The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade lower today following positive leads from international markets overnight.
Here's a recap:
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.98%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 1.47%
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.40%
- DAX (Germany): down 0.98%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.9%
In Europe, markets pared back most of Wednesday's gains despite continued speculation of a pickup in merger and acquisition activity following the decision by Pfizer and Allergan not to merge. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 2.9% and 1.7% higher, respectively.
US markets suffered their biggest loss in six weeks, led lower by banks and technology shares. Shares of Bank of America and Goldman Sachs both fell more than 3%.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 47-point, or 1%, fall in the S&P/ASX 200.
Shares in focus will include OceanaGold Corporation (ASX: OGC). This morning, the gold producer announced a strategic investment in Canadian-listed Nulegacy Gold for $6.67 million.
iSentia Group Ltd (ASX: ISD) announced it signed a new agreement with rights manager, the Copyright Agency. "This new agreement ensures our clients will receive high quality content from all the key publishers in Australia," Isentia CEO, John Croll, said.
CSR Limited's (ASX: CSR) chief financial officer (CFO), Greg Barnes, has resigned from his position to take on the CFO role at another ASX-listed company. He will remain with CSR until 30 June 2016.
EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) released its quarterly report showing record gold production and net mine cash flow. The gold producer's All-in Sustaining Cost (AISC) was $US732 per ounce.
Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) announced a €750 million ($1.14 billion) bond issuance with a coupon of 1.125% and maturity in 2026.
Finally, in broker news, analysts at Hartleys upped their Saracen Minerals Holdings Limited (ASX: SAR) price target 18% to $1.04, while Goldman Sachs analysts raised their Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) price target 6.5% to $16.50, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
