Summary

• The ASX 200 retreated from a near five-month high at the open despite the S&P 500 and NASDAQ closing at all-time highs overnight
• Seven Group reported a 42% fall in net profit to $115.8 million, though revenue rose 12% to $4.56b to narrowly beat expectations.  
• A 72% drop in first-half profit for Eagers Automotive included a $40.4m impairment due to Holden’s departure from Australia
• COVID lockdowns have taken an expected toll on $800m jewellery chain Lovisa, with nearly 60 stores in its 440-plus global network still closed and the company exiting the Spanish market