By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - The S&P/ASX 200 dipped 47.4 points or 0.63% to 7484.5 in early deals on Thursday, snapping three sessions of consecutive advance as continuing corporate earnings results garnered a mixed response for investors.
In coronavirus news, New South Wales reported a record 1029 fresh cases today as health authorities eased outdoor gathering restrictions amid surging vaccination rates, while Victoria tallied 80 cases, with 41 people infectious while in the community as cases continue to accelerate across regional areas. Queensland reported zero fresh cases after authorities paused instate hotspot arrivals for a two-week period yesterday, noting that the state’s hotel quarantine system is stretched to the limit.
Among stocks, Appen Ltd (ASX:APX) dipped 15.27% following disappointing earnings results, while Link Administration Holdings Ltd (ASX:LNK) fell 8.35% after reporting full-year losses of A$163 million. Meantime, Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX:QUB) also moved 0.16% higher after earnings.
Later in the week, market participants will be focused on the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole Symposium for a possible timeline on policy tightening, while Friday's local preliminary read on retail sales will also be closely watched.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 dipped 102.2 points or 0.77% to 13102.41, retreating from 6-month highs touched in the previous session.