Aust stocks slip at noon
The Australian stock market was half a% lower at noon following the release of private jobs data that showed the fourth consecutive month of decline in advertisements.
At 1205 AEST, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 slipped 0.5% to 4,817.6 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index fell 0.46% to 4,804.4 points.
In economic news on Monday, the ANZ job advertisements series for June showed that job advertisements declined for fourth consecutive month.
No major equities news is expected.
In Australia, the market finished last week higher after recording its second straight day of gains.
Investor confidence was boosted by intentions to stimulate economic growth in Europe, sending shares about one% higher on Friday.
The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 45.0 points, or 0.98%, at 4,841.7 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 45.4 points, or 0.95%, to 4,826.4 points.