International markets were mixed last night; Europe posted gains whilst US markets lost ground.
In the eurozone the CAC (+1.6%) shone brightest, whilst the FTSE(+1.1%) was no slouch either.
Stateside, the Nasdaq (-0.4%) was the hardest hit, whilst the Dow (-0.1%) and S&P (-0.1%) endured a more modest retreat.
Following the biggest session for the year, investors were seemingly cautious due to ongoing concerns about the US debt ceiling negotiations.
The euro advanced to its highest level against the greenback in almost a week, amid optimism that European politicians will take worthwhile steps towards resolving the region’s sovereign debt crisis at the upcoming summit.
Elsewhere, the Kiwi dollar climbed to a record high overnight, touching 85.74 US cents this morning.
Commodities were generally stronger overnight, with gold (+0.2%) and silver (+1.2%) positing gains, whilst crude added 0.7% after the US energy department report showed stockpiles fell last week.
In company news, NCM saw its annual gold production rise 53% to 2.7 million ounces. The result is in line with reduced guidance it provided in early June.
Today’s session will bring us NAB quarterly business confidence data at 11:30, AEST.
