Aust stocks open weaker =2 sydney

AAP General News (Australia)
12-29-2004
Aust stocks open weaker =2 sydney

Before the market opened today insurer QBE, the biggest underwriter of Lloyd's of London,
said it had carried out a preliminary review of its net exposures in the Asian regions
affected by the earthquake and the resultant tsunamis.

The review showed that the insured losses from the disaster were not expected to have
a material impact on its 2004 insurance profit targets already been announced to the market.

QBE's shares were down 20 cents to $15.00 while AMP was off five cents to $7.20, Promina
had lost five cents to $5.31 and IAG shed three cents to $6.35.

Travel agency company stocks were down with Flight Centre losing 14 cents to $18.61
and Harvey World Travel off five cents to $1.40.

The airlines were mixed with Virgin Blue up one cent to $1.87 and Qantas, which has
more exposure to the Asian tourist market, down two cents to $3.71.

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KEYWORD: AUST STOCKS OPEN 2 SYDNEY

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