By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - The S&P/ASX 200 dipped just 2.9 points or 7488.3 during Friday’s session, extending losses of 0.54% yesterday but closing out the week with modest gains of 0.34%. Investors remained wary following deadly terror attacks at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan, while risk sentiment was also dampened after U.S. policymakers called for the U.S. central bank to speed up its tapering timeline ahead of the Federal Reserve’s two-day conference in Jackson Hole.
In local coronavirus news, New South Wales reported 882 cases today, easing from a record 1029 yesterday, while Victoria record 79 new cases with dozens infectious while in the community amid a worsening regional outbreak in Shepparton. The ACT also reported 21 new cases, with 6 infectious among the community.
Among stocks, Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX:WES) fell 2.75%, despite reporting solid results that saw profits jump 16%. Travel-related stocks also benefited as investors look toward an economic reopening, with Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX:QAN) lifting 2.18% and Sydney Airport Holdings Ltd (ASX:SYD) lifting 1.94%. Blackmores Ltd (ASX:BKL) also climbed 6.42% after reporting earnings results.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 added 8.17 points or 0.06% to 13059.79, lifting 0.89% for the week and closing at 6-month highs.