Good morning,
Risk assets were fairly choppy throughout European and US trade, but managed to edge higher into the close. Market
participants continued to monitor the wires for a potential deal on Greece as European leaders meet. Anticipation of a
positive outcome saw European markets finish in positive territory. In US trade, investors focused on Fed Chief Ben
Bernanke’s comments regarding the potential impact of the fiscal cliff. This overshadowed some positive economic data
which came in the form of better-than-expected housing starts (0.89 million versus 0.84 million consensus). Building
permits data came in in line with expectations. EUR/USD continued its recovery from the early slump in yesterday’s Asian
trade and continues to hold above 1.28 in anticipation of a favourable Greece outcome. A headline suggesting eurozone
leaders are considering granting Greece a 10-year moratorium on interest payments on EFSF loans hasn’t seen a big
reaction in the euro so far, but we are likely to start getting further comments as the meeting is concluded.
Ahead of the open, we are calling the Aussie market up 0.1% at 4390. There isn’t much on the economic calendar today,
but investors will continue to focus on global macro-economic themes and local interest rate expectations. The RBA has
kept the door open for further rate cuts but unless the global economic picture deteriorates further, a December rate
cut remains unlikely. RBA Governor Glenn Stevens made a speech last night in which he reaffirmed the easing bias.
However, this does not necessarily mean that further cuts are imminent, particularly with inflation likely to become a
concern at some stage.
On a stock level, we expect to see a firmer start for BHP Billiton, with its ADR pointing to a 0.4% rise to $33.71.
Commodities were mostly weaker, with oil taking a hit after having had a stellar run lately. Some analysts attribute the
drop in oil to reduced concerns that the Middle-East tension will escalate further. The retail sector will be in focus
today, with David Jones set to release first quarter sales ahead of the key festive trading period. CSL Limited has been
downgraded to Sell (from Neutral) by Citi. The stock has had a stellar run all year and is now approaching the $50 mark.
Traders and investors are likely to start getting nervous at these levels.
MarketPrice at 8:00am AESTChange Since Australian Market ClosePercentage ChangeAUD/USD1.0388-0.0026 -0.24%ASX (cash)43904 0.09%US DOW (cash)1279027 0.21%US S (cash)1389.84.1 0.30%UK FTSE (cash)57468 0.14%German DAX (cash)717050 0.71%Japan 225 (cash)919848 0.52%Rio Tinto Plc (London)30.280.02 0.08%BHP Billiton Plc (London)19.36-0.06 -0.31%BHP Billiton Ltd. ADR (US) (AUD)33.710.13 0.38%US Light Crude Oil (December)87.10-2.02 -2.27%Gold (spot)1728.2-5.3 -0.30%Aluminium (London)1957-13-0.66%Copper (London)7754-34-0.44%Nickel (London)16530500.30%Zinc (London)2167-35-1.60%Iron Ore120.6-2.20-1.79%
IG Markets provides round-the-clock CFD trading on currencies, indices and commodities. The levels quoted in this email
are the latest tradeable price for each market. The net change for each market is referenced from the corresponding
tradeable level at yesterday’s close of the ASX. These levels are specifically tailored for the Australian trader and
take into account the 24hr nature of global markets.
Please contact IG Markets if you require market commentary or the latest dealing price.
STAN SHAMU
Market Strategist
ENDS