The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AJXO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade higher today following positive leads from international markets overnight.
Here's a recap:
- Dow Jones (USA): up 1.4%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 1.5%
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 1.5%
- DAX (Germany): up 2%
In the US, a rally in oil shares saw markets head higher. European markets too were buoyed by the rise in commodity prices. FTSE-listed shares of Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) climbed 8.4% and 8.5%, respectively.
Closer to home and the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a positive open for the local S&P/ASX 200.
Shares in focus will include Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton – especially BHP. Today, the global mining giant announced a 37% fall in revenue. Profit fell to a loss of $5.67 billion. An interim dividend of 16 cents per share was announced, down from 62 cents per share.
Scentre Group Ltd (ASX: SCG) reported a 32% jump in revenue for the year ended 31 December 2015.
Specialty Fashion Group Ltd. (ASX: SFH) notched up revenue growth of 5.2% and profit growth of 50.6% during its most recent half-year reporting period.
iSentia Group Ltd (ASX: ISD) upped revenue 22% and reported a 6.8% increase in profit for the half-year to 31 December 2015. Meanwhile, IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH) reported a 65% jump in revenue and 43% increase in profit.
Senex Energy Ltd's (ASX: SXY) revenue fell 47% and it declared a statutory loss of $27.1 million, down 59% on the prior corresponding half year. Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) reported a 9.9% jump in revenue and 42% fall in profit.
During its half-year through December 2015, Silver Chef Limited (ASX: SIV) grew revenue 21% and profit 45%, while Spotless Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SPO) reported a 19% increase in revenue and 20% fall in profit.
Finally, for its financial year ended 31 December 2015, QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) reported a 9% fall in revenue and 7% fall in profit.
