ASX set for jittery start as new virus cases emerge; $A tops US76c

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Summary

  • The ASX 200 is expected to open flat on Friday as new coronavirus cases in Sydney threaten investor confidence. Futures are down 1 point to 6691.0. The Aussie dollar hit a 30-month high of 76.39 US cents
  • Sydney’s northern beaches residents have been asked to stay in their homes after a coronavirus cluster in the area reached 17 cases on Thursday. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said people should “brace themselves” with more cases to be announced at 11am
  • Wall Street’s three main indexes each closed at record highs on optimism over a coronavirus stimulus bill  
  • Improved commodities prices may also help investor sentiment. Spot gold is up 1% at $US1884.07 an ounce, Brent crude 0.8% higher to $US51.50 a barrel, US oil 1.1% at $US48.36, and iron ore rose 1.3% to $US158.49 a tonne

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Good morning

Good morning, and welcome to this week-ending edition of Markets Live.

Your editor today is Alex Druce. We’re set for a flat start today as the coronavirus crisis on Sydney’s northern beaches threatens investor confidence.

However, Wall Street’s lead is strong, and commodity prices have jumped. The Aussie dollar hit a 30-month high of 76.39 US cents overnight.

This blog is not intended as financial advice

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Source: Thanks smh.com