The local S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AJXO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade mostly flat following negative leads from overseas markets last week.
Here's a recap:
- Dow Jones (USA) – down 1.02%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 1.15%
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.64%
- DAX (Germany): down -1.08%
- EURO STOXX 50 (Europe): down 0.79%
In the US, a last day slide in technology shares, such as Apple, took the S&P 500 into negative territory for the 2015 calendar year.
In Europe, an all too familiar theme of falling commodity prices weighed on markets. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) fell 0.08%, while Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) added 1.05%.
Closer to home, the S&P/ASX 200 is expected to open lower.
In company-specific news, packaging giant Amcor Limited (ASX: AMC) announced the purchase of US-based Deluxe Packages for $US45 million. Also in focus, Urbanise.com Ltd (ASX: UBN) signed its first New Zealand deal with FM provider One Place.
Mining contractor MACA Limited (ASX: MLD) announced a successful services contract with Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) as part of a 5-year $115 million agreement at Regis' expanded Moolart Well project.
Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) announced the finalisation of its catastrophe reinsurance program for the 2016 calendar year, providing gross reinsurance protection of up to 80% ($7 billion). The reinsurance decision follows IAG's partnership with Berkshire Hathaway in 2015.
Oil and gas giant, Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) revealed a gas discovery at offshore Myanmar. Woodside CEO Peter Coleman described the discovery as, "an encouraging outcome."
Finally, Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) confirmed its recent acquisition of US-based Montrose Travel.
