The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AJXO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade higher today following positive leads from international markets on Friday.
Here's a recap:
- Dow Jones (USA): up 2%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 1.66%
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 3.08%
- DAX (Germany): up 2.45%
In Europe, energy and resources shares led the charge higher. Glencore Plc was a standout performer, rising 12.3%. Meanwhile, FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) rose 6.5% and 5.6%, respectively.
In the US, the Dow Jones returned from a five-day losing streak with shares in the energy and retail sectors helping the market higher. Twitter Inc. shares jumped 11% while Bank of America Corp rallied 7%.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping an 87 point, or 1.8%, jump in the S&P/ASX 200.
Shares in focus will include energy producers BHP, Santos Ltd (ASX: STO), Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) and Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH).
Also, in focus will be shares of Hansen Technologies Limited (ASX: HSN) which today reported a 50% jump in revenue and 43% lift in profit for its most recent half-year reporting period.
Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ) announced a 135% fall in profit and 11% decline in revenue for its first half of its 2016 financial year. Amcor Limited (ASX: AMC) reported a 5.4% fall in half-year USD-denominated revenue and a 4.9% fall in profit.
Alliance Aviation Services Ltd (ASX: AQZ) announced a profit of $4.9 million (up from a loss last year) on revenue of $92.9 million, down 10% on the prior period.
Finally, CSG Limited (ASX: CSV) upped its revenue 8% for the six months to 31 December 2015. Profit fell 3%.
In broker news, Deutsche Bank analysts raised their price target on Rio Tinto shares 4.5% to $57.50, while Canaccord Genuity lifted their price target on Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares by 17% to $3.40.
