Qantas report A$235M Net Loss and to axe 5000 jobs

Qantas report A$235M Net Loss and to axe 5000 jobs

By Chay Flack (Equities Dealer, CMC Markets Stockbroking)

The Dow Jones has added 18.75 points overnight and the S&P500 has closed flat adding 0.04 of a point. US New homes sales increased to the highest level since 2009 at 468,000 seasonally adjusted rate, causing stocks to erase earlier intra-session losses on the S&P.

The S&P500 is hovering around its all-time highs but was unable to close above its closing high set earlier in the week, missing by just 3.14 points.

Qantas have reported this morning that they have made a A$235M Net loss, will axe 5000 jobs and defer the remaining A380 and 787-8 orders. The attempt to rein in costs is a good sign however the stock is encountering some early selling this morning with anticipation at fever pitch and a strong rally in recent days

Our futures market is pointing down 15 points as we near the end of reporting season and a number of companies are Ex Dividend (Aurizon Holdings, Fortescue Metals Group, Fairfax Media Ltd, Toll Holdings).

Last week I made the call that strong earnings were priced into the market and I was expecting a fall in the ASX 200. I was wrong to the tune of 100 points as the Australian market establishes new highs since 2008. I still think the weakness is there and short term downside risk is a concern, however investor optimism could see this rally continue.

ENDS

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