The share market has ended the week with a flat performance, as inflation data from China conflicted with the previous day’s disappointing trade numbers from the economic powerhouse.
The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index edged 0.03 per cent lower as gains in consumer-exposed companies including Wesfarmers and Woolworths helped offset declines by resources, energy and financial stocks.
CommSec market analyst Tom Piotrowski said it was a quiet session, with little news to warrant big moves.
“There hasn’t been too many catalysts on offer and there hasn’t been much corporate news,” he said.
China reported higher-than-expected inflation for September, just 24 hours after the release of disappointing trade figures that dented markets across the world.
“They in some respects are slightly conflicting,” Mr Piotrowski said of the economic data.
Wesfarmers, the owner Coles, Target and Kmart – rose 18 cents to $45.51 and Woolworth was six cents higher at $24.28.
Qantas gained eight cents to $3.24 and biotechnology giant CSL gained 68 cents to $105.65.
But Rio Tinto dropped 52 cents to $51.05 and BHP Billiton shed 21 cents to $22.54.
Three of thes big four banks were lower, with ANZ falling 26 cents to $27.53, National Australia Bank losing 18 cents to $27.76 and Westpac shedding 14 cents to $30.24.
Commonwealth Bank rose five cents to $74.58.
KEY FACTS:
* The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index dropped 1.5 points, or 0.03 per cent, to 5,434 points.
* The broader All Ordinaries index added 0.2 points to 5,518.5 points.
* The December share price index futures contract was down two points at 5,413 points, with 27,308 contracts traded.
* National turnover was 2.2 billion securities traded, worth $4.3 billion.
