The Australian share market looks set for a flat start to the session, despite the Dow extending its record breaking run.
Figures
The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 42 points to close at 14,296. The S&P500 added 1 points to close at 1,541 and the Nasdaq lost 2 points to close at 3220.
European markets ended mixed. London’s FTSE lost 4 points, Paris lost 13 points and Frankfurt rose 49 points.
Asian markets gained ground. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 217 points, Tokyo’s Nikkei added 249 and China’s Shanghai Composite added 21 points.
The Australian share market closed higher yesterday. The S&P/ASX 200 Index closed 41 points higher at 5,117. On the futures market the SPI is 6 points firmer.
Currencies
The Australian Dollar at 8:15 AM was buying $US1.023 cents, 68.12 Pence Sterling, 96.32 Yen and 78.85 Euro cents.
Company news
Qantas Airways
(ASX:QAN) is reportedly in talks to purchase up to four second hand Boeing 747-400 freighters. One individual freighter is valued at $ US60 million. It’s understood Qantas has yet to commit to the move, one of several freight plans being considered. Qantas shares finished the day 1.26 per cent firmer at $1.61.
News Corporation
(ASX:NWS) has given audiences a first look at its new classroom tablet named ‘Amplify’. The learning device, first flagged last year, will be available in the US from September. It boasts a 10 inch screen, and will cost $US349 with a two year subscription. News Corp shares closed 1.44 per cent higher at $29.66
Ex-dividends
Commodities
Gold is up $7.10 to $US1,582 an ounce for the April contract on Comex.
Silver is up $0.20 cents to $28.80 for May. Copper is down $0.02 at $3.49 a pound.
Oil is down $0.39 cents at US$90.43 a barrel for April light crude in New York.
