澳洲新闻 (ABC新闻快递) 2016-02-24（在线收听）

BHP Billiton has posted its first loss in 16 years as plunging commodity prices battered the business. In the second half of 2015 the company lost 7.8 billion dollars, that's a 230 percent drop on its net profit the same time a year ago. Revenue fell 37 percent thanks to slumping oil and iron ore prices, it’s two biggest earners. BHP has also slashed its dividend payout to share holders for the first time in almost 30 years, as it does away with its progressive dividend policy.

Qantas has doubled its profit for the first half of the year to a record 688 million dollars. The company has benefitted across the board from falls in the price of fuel which have saved it almost 400 million dollars over the same period last year. It is international earnings were four times the amount for the first half of 2015. The company says it will buy back 500 million dollars of its shares from the market. It didn’t declare a dividend and hasn’t since 2009.

Qantas shares have dropped 5 percent despite the rise in profit. BHP Billiton gained, Rio Tinto wasn’t up as much and QBE insurance result impressed investors. Outside of the mining sector, most other industry groups were in the red dragging on the broadened market. Spot Gold prices are gaining ground in the Asian session. US Crude oil prices jumped over 6 percent overnight and the surging commodity prices gave the Australian dollar a boost.