The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AJXO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade sharply lower today following negative leads from international markets overnight.
Here's a recap:
- Dow Jones (USA): down 1.1%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 1.8%
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 2.7%
- DAX (Germany): down 3.3%
In Europe, falling commodity prices and last week's mixed US employment numbers spooked markets and led to selloffs on major indices on Monday. The Athens index fell 7.9%. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) rose 2% and 1.2%, respectively.
In the US, shares were sold off following European market jitters despite a late rally in the energy sector. Exxon Mobil closed up 1.4% while Facebook Inc fell 4.1%.
Closer to home, the SPI Equity futures is tipping a 64-point (~1.4%) fall in the S&P/ASX 200.
Shares of Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK) will be in focus after the furniture retailer announced a 32% rise in revenue and 40.7% jump in profit for the half-year to 31 December 2015. It also announced a 9 cents per share interim dividend.
Small cap investment platform developer Praemium Ltd (ASX: PPS) also announced its half-year report, revealing a 34% increase in revenue and 259% jump in profit for the half year.
Shopping Cntrs Austrls Prprty Gp Re Ltd (ASX: SCP) or SCA Property Group announced revenue growth of 15.6% but a 7.5% fall in profit for its first half.
Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd. (ASX: DMP) will also be in focus today. Shares of the pizza chain owner have fallen 13.3% in five days.
Finally, in broker news, Macquarie analysts have cut their price target on Ansell Limited (ASX: ANN) shares by 12% to $23 while Credit Suisse analysts raised their target on JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) shares 3.6% to $25.95.
