Posted on 05/11/2005 2:54:21 AM PDT by Aussie Dasher
THE Australian stock market closed higher today as investors reacted positively to the federal Budget, which was seen as favourable for future investment.
Trading was also highlighted by the National Australia Bank's record first-half profit and the bank's move to slash costs by axing thousands of jobs. The Australian bourse moved upwards despite a hefty fall by United States markets overnight.
Most of the major banks were higher, but the big miners and global media player News Corp lost ground. Consumer stocks made gains on expectations that tax cuts in the budget would boost consumer spending.
"The market's done well with the notable exceptions of Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, News Corp and the Commonwealth Bank. Apart from that, it was a fairly broad advance across the market," ABN Amro Morgans senior client adviser Tony Dennis said.
"I think it was the response to the Budget, which was very favourable for investment markets.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...
Only a conservative government could have produced such a result. Thank God for John Howard, Peter Costello and the team.
Hope the world is paying attention. God bless you Aussies!
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