US sharemarkets fell on Monday. Increased tensions over Greek debt and weaker Chinese trade data were the main drivers. The lift in the oil price helped curtail the losses for the broader market, with the S&P energy index rising by 0.2%.

US sharemarkets ended modestly lower on Friday. While financials rose, a stronger greenback weighed on export-focussed companies. And some investors fretted about higher interest rates. Dow Jones fell by 60 points or 0.3%, S&P 500 index also lower.

US sharemarkets rallied on Thursday as the lift in the oil price boosted energy shares. The S&P energy index gained 1.4%. M&A activity in the pharmaceutical space lifted sentiment. Pfizer (up 3.2%) said it would buy Hospira Inc, (up 35%.

US sharemarkets fell sharply in the last 20 mins of trade on Wednesday, after the ECB rejected Greek bonds as collateral. Walt Disney (up 7.6%) kept the Dow positive.

US sharemarkets rallied on Tuesday as the lift in the oil price boosted energy stocks. The eight of the ten S&P sectors recorded gains. M&A activity also added to the rally. Office Depot surged (up 20%) after talks with Staples.

US sharemarkets rallied in afternoon trade on Thursday after a volatile session. Earnings seasons continued to roll on and shares in Alibaba dropped 9% after missing revenue expectations. Chipmaker Qualcomm lost 11.4% after trimming its 2015 outlook.

The impact of a strong US dollar on corporate earnings and the impending Federal Reserve decision. Shares in Microsoft fell by 9.3% in response to its earnings result. The blizzard in the US north-east crimped trading volumes.

US sharemarkets fell at the start of trade but quickly rebounded to be mixed in afternoon trade. Trading volumes were weak in New York ahead of a major blizzard that will clear all traffic from roads except emergency vehicles.

US sharemarkets fell sharply on Wednesday with energy stocks leading the declines. Falling oil prices continued to raise concerns about the profitability of oil companies. The S&P energy index was down 3.2% and was the worst performing sector.

Mining stocks held back but the banks and insurance firms doing well.

By the end of the day, the ASX 200 finished 0.19% up 10.8 points at 5637.6. US consumer prices rose only 0.1% in July, just below expectations.

The TD Securities–Melbourne Institute Monthly Inflation Gauge +0.2% in July, after no change in June. Gauge is +2.6% over year.

The ASX 200 up only a few points. The energy & mining sectors held back but gain in all other sectors. Ahead of Chinese July "Flash" PMI report.

After a solid session on Wall Street the Australian market opened higher. Our market boosted by positive quarterly numbers from BHP and money going back into the banking sector.

The ASX 200 finished at 6 year high yesterday but is today coming under selling pressure in very light trade.

Tensions reduced but concern over Gaza attack still lifting oil – AUD/USD very quiet ahead of Wednesday’s CPI (June Qtr. 2014 – inflation) release.

As the day worked on, the markets started to calm down as more information over the Malaysia Airlines situation came to light. By the close the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) was up by 0.17 per cent to 5519.1 points.

Juliana Roadley provides a mid-session financial market update. At the open of trade the ASX 200 hit a 6 year high of 5559.4 points.

Banks and retailers lower, but all eyes on Rio Tinto (RIO) after its strong June quarter production numbers.

The All Ords is now only up 6 points as money come out of the banks and gold stocks.

Juliana Roadley provides a mid-session financial market update.

Juliana Roadley provides a mid-session financial market update. The aussie dollar still strong back above 94 US cents.

The losses accelerated for the Australian sharemarket, with the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) slumping by 0.82 per cent.

ASX 200 higher ahead of Mar Qtr CPI & Chinese Flash data. Watch on property stocks after the Stockland bid for Australand.