The Match Out: Low volume into the long weekend (for some)

What Mattered Today

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Low volumes seen across the bourse to round out the week. A quiet Friday from the market’s perspective given Melbourne’s public holiday today (and Much of Australia off for Monday). Materials continued to do well, offsetting the Energy sector which gave back some gains after a strong week. A small decline (-20pts / -0.29%) seen on the ASX200 this week.

• The ASX 200 closed up +23pts / +0.34% to 7048
• The Materials Sector +1.22% was best on ground today, supported by Discretionary (+0.47%) and Financials (+0.33%)
• Energy was the weakest, falling -0.63%, followed by Real Estate (-0.49%) and Utilities (-0.40%).
• Very little news across the listed market today with much of Australia on Holidays
• Bowen Coal (ASX: BCB) +26.92% rallied after renegotiation their debt deal, offsetting yesterday’s slip and more.
• Gold was up marginally in Asia to $US1868oz, holding its ground following a soft week.
• Iron Ore was up ~0.80% in Asia, supporting 1+% gains for (ASX: BHP), (ASX: RIO) and (ASX: FMG).
• Stocks across the region were mixed in the weekend – Nikkei flat but Hang Seng added +2.65%.
• US Futures are up around 0.20%.
• No Market Matters Reports on Monday given the NSW Public Holiday

ASX 200 Index

Sectors this week – Source Bloomberg

Stocks this week – Source Bloomberg

Broker Moves

• Brickworks Raised to Accumulate at CLSA; PT A$26.50
• South32 Raised to Buy at Citi; PT A$3.80

Enjoy the weekend
The Market Matters Team

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