Company Interview / the COB: under pressure

Investors sought to minimise their risk on the share market ahead of tomorrow's quarterly inflation data, which could prompt the Reserve Bank to further tighten monetary conditions. The S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.46% amid broad-based selling, wiping out yesterday's gains. The miners bore the brunt of the selling, slumping 1.9%, with Fortescue losing 10.2% after a discounted block trade of its shares, which reportedly took place overnight on behalf of an institutional investor. BHP ended 1.3% lower after announcing a joint venture with Canadian miner Lundin to buy copper miner Filo Corp for $3.25 billion.  Gold and lithium stocks also ended weaker with both IGO and Perseus losing around 4% after their quarterly updates.Energy stocks suffered in response to sharply lower oil prices.  Credit Corp was the best performer after its guidance met analyst expectations.Elsewhere, the impending retirement of Ramsay Healthcare CEO Craig McNally sent its shares 4.3% lower.And Regional Express shares remain in a trading halt with the airline's future in doubt with it also having suspended ticket sales.