After a volatile day on the markets, it was impossible to tell which way the stock would finish.
Local stocks opened lower only to stage a short-lived rally.
At about 3pm Sydney time, the market slid again, down 1.4%.
The banks were mixed, Commonwealth Bank of Australia added 4 cents to $49.40, ANZ added 2 cents to $26.01,National Australia Bank added 91 cents to $34.60 while Westpac lost 2 cents to $25.58, and St George slipped 65 cents to $27.85.
The dollar was buying US89 cents.
The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 rose 31.60 points to 5650.30, and the All Ordinaries added 31.70 points to 5697.
Analysts and investors are becoming used to markets trading erratically in 2008. The high level of volatility signifies widespread uncertainty and is not expected to end anytime soon.
