Well, there was initially a muted response to the government's plans from the Qantas share price. But by the close, the company's shares were down one and a third  percent. Virgin Australia added 1.6 percent. AGL lost 2.5 percent Newcrest reversed early gains to finish the session two percent lower. Dominos was among the best performers.

 

No surprises from the reserved bank today. It's lifted the official interest rate on hold at 2.5 percent. It's also reiterated that's where it's likely to stay for some time. In a statement, the RBA governor Glen Steven said the most prudent course is likely to be a period of stability for rates.

 

The Reserve Bank comments that the exchange rate remained high by the historical standards, sent currency traders into a bit of a frenzy. The Australian dollar's since stabilised against the greenback at 89.3 US cents. 

 

Australian investors looked past the Russia-Ukraine tensions. The sharemarket lifted by some positive construction and trade data. 

 

Checking commodities and spot gold is on the way up. West Texas Crude oil jumped in the US overnight.