodities prices. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 was up 7.3 points, or 0.19 per cent, at 3824.6, while the broader All Ordinaries gained 8.3 points, or 0.22 per cent, to 3808.9. Investors are expecting some pullback in recent trading sessions and seeking more fund raisings at discount on the market.

Yesterday Australian market was marginally higher, boosted by rally overseas. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 gained 7.4 points, or 0.19 per cent, at 3890.4, while the broader All Ordinaries rose 16.2 points, or 0.42 per cent, to 3862.2.

Australian shares closed lowered yesterday as investors expected a further fall on US market. The S&P/ASX 200 fell 86.8 points, or 2.3 per cent, to 3619.5, while the All Ordinaries was down 81 points, or 2.22 per cent at 3567.5. The financial stocks may be hit by International Monetary Fund's forecast of increasing toxic assets.

Yesterday the Australian market closed higher led by resources sector as Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the Chinese government will increase spending to boost the economy and achieve an 8% growth target this year. It raised the expectations that China's stimulus measures will prompt the demand for resources. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 22.1 points, or 0.7 per cent, to 3,188.5, while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 22.9 points, or 0.73 per cent, to 3,148.8.