The Australian share market extended its winning streak to eight days on Tuesday, buoyed by optimism ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole meeting. At the closing bell, the S&P/ASX 200 was 0.22 per cent higher at 7,997.70, reaching a level not seen since early August. While technology stocks led the gains, mixed company results and a hawkish tone from the Reserve Bank of Australia minutes tempered overall enthusiasm.
Futures
The Dow Jones futures are pointing to a fall of 8 points.
The S&P 500 futures are pointing to a rise of 1.25 points.
The Nasdaq futures are pointing to a rise of 29.25 points.
The SPI futures are up 16 points.
Best and worst performers
The best-performing sector was Information Technology, up 1.29 per cent. The worst-performing sector was REITs, down 1.55 per cent.
The best-performing large cap was Suncorp Group (ASX:SUN), closing 3.1 per cent higher at $17.95. It was followed by shares in WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) and Xero (ASX:XRO).
The worst-performing large cap was Yancoal Australia (ASX:YAL), closing 14.51 per cent lower at $5.95. It was followed by shares in Cleanaway Waste Management (ASX:CWY) and Meridian Energy (ASX:MEZ).
Asian markets
Japan’s Nikkei has gained 1.80 per cent.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng has lost 0.55 per cent.
China’s Shanghai Composite has gained 1.39 per cent.
Commodities and the dollar
Gold is trading at US$2,536.10 an ounce.
Iron ore is 2.8 per cent higher at US$94.45 a tonne.
Iron ore futures are pointing to a 0.49 per cent rise.
Light crude is trading $0.62 lower at US$73.75 a barrel.
One Australian dollar is buying 67.26 US cents.