By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - The S&P/ASX 200 dipped 40.7 points or 0.54% to 7491.2 on Thursday, declining for the first time in three sessions as investors digested a slew of corporate earnings results.
In coronavirus news, New South Wales marked a fresh daily record of 1029 cases today with officials moving to ease outdoor gathering restrictions as vaccination rates continue to soar. Victoria tallied 80 cases with 41 people among the community while infectious. In the ACT, 14 locally acquired cases were reported with only one case infectious while in the community. Queensland reported zero fresh cases after authorities paused instate hotspot arrivals for a two-week period yesterday as the state’s hotel quarantine system is stretched to the limit.
Among stocks, travel-related companies performed well as Flight Centre Ltd (ASX:FLT) lifted 3.79% after reporting results, while Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX:QAN) also added 3.49% after earnings. Meantime, A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX:A2M) fell 9.6% as chief executive David Bortolussi announced a strategic review of its Chinese sales amid a plunge in full-year earnings. Appen Ltd (ASX:APX) led losses during regular trade, falling 21.42% following disappointing earnings results. Mining stocks also traded lower with Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO), BHP Billiton Ltd (ASX:BHP) and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX:FMG) falling 1.39%, 1.17% and 1.38% respectively.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 lost 152.99 points or 1.16% to 13051.62, retreating from 6-month highs touched in the previous session.