The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade slightly higher today following positive leads from international markets on Friday.
Here's a recap:
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.34%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.18%
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 1.38%
- DAX (Germany): up 1.95%
- CAC 40 (France): up 1.56%
In Europe, energy and resources shares dragged markets higher. Shares of global commodities-focused businesses such as Glencore Plc and Anglo American finished more than 6% higher, while FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) finished 3.81% and 2.99%, higher, respectively.
In the US, modest gains in the energy and materials sectors weren't enough to help the Dow Jones higher, but the NASDAQ ended up.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a seven point, or 0.1%, rise in the S&P/ASX 200.
Shares in focus will include Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN). This morning, the uranium miner announced a one-off reduction of $US81.4 million of debt.
Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) announced the completion of its acquisition of US-based home improvement business, Home Retail Group Plc. Wesfarmers' Managing Director, Richard Goyder, said the company is excited "to bring the best of Bunnings to the UK and Ireland."
Galileo Japan Trust (ASX: GJT) announced the proposed sale of its Japanese property portfolio, worth around $700 million. A majority of the properties will be sold to a purchaser which has set conditions upon the deal, including successful listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Importantly, the monies raised from the sale will be distributed to unitholders. At an estimated $2.65 per share, the return represents a 28.6% premium to the last closing price.
Recall Holdings Ltd (ASX: REC) reported its half-year results to the market showing a 7% fall in revenue and 49% fall in profit. Meanwhile, Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) reported revenue growth of 19% to $248.6 million for its most recent half-year and a profit of $95.4 million.
Finally, Catapult Group International Ltd (ASX: CAT) reported revenue growth of 66% and a loss of $2.6 million during its most recent half-year reporting period.
