US markets last night erased losses from earlier in the week, buoyed by the Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain its monetary easing policy. Early in the session, the Dow Jones rose above its all all-time closing peak, before losing steam.
Figures The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 57 points in front at 14,513, the S&P500 added 10 points to close at 1,559 and the Nasdaq rose 25 points to close at 3,254.
After a rollercoaster few days, European markets ended mixed. London’s FTSE lost 9 points, Paris and Frankfurt both added 54 points
.
Asian markets gained ground: Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 215, Tokyo’s Nikkei added 248 and China’s Shanghai Composite added 60 points.
At yesterday's closing bell the S&P/ASX 200 index ended 20 points weaker at 4,967. On the futures market the SPI is up 21 points
Currencies The Australian Dollar at 7.20 AM was buying $US1.038 cents, 68.74 Pence Sterling, 99.65 Yen and 80.25 Euro cents.
Company newsAmid the boisterous political debate surrounding media reform, Southern Cross media
(ASX:SXL) chief executive Max Moore-Wilton is reportedly open to a new deal with Network Ten
(ASX:TEN). In an interview Mr Moore-Wilton denied talks have ceased with Ten, despite Southern Cross and Nine entertainment group pursuing a merger, if the controversial reach rule is overturned. Shares in Southern Cross closed 1.9 per cent weaker yesterday at $1.55.
Predictions of a pickup in Asian economies could serve to underpin growth in profitability for local airlines, including Qantas
(ASX:QAN). Global airline profitability is expected to rise to $US10.6 billion this financial year, as a stronger performing Asia Pacific region drives revenue gains. Qantas shares closed 1.47 per cent stronger at $1.73.
To ex-dividendsAPN Property Group Ltd.
(ASX:APD) SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited-Ord
(ASX:SKC)Gold is down $3.80 to $US1,607 an ounce for the April contract on Comex.
Silver is down $0.02 to $28.82 for May.
Copper is up $0.04 at $3.44 a pound.
Oil is up $0.80 at US$92.96 a barrel for April light crude in New York.
