By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - The S&P/ASX 200 traded lower in early deals on Tuesday, slipping 51.2 points or 0.68% to 7531.3 and extending declines of 0.38% in the previous session amid another mixed session for corporate earnings, while a decline in banks and miners also dampened risk sentiment.
In coronavirus news, New South Wales added a near record 452 fresh cases with at least 50 of those infectious while in the community. Victoria added 24 fresh cases, following tightened restrictions announced yesterday, including a curfew and closure of playgrounds. Queensland reported 2 cases, with one linked to the current Indooroopilly cluster, and one in hotel quarantine. Meantime, the ACT tallied 19 cases yesterday as exposure sites balloon across the territory.
Among stocks, Domain Holdings Australia Ltd (ASX:DHG) slipped 0.43% after reporting earnings, as did Breville Group Ltd (ASX:BRG), dipping 6.99%. Miners retreated as Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO) fell 0.66%, Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX:FMG) lost 0.37% and BHP Billiton Ltd (ASX:BHP) declined 1.38% ahead of its earnings report this afternoon. Bankers were also weaker with Commonwealth Bank Of Australia (ASX:CBA) falling 2.45%, and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX:WBC) dipping 1.43%.
Investors will also be closely monitoring the Reserve Bank of Australia’s meeting minutes set to be released today, as well as employment data due later in the week.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 added 58.71 points or 0.46% to 12778.86.