daytrades june 16 afternoon

Thanks Tweets. Half-time round-up:

The share market is on track for its weakest close in nine months as regional markets recoiled following last night's steep falls in Europe and the US.

At lunchtime the ASX 200 was down 56 points or 1.2% at 4510, with all sectors bar utilities trading lower. A finish at that level would be the lowest close since early September last year. Small caps, resource stocks and the banks copped the worst of the selling, falling 1.6%, 1.6% and 1.4%, respectively.

Asian markets retreated this morning as traders reacted to overnight events in Europe and the US. Japan's Nikkei fell 0.84%, Shanghai 0.5% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng 1.27%. Dow futures were recently at +28.

"Sentiment deteriorated overnight amid intensifying worries over the euro-zone peripheral debt crisis and soft US data," Credit Agricole's Asia strategists told MarketWatch. "Large demonstrations in front of the Greek parliament, as well as further procrastination from European Union and Greek policy makers, have weighed sharply on market sentiment."

Crude oil futures rallied 15 cents this morning to US $95.52 a barrel. Spot gold was $5.70 weaker at US $1,526.20 an ounce. The dollar was buying US $1.0587.


Stormy waters. Can't see much of a recovery from these levels today unless Asia turns on a sixpence or US futures keep improving - not sure why they're so upbeat at the moment? Another mixed morning here. Had modest wins in NVT, NUF and MMX but got into AMP and GNS too early. Will take the hits before the close if I have to - no plans to hold anything overnight yet.