END OF DAY Podcast – RBA Minutes don’t ruffle the feathers
ASX 200 traded lower all day, closing down 34 to 7197 (-0.5%). Falling for a second consecutive day and lacking any direction following US markets. Gold stocks rallied on higher bullion prices ahead of the FOMC meeting. EVN up 1.4%, NST up 0.4% and NCM gained 1.4% after FIRB cleared Newmont’s proposed acquisition. Mining giants suffer as iron ore prices weaken. RIO down 0.7%, FMG off 1.1% and BHP down 1.4% after it warned of a potential 30% dividend cut if new Australian government industrial relations reforms proceed. Oil prices firmed, fuelling speculation of $US100 crude return. STO up 6.4%…