The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade higher today following positive leads from international markets overnight.
Here's a recap:
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.27%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 0.4%
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.82%
- DAX (Germany): up 2.27%
- CAC 40 (France): up 1.32%
In London, shares moved to their highest level in four months as miners buoyed the FTSE 100. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 3.94% and 1.79% higher, respectively. German shares ended sharply higher following better-than-expected economic data.
US markets finished mostly higher yet a 0.6% fall in the technology sector brought the tech-heavy NASDAQ lower. The energy and basic materials sectors were the best-performing.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 31-point, or 0.5%, rise in the S&P/ASX 200 at the open.
Gentrack Group Ltd (ASX: GTK) shares will be in focus. This morning, the specialist in software for utilities and airports announced the signing of a meaningful contract with the UK's Good Energy. Gentrack CEO, Ian Black, said the contract is a significant milestone for the company.
BHP shares will also be a focal point on the market today. The mining giant released its third-quarter production report revealing a 4% fall in nine-month petroleum production, versus the same period a year earlier. Copper output fell 8%, iron ore came in 1% lower, while metallurgical and energy coal production was 1% and 10% lower, respectively.
Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) announced the acquisition of Travizon Travel, a Boston-based corporate travel company, for $28 million. The deal will be earnings per share accretive.
Netcomm Wireless Ltd (ASX: NTC) shares entered a trading halt this morning as it undertakes a capital raising to sophisticated and professional investors and an associated share purchase plan.
Sydney Airport Holdings Ltd (ASX: SYD) announced its monthly traffic statistics for March, showing a 4.4% improvement in domestic and 7.9% increase in international passengers.
Finally, in broker news, Deutsche Bank analysts cut their Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) price target 11% to $5.15, while Ord Minnett analysts lowered their Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) price target 2.7% to $73, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
