S&P/ASX 200 closes down after global plunge

Stocks recovered nearly all their early losses by lunch but closed in the red. Blow for Crown, BHP record quarter, JB Hi-Fi surges, Santos in Oil Search merger offer. 

Market concern is growing over the potential impact of the Delta coronavirus variant on the world economy. Picture: AAP

Welcome to the Trading Day blog for Tuesday, July 20. Stocks closed in the red amid growing Delta concerns. Inquiry deals blow to Crown, BHP's record quarter, JB Hi-Fi surges on higher profit, Santos in Oil Search merger offer. 

On Wall Street, the Dow slumped 2.1 per cent, the S&P 500 fell 1.6 per cent, while the Nasdaq ended down 1.1 per cent. Oil prices plunged after the OPEC+ alliance agreed to hike output. Locally, the Reserve Bank released the minutes of its last meeting.

Originally published as S&P/ASX 200 closes down after global plunge

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