End of Day Report

END OF DAY REPORT Happy Christmas. ASX 200 closes up 25.1 points at 5141.8 as BHP finally rallies. Aurizon managed to sneak in a profit downgrade just in time for Christmas. Asian markets mixed as Japan falls 0.16% and China up 0.34%. US Futures down 10. AUD is having a good Christmas at 72.35. A positive lead from overseas finally gave up some momentum especially in resource stocks which are experiencing a slight dead cat bounce. BHP +3.45% and RIO +4.19% led the way higher. Alumina (AWC) +7.66% and Fortescue Metals (FMG) +2.87% joined in the fun. The market peaked early again and fell back a little due to the downgrade from Aurizon (AZJ) -11.74%. The rise tailed off in the final hours and we limped into the close. Volume was around $3.3bn as we slip into a shortened day tomorrow. - See more at: (VIEW LINK)