Global markets retreated sharply overnight, as Italian and Spanish bonds fell amid concern that European leaders will struggle to raise funds to contain the region's debt crisis.

Reports from China suggesting that the country may not assist the European bailout triggered the concerns. Last week's bailout package had been aided by news that China was ready to contribute. Elsewhere, the yen slumped after Japan intervened in the market.

Among the major averages, the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 2.3% to end at 11955. The S&P slumped 2.5% to close at 1253 and the NASDAQ declined 1.9% to finish at 2684. The losses in Europe were even worse as the CAC and DAX dropped over 3% each.

Financial stocks were the hardest hit overnight, which will likely result in a tough day for our financial heavyweights. Steep losses for Deutsche Bank (-8.6%), BNP Paribas (-9.6%) and Morgan Stanley (-7.6%) will see the financials come under pressure. Commodities also suffered the same fate, with most of them stung by a stronger US dollar. This is likely to hurt our resource sector. Our financial- and resource-heavy index is in for a tough day on this premise.

With yields on Italy's 10-year government debt adding seven basis points to 6.09%, investors are likely to remain sceptical that the EU debt deal will actually calm the crisis. Europe has been a dominant theme in the markets for a while now, and the headline risk remains high. Greece has now unexpectedly announced a referendum to approve a second EU bailout deal for the country. This decision could heighten uncertainty surrounding the crisis.

In light of last night's steep losses, we are currently calling the Aussie market down 1.6% at 4230. Investors will be eyeing today's RBA rate decision at 2.30pm. Last night's price action might strengthen the case for a cut, which is already widely expected. Traders will be watching the Australian dollar in light of the decision and rate statement. Around the region, participants will also be keeping an eye on China's official manufacturing PMI due out at midday. Should these numbers show solid growth and if we also get a rate cut locally, this may shore up our market today.

Market

Price at 7:30am AEST

Change Since Australian Market Close

Percentage Change

AUD/USD

1.0542

0.0029

0.28%

ASX (cash)

4230

-68

-1.58%

US DOW (cash)

11933

-202

-1.66%

US S&P (cash)

1246.8

-27

-2.14%

UK FTSE (cash)

5507

-152

-2.69%

German DAX (cash)

6095

-198

-3.15%

Japan 225 (cash)

8860

-179

-1.98%

Rio Tinto Plc (London)

33.88

-2.32

-6.41%

BHP Billiton Plc (London)

19.68

-1.35

-6.40%

BHP Billiton Ltd. ADR (US) (AUD)

37.02

-0.78

-2.06%

US Light Crude Oil (Dec)

92.58

0.21

0.23%

Gold (spot)

1715.0

1

0.06%

Aluminium (London)

2219.00

-3

-0.14%

Copper (London)

8007.00

117

1.48%

Nickel (London)

19650.00

270

1.39%

Zinc (London)

1975.00

47

2.44%

RBA Cash Rate to be decreased by 25bp (Nov) (%)

65.00

5

5.00%

IG Markets provides round-the-clock CFD trading on currencies, indices and commodities. The levels quoted in this email are the latest tradeable price for each market. The net change for each market is referenced from the corresponding tradeable level at yesterday's close of the ASX. These levels are specifically tailored for the Australian trader and take into account the 24hr nature of global markets.

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