The Australian S&P/ASX200was the only one of the major three indices to end the day in positive territory finishing 18 pts or 0.54% higher at 3,345, still managing to stay away from the all important low at 3,217. Macquarie group was a big loser on the day after its business model was called into question, ending down 5.26%. Overall, most sectors were, up, including Financials, with the Energy sector leading the way for the day.
Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index ended the day slightly down 3.29 pts or 0.04% at 7,457.73, with investors seen taking profits from the previous day. A weaker yen helped to support a number of the major exporters in morning trading. Investors appear to be awaiting General Motor’s quarterly earnings report in the US today.
The Hang Sengwas the worst performer of the day closing down 0.96% or 121.32 pts at 12,883.76. The only positive sector on the day was Consumer Cyclicals with Communications and Utilities weighing heaviest.