Latest stock market news videos & Morning Bell

The ASX200 closed the session 0.2% higher today, with real estate and utilities in the lead, each rallying more than 2% higher. Meanwhile, consumer staples and energy were hit the hardest.

Eight of the eleven industry sectors close in the green, despite key inflation data being released today. Australia’s annual inflation rate has risen to 7.3% in the last 12 months to September, the highest reading since 1990. On a quarterly basis, the consumer price index rose 1.8% in the September quarter. This is due to higher prices for new dwelling construction, fuel and food.

Looking at the ASX200 leaderboard today, Costa Group (ASX:CGC) was the best performing stock, advancing more than 10%, after a private equity firm acquired a 14% stake in the company. Other top performers were G.U.D Holdings (ASX:GUD), Ramelius Resources (ASX:RMS) and Nufarm (ASX:NUF).

Medibank (ASX:MPL) declined the most today, its share price tumbling more than 18%, after the company announced all of their customers’ personal data has been compromised by a cyber attacked. Meanwhile, mining companies Whitehaven Coal (ASX:WHC), Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) and New Hope Corporation (ASX:NHC) are also in the red.

The most traded stocks by Bell Direct clients today were WA1 Resources (ASX:WA1), ELMO Software (ASX:ELO) and Whitehaven (ASX:WHC).

Lastly, the Australian dollar is buying 64 US cents, 56.58 British Pence, 94.92 Japanese Yen and $1.12 New Zealand.