Australian Stocks Fall on Weak Commodities, China Lowered Outlook

Marcus Jacob
05 Mar, 2012
New York City

Australian stocks eased and the private measures of inflation declined in February. Resource stocks and commodities prices were lower after China cut its economic outlook but estimated inflation at elevated level. Centro investors filed $200 million class action lawsuit.

[R]8:00 PM Sydney – Australian stocks eased and the private measures of inflation declined in February. Resource stocks and commodities prices were lower after China cut its economic outlook but estimated inflation at elevated level. Centro investors filed $200 million class action lawsuit.[/R]

Australian stocks and commodities prices were under pressure after China lowered its economic growth target for the current year and the domestic private gauge of inflation rose in February at a slower pace

The ASX 200 index fell 10.1 to 4,263 and All Ordinaries index declined 9.9 to 4,354.2.

The Australian dollar edged lower to close at $1.075.

The private measure of inflation tracked by the TD Securities-Melbourne Institute increased in February 0.1% after rising at 0.2% in January. For the year to February, the inflation index increased 2%. Core measure that excludes volatile food and energy prices was flat and rose 2.2% from a year ago.

China lowered its estimate of current year economic growth target to 7.5% and inflation at 4% according to a speech by the Premier Wen Jiabao.

Stock Movers

BHP Billiton Ltd decreased 20 cents to $35.39, Rio Tinto Ltd fell 84 cents to $65.09 and Fortescue Metals Group decreased 1 cent to $5.65.

Lynas Corporation Limited eased 1 cent to $1.13 and Iluka Resources closed down 42 cents to $16.97. Newcrest Mining decreased 8 cents to $32.49.

Oil Search Limited decreased 5 cents to $7.25, Santos Limited fell 10 cents at $13.58 and Woodside Petroleum eased 27 cents to $36.03.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia decreased 3 cents to $49.09, Westpac closed unchanged at $20.76 and NAB increased 8 cents to $23.53. ANZ increased 20 cents to $22.20.

David Jones Limited increased 1 cent to $2.79 and Harvey Norman Holdings closed unchanged at $1.98. Woolworths decreased 15 cents to $25.24.

Singapore Telecommunications closed unchanged at $2.33 in Sydney trading and the company said it will restructure its Optus business in to three groups.

Qantas Airways Ltd closed unchanged at $1.74 and the pilots are challenging a ban that prevents them from taking collective action that was imposed by the Fair Work Australia last year that grounded the entire airline.

Virgin Australia closed down 0.5 cent to 45 cents and Flight Centre eased 22 cents to $21.94.

QR National closed up 6 cents to $3.93.