The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade lower following weak leads from international markets overnight.
Here's a recap:
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.18%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.01%
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.46%
- DAX (Germany): down 0.81%
- CAC 40 (France): down 1.34%
In Europe, markets ended mostly lower. London's FTSE ended in the red as concerns grew over Britain's current account deficit. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 1.4% and 0.9% lower, respectively.
US markets were mixed on Thursday. A weaker US dollar helped boost commodities, but healthcare and utilities were the only sectors to end higher.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 20-point, or 0.4%, fall in the S&P/ASX 200.
Aconex Ltd (ASX: ACX) shares will be in focus. This morning, the technology company announced the completion of its acquisition of Conject for $97 million.
Meanwhile, an overnight slip in iron ore prices will have BHP, Rio and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) shares back in the spotlight.
And a rise in brent crude and gold prices may see shares of Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) buck the market's trend today.
Finally, in broker news, analysts at UBS raised their price target on Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) shares 7.5% to $12.90 and upped their Brambles Limited (ASX: BXB) price target 9.3% to $12.90, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
