Overnight, US shares clawed back lost ground to finish the day 0.1% higher following a rally in oil prices. As news of a downed Russian warplane emerged, European shares closed marginally lower.
London-listed shares of Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) fell as iron ore prices slipped below $US44 per tonne, according to The Metal Bulletin. In recent months, both companies have come under scrutiny for their 'progressive' dividend policies in the face of plunging commodity prices.
Closer to home, the local sharemarket is expected to open the day higher. According to the Sydney Futures Exchange, the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to climb 0.4% at the open.
The focus will be on shares of Orion Health Group Ltd (ASX: OHE), which today reported a 26% rise in revenue for its most recent half-year; and Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) announced it had bounced back to a $186 million profit for its 2015 financial year from a loss in 2014.
Australian Agricultural Company Ltd (ASX: AAC), Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) and Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) are expected to hold their Annual General Meetings today.
Eyes will also be turning to shares of Slater & Gordon Ltd (ASX: SGH). The embattled law firm has seen its share price crumble 24% in just five days.
In broker news, Bell Potter put a "buy" recommendation on shares of Huon Aquaculture Group Ltd (ASX: HUO) with a $4.55 price target, according to Fairfax.
