SYDNEY, Dec 2: Australian stocks were poised for a subdued start on Monday with investors awaiting an interest rate decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia.
The RBA meets on Tuesday and is considered almost certain to keep its cash rate steady at a record low 2.5 percent.
* Stock index futures dropped 0.2 percent to 5,320.0, roughly at the same level as the underlying ASX/200 index, which closed down 0.3 percent on Friday.
* New Zealand’s benchmark NZX 50 index fell 0.2 percent to 4,783.6 in early trade.
* The Dow and the S&P 500 dipped in thin holiday trading on Friday, but technology stocks helped lift the Nasdaq to a 13-year high.
* Copper ticked higher on Friday, supported by a weaker dollar and falls in stockpiles, but still posted its biggest monthly loss since June on expectations of growing supply and tepid demand going forward.
* The three-way battle for Warrnambool, Australia’s oldest dairy firm, took a fresh twist on Friday when a regulator temporarily stopped Canadian suitor Saputo Inc from processing acceptances for an offer that has the backing of the target’s board.
* The chief executive of GrainCorp Ltd has resigned just days after the government rejected a takeover of the Australian grains handler by U.S. Agribusiness giant Archer Daniels Midland Inc. (AGENCIES)
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