Oil shock keeps our biggest guns blazing

The oil price gives and it takes away. The bright side of high oil prices for a country running an energy surplus and the companies that keep it that way was highlighted yesterday by a stunning leap in revenue for Woodside, this market's biggest oil and gas player, writes Malcolm Maiden.

Late Rally Powers Asian Stock Rebound

Even Korea, which showed early weakness over uncertain reaction to government's bank bailout plan, rises 2.3%, while Japan, Hong Kong and Australia all perform significantly better Monday.

ASX closes lower after financials fall

The Australian share market closed lower after falls from the financial sector, with Babcock & Brown suffering a heavy loss amid a drop in interim profit.

ASX lower led by financials, resources

The Australian share market closed more than two per cent lower, dragged down by the resource and financial sectors and a weak lead from Wall Street overnight.

ASX close flat as bank gains offset

The Australian share market closed flat as a rally in banks and property trusts, triggered by a positive US lead, offset falls in mining and energy stocks.

BHP, Wesfarmers results to set market tone

Australian stocks are set for a volatile week ahead as investors digest a flurry of earnings reports and try to guess where interest rates are heading and the extent to which the global economy is slowing.