CommSec

Local shares lost ground after improving by 8% in just two weeks. Healthcare and Consumer Discretionary stocks did best this year while energy shares struggled most.

In Australia, the New Year kicks off on Monday with a gauge on activity in the manufacturing sector (PMI) to be issued alongside the CoreLogic measure of home prices.

For many, the coming week represents a return to work after the Christmas/New Year period. And there are at least nine indicators slated for release over the week. 

Hello All,

Please find today’s Market Update. Feel free to download and disseminate on your radio stations.

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The CommSec Media Team

This report is approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399, AFSL 238814 (CommSec) a wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary of Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124, AFSL 234945 (the Bank).  The Bank and its subsidiaries have effected or may effect transactions for their own account in any investments or related investments referred to in this report. This report is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities or financial products, and has been prepared without taking account of the objectives, financial or taxation situation or needs of any particular individual.  For this reason, any individual should, before acting on the information in this report, consider the appropriateness of the information, having regard to the individual's objectives, financial or taxation situation and needs and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.  This report is produced by Commonwealth Research based on information available at the time of publishing.  We believe that the information in this correspondence is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations are reasonably held or made as at the time of its compilation, but no warranty is made as to accuracy, reliability or completeness.  To the extent permitted by law, neither the Bank nor any of its subsidiaries accept liability to any person for loss or damage arising from the use of this report.

US sharemarkets eased on Wednesday. Weaker oil prices weighed on oil stocks and shares in Apple fell due to concerns about iPhone sales. But shares in Weight Watchers rose 19% on a new advertising campaign by Oprah Winfrey. At the close, the Dow Jones index was down by 117 points or 0.7% with the S&P 500 lower by 0.7% while the Nasdaq was down by 42 points or 0.8%.

Hello All,

Please find today’s Market Update. Feel free to download and disseminate on your radio stations.

Kind Regards,

The CommSec Media Team

This report is approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399, AFSL 238814 (CommSec) a wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary of Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124, AFSL 234945 (the Bank).  The Bank and its subsidiaries have effected or may effect transactions for their own account in any investments or related investments referred to in this report. This report is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities or financial products, and has been prepared without taking account of the objectives, financial or taxation situation or needs of any particular individual.  For this reason, any individual should, before acting on the information in this report, consider the appropriateness of the information, having regard to the individual's objectives, financial or taxation situation and needs and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.  This report is produced by Commonwealth Research based on information available at the time of publishing.  We believe that the information in this correspondence is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations are reasonably held or made as at the time of its compilation, but no warranty is made as to accuracy, reliability or completeness.  To the extent permitted by law, neither the Bank nor any of its subsidiaries accept liability to any person for loss or damage arising from the use of this report.

U.S. Energy Information Administration said U.S. crude inventories rose by 2.6Million barrels in hte last week when the level was expected to fall - hitting global oil prices overnight. 

Hello All,

Please find today’s Market Update. Feel free to download and disseminate on your radio stations.

Kind Regards,

The CommSec Media Team

This report is approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399, AFSL 238814 (CommSec) a wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary of Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124, AFSL 234945 (the Bank).  The Bank and its subsidiaries have effected or may effect transactions for their own account in any investments or related investments referred to in this report. This report is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities or financial products, and has been prepared without taking account of the objectives, financial or taxation situation or needs of any particular individual.  For this reason, any individual should, before acting on the information in this report, consider the appropriateness of the information, having regard to the individual's objectives, financial or taxation situation and needs and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.  This report is produced by Commonwealth Research based on information available at the time of publishing.  We believe that the information in this correspondence is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations are reasonably held or made as at the time of its compilation, but no warranty is made as to accuracy, reliability or completeness.  To the extent permitted by law, neither the Bank nor any of its subsidiaries accept liability to any person for loss or damage arising from the use of this report.

Local shares rose for the ninth consecutive session with all sectors finishing in positive territory. Energy stocks did best thanks to a rise in the oil price (but remain the worst performers this year). Local shares are up 8.5% in two weeks.

Local shares are rising for the ninth consecutive day; the second longest winning streak for the Australian market in 2015. Mining stocks are the lone losers.

US sharemarkets posted solid gains on Tuesday. Economic data was encouraging; oil prices rose, boosting the energy sector; and technology shares were in demand. At the close the Dow Jones index was up by 193 points or 1.1% with the S&P 500 up by 1.1% while the Nasdaq was up by 67 points or 1.3%.

Hello All,

Please find today’s Market Update. Feel free to download and disseminate on your radio stations.

Kind Regards,

The CommSec Media Team

This report is approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399, AFSL 238814 (CommSec) a wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary of Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124, AFSL 234945 (the Bank).  The Bank and its subsidiaries have effected or may effect transactions for their own account in any investments or related investments referred to in this report. This report is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities or financial products, and has been prepared without taking account of the objectives, financial or taxation situation or needs of any particular individual.  For this reason, any individual should, before acting on the information in this report, consider the appropriateness of the information, having regard to the individual's objectives, financial or taxation situation and needs and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.  This report is produced by Commonwealth Research based on information available at the time of publishing.  We believe that the information in this correspondence is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations are reasonably held or made as at the time of its compilation, but no warranty is made as to accuracy, reliability or completeness.  To the extent permitted by law, neither the Bank nor any of its subsidiaries accept liability to any person for loss or damage arising from the use of this report.

Overnight European and US markets have lifted as oil prices regained ground and the USD sold off. With 2 hours left ot trade the DOW up 200pts 

Hello All,

Please find today’s Market Update. Feel free to download and disseminate on your radio stations.

Kind Regards,

The CommSec Media Team

This report is approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399, AFSL 238814 (CommSec) a wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary of Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124, AFSL 234945 (the Bank).  The Bank and its subsidiaries have effected or may effect transactions for their own account in any investments or related investments referred to in this report. This report is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities or financial products, and has been prepared without taking account of the objectives, financial or taxation situation or needs of any particular individual.  For this reason, any individual should, before acting on the information in this report, consider the appropriateness of the information, having regard to the individual's objectives, financial or taxation situation and needs and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.  This report is produced by Commonwealth Research based on information available at the time of publishing.  We believe that the information in this correspondence is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations are reasonably held or made as at the time of its compilation, but no warranty is made as to accuracy, reliability or completeness.  To the extent permitted by law, neither the Bank nor any of its subsidiaries accept liability to any person for loss or damage arising from the use of this report.

Australian shares rallied into the close to end 1.1% higher and finish firmer for the ninth straight day.

Local shares are improving for the 8th straight day, with the banks lifting equities most. The miners are the worst performers after surging by around 6% last week.