Aluminum Corporation of China (CHINALCO)

The Australian share market showed a quiet response to the federal budget and closed in thin trading on Wednesday. Meanwhile, a growing list of companies seeking capital raising also absorbed attention from investors. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index fell 21.1 points, or 0.54 per cent, at 3856.1, while the broader All Ordinaries index dropped 21.1 points, or 0.55 per cent, to 3842.5.

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.

On Friday, the Australian shares closed higher. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 climbed 55.4 points, or 1.51 per cent, at 3,735.6, while the broader All Ordinaries surged 51.8 points, or 1.43 per cent, to 3,674. This week the focus of the local market will be the Reserve Bank of Australia's interest rate decision.

Yesterday the Australian share market extended its gains despite a weak lead on Wall Street. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 rose 0.8%, or 29.3 points, at 3609.3, while the broader All Ordinaries added 0.8%, or 28.9 points, at 3546.2.

On Friday the Australian stocks posted a strong gain with financial sector soaring 5.3%, capping the best week for the market in three months. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index ended 3.4% higher, or 109.7 points, at 3345.2, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 3.3%, or 104.3 points, at 3294.7. The ASX200 rose 6% for the week. But analysts say that it is too early to say the bear markets end, although the US banks delivered turnarounds.

Australian shares closed lower on Friday. The Australian market sunk further into the red and languished in negative territory amidst gloomy economic news from here and overseas, according to CMC Markets.

The Australian market was treading water on Monday in the midst of a combination of negative news from overseas and in the domestic scene. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index fell 94.4 points, or 2.82 per cent, at 3250.1, while the broader All Ordinaries plunged 93.1 points, or 2.82 per cent, to 3203.8.

The Australian market ended lower Friday. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 46.5 points, or 1.4%, at 3402.4. The broader All Ordinaries index shed 45 points, or 1.3%, to 3353. The market sentiment hit by the bearish tone from overseas is not likely to change by the upcoming half year earnings.

Last Friday Australian shares ended higher, capping a winning week after reports that the US government was working on a program to help troubled US home owners. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 rose 44.8 points, or 1.27 per cent, at 3,559.1, while the broader All Ordinaries gained 38.2 points, or 1.1 per cent to 3,496.7. The Obama administration's seeking to lower expectations of a quick fix to the financial crisis and the coming earnings reports may send the market to a negative territory.

Yesterday the Aussie market ended higher amid expectations debt-laden Rio Tinto would announce the A$30 billion deal with Chinese steelmaker Chinalco. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 was up 39.9 points, or 1.15 per cent, at 3,514.3, while the broader All Ordinaries rose 40.4 points, or 1.18 per cent, to 3,458.5. Today investors will also be looking to the proceeding of government's A42$ billion economic stimulus package as Parliament will debate a new version after the Senate rejected the government's first proposed plan.