Australian Investment Blog

• The ASX 200 continues had a breather today, ending 34 points lower for the day at 5335 and up 22 points, or 0.4% for the week.• Today’s weakness seemed to be due to investors closing out positions ahead of tonight’s US non-farm payroll data, as well as Sunday’s anticipated Murray Inquiry.• Estia Health (EHE) had a disappointing debut today, down 18% to $4.74 from its IPO price of $5.75.• The Oil Sector took a beating today, with Woodside (WPL) down 2% at $35.71 and Santos (STO) down 3.8% at $8.48.• On the M&A front, Bradken (BKN) closed 36.5% higher at $4.53, after Pacific Equity Partners and Bain Capital Asia launched a non-binding indicative takeover bid at $5.10.• Please watch out for the Hickman Report tomorrow.