The ASX200 is already down 2.7 per cent so far this week and the slide’s set to continue today.
Futures are suggesting the index will fall close to another third of a per cent, which would extend the week’s falls to 3 per cent.
US markets were mixed: The S&P500 shed 0.2%, the Nasdaq was down 0.1%, while the Dow Jones was up 0.17%.
New Zealand’s inflation data will be out today and late in our session UK numbers will also land.
In stocks to watch: Gina Rinehart has upped her stake in Lynas Rare Earths (ASX:LYC) to more than 5.8 per cent. At this point in time, Lynas is considered the rare earths’ leader outside of China.
The Bank of Queensland (ASX:BOQ) has released half yearly results to the end of February, showing a net profit after tax of $172 million, down 33 percent on the same period in 2023. It’s dividend will also be 3 cents lower at 17 cents.
Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) has released an operational update upholding its 2024 guidance across all production divisions and cost predictions.
And Sky City Entertainment Group (ASX:SKC) has appointed a strategic advisor from Aristocrat Leisure (ALL) Jason Walbridge to be its new CEO from July.
One Aussie dollar is buying US64 cents. Gold is holding just below US$2385, iron ore is also steady at around US$106.
Brent oil has dropped to just below US$90 a barrel, and natural gas is around US$1.68 per million British thermal units.