By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - The ASX 200 fell 8.20 points or 0.11% to 7,272.50 on Wednesday, declining for the third consecutive session as soaring power prices fueled persistent inflation fears as U.S. Federal Reserve policymakers move closer to tapering their massive bond purchase programme.
In coronavirus news, Victoria tallied 1571 fresh cases today as Premier Dan Andrews noted his intention to end Melbourne’s lockdown earlier than expected as forecasts suggest the state will reach the 70% fully vaccinated milestone on Friday or Saturday next week if vaccination rates continue as expected. New South Wales reported 444 cases as the state continues to surge towards the 80% full vaccination mark. Meantime, the ACT has recorded 51 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19, at least 22 of whom were infectious in the community.
Among stocks, A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX:A2M) surged 13.45% following a positive quarterly update by fellow infant formula business Bubs Australia Ltd (ASX:BUB), which surged 38.89%. Meantime, Iron ore prices slipped overnight, pushing miners lower with Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) falling 3.19%, BHP (ASX:BHP) down 1.03% and Fortescue (ASX:FMG) down 5.34%. Financial stocks also closed lower, with Commonwealth Bank Of Australia (ASX:CBA) down 1.59% and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX:WBC) losing 1.29%, while Bank Of Queensland Ltd. (ASX:BOQ) fell 4.32% after posting poor financial results.
On the bond markets, Australia 10-Year yields eased from 5-month highs to 1.697%, while United States 10-Year rates also fell to 1.572%.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 added 28.92 points or 0.22% to 13025.18.