Today has been another disappointing session for the local share market following lacklustre leads from Wall Street. The local bourse closed 0.44 per cent lower, with the Energy sector being the biggest drag on the market.
The S&P/ASX 200 index closed 23 points lower to finish at 5,296.
The value of trades was $4.3 billion on volume of 636 million shares at the close of trade. The top three stocks by value were ANZ Banking Group
(ASX:ANZ), Commonwealth Bank
(ASX:CBA) and Westpac
(ASX:WBC).
On the futures market the SPI is 36 points lower.
Company news Charter Hall Group
(ASX:CHC) has acquired One Shelley Street, a prime office space location in Sydney, for $525 million. The Group has also underwritten the purchase of an $82 million portfolio of assets, forming the basis of the Charter Hall Direct Automotive Trust. Shares in Charter Hall closed 0.56 per cent lower at $5.29.
Looking at some more headlines:
CSL Limited
(ASX:CSL) has obtained US FDA approval for its new influenza vaccine, which protects against two influenza A viruses and two B viruses.
Automotive Holdings Group Limited
(ASX:AHG) has agreed to buy the Lance Dixon group of dealerships at Doncaster, Victoria, for $12 million.
Vista Group International Limited
(ASX:VGL) has signed a deal to provide its cinema industry software to Ster-Kinekor, the largest cinema chain in Africa.
Best and worst performers
The best performing sector was Utilities adding 0.4 per cent to close at 7,222. The worst performing sector was Energy, losing 1.3 per cent to close at 7,926 points.
The best performing stock in the S&P/ASX 200 was Select Harvest, rising 5.36 per cent to close at $5.70. Shares in Technology One and Corporate Travel also performed stronger.
The worst performing stock was Flight Centre, dropping 4.98 per cent to close at $31.88. Shares in GWA Group and Australian Pharmaceutical Industries also closed lower.
Commodities
Gold is trading at $US 1,246 an ounce.
Light crude is $0.33 lower at $ US 48.08 a barrel.
The Australian dollar is buying $US0.7193.
