Some Win, Some Lose as Market Moves Higher
SYDNEY -- The S&P/ASX 200 index (INDEX: ^AXJO) has climbed for the second consecutive day, up 0.9% to close at 4,245.7 following Friday's overseas market gains, which appear to be driven by investor hope for further stimulus in Europe and the U.S.
The Aussie dollar is higher against the U.S. dollar, now buying $1.045 in U.S. dollars.
In more bad news for traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, Australia Post has announced that it is partnering with a new online shopping service to offer cheap delivery rates on products normally sold through U.S. retailers, among others. The new online shopping service also sells products much cheaper traditional retailers.
Company news
Telstra (ASX: TLS.AX) hit AU$4.00 in afternoon trading -- the highest level since December 2008 -- as the weak economic outlook appears to have prompted investors to buy into high-yielding companies. Telstra is currently paying a 7% fully franked dividend yield.
Despite announcing 15% growth in production for the 2012 financial year and forecasting an even better 2013, oil and gas producer Beach Energy (ASX: BPT.AX) saw its shares slump 2.3%. It goes to show that you just can't please some people.
Winners and losers
Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU.AX) jumped 9.2% to end at AU$9.50 after analysts from Morgan Stanley suggested the company could pay a 10% dividend yield in the current financial year, following the halving of the share price within three months. Whether the company will actually pay a 10% dividend yield is yet to be seen.
Of the majors, Stockland (ASX: SGP.AX) climbed 2.8% to AU$3.33, Asciano added 2.1% to close at AU$4.37, and Leighton Holdings rose 1.9% to AU$16.95.
BlueScope Steel posted the biggest loss of the top 50 companies, falling 2% to AU$0.25. Fortescue Metals also disappointed, losing 1.5% to end at AU$4.09.
Foolish takeaway
Hopes appear to be driving global markets higher in the last couple of days. Here at The Motley Fool, we'd prefer it if something more concrete were driving the market. Mind you, if Mr. Market wants to be irrational, go right ahead -- Foolish investors could be offered ridiculous prices for their stocks or get the chance to pick up some bargains. Either way, irrational markets work for us.
If you're in the market for some high-yielding ASX shares, look no further than our "Secure Your Future with 3 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks" report. In this free report, we've put together our best ideas for investors who are looking for solid companies with high dividends and good growth potential. Click here now to find out the names of our three favorite income ideas. But hurry -- the report is free for only a limited time.
More reading
The article Some Win, Some Lose as Market Moves Higher originally appeared on Fool.com.
Motley Fool writer/analyst Mike King owns shares in Leighton Holdings. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days.The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Take Stock is The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Click here now to request your free subscription, while it's still available. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorized by Bruce Jackson.
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