China’s first contraction in manufacturing activity in seven months has sent Australian shares falling with the biggest declines coming from the Financial and Telecommunications sectors. The benchmark S&P ASX200 was down 103 points, or 2%, to 5,062.4, the Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index down 1.17% to 2,274.81 points and Dow Mini down 129 points to 15,307.17.

The addition of leading domestic and international express delivery company TNT Express to its growing A.D.A.M. Parcel Locker Network gives TZ a giant step forward.  It is in a strong position to take on Australia Post and overtake it in the parcel distribution and online logistics business given TZ's "agnostic" delivery platform.

U.S. markets reversed sharp gains from earlier in the session overnight as comments from Fed chief Bernanke and minutes from the latest meeting suggested that the tapering of easing policies could begin soon. In the pre-open markets the Dow-mini is up 14 points to 15,334, while the ASX SPI 200 is off 20 points at 5151.

The formation of a strategic partnership agreement with China Real Estate Association has the potential to improve ASG Group’s position in the property sector while increasing its exposure in China.