ASX grinds closer to 6000

Buying in the big banks helped the ASX overcome early wobbles to post modest gains at the close.

'Bonds are different'

The wave of money flowing out of active funds and into passive investments has caused no end of headaches for the world's fund managers. PIMCO is preparing its defence.

Chinese equities wilt under capital crackdown

A widespread credit crackdown in China is roiling a range of Chinese asset classes but economists including Andy Xie are welcoming the government's moves.

Markets Live: Investors cheer France

• Live

ASX starts the week on the front foot after France's first round of presidential polling produces a market-friendly result, which helped push the euro to a five-month high.

Go defensive to ride out a China slowdown

The peaking of China's nominal growth cycle should lead Australian investors to favour defensive, locally-focused sectors, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Heavyweights and DUET drive ASX higher

Australia's benchmark index followed off-shore leads solidly higher on Friday, but it wasn't enough to reverse losses in the earlier part of the week.

ASX lifts on banks, telcos

The ASX snapped three straight sessions of losses to trade higher on Thursday, thanks to bank and telco stocks.

ASX slumps despite bounce in mining

Investors poured into oversold iron ore miners and telco shares, but renewed selling in the banks dragged the ASX lower.

Good time to buy quality stocks

Many of Australia's best companies can now be bought without the premium that normally accompanies quality stocks, Morgan Stanley says.