Chile's stocks closed weaker on Friday. The blue chip IPSA index fell 0.85 percent to 2,771 points after falling 1.71 percent on Thursday, tracking other foreign markets lower after news the US unemployment rate soared to a five-year high of 6.1 percent in August.
A fourth 50-basis point benchmark interest rate increase by the central bank in as many months this week also weighed. The all-market IGPA stock index fell 0.64 percent to 13,280 points after falling 1.45 percent on Thursday. "The market fell in part because of the US data, but was also influenced by commodity shares and some retail sector companies," said Marcelo Ogaki, an analyst with BICE Inversions.
"The bourse was also affected by the 50 basis point increase in rates and the signal the Central Bank gave in its statement that confirmed further future increases," he added. Chile fertiliser, lithium and iodine producer Soquimich fell 0.59 percent to 17,200 pesos per share, though off the day's lows, after falling 4.61 percent on Thursday.
Shares in Chile-based energy group Enersis rose 0.30 percent to 168.60 pesos. Shares of Chile steel and iron ore producer Cap fell 2.72 percent to 15,760 pesos, again off the day's lows, after falling 4.69 percent on Thursday. The peso closed sharply lower, with traders citing falls in international markets after unexpectedly weak US jobs data and lower copper prices. The peso closed 1.43 percent lower at 524.00/524.50 per dollar compared to Thursday's close of 514.70/515.00.
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