The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade lower today following mixed leads from international markets overnight.
Here's a recap:
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.63%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 0.05%
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.45%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.14%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.20%
In London, markets were fixated on the European Central Bank's monetary decision with president Mario Draghi leaving rates unchanged and saying rates will remain at present or lower levels for the foreseeable future. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO), both finished 1.15% higher.
US markets closed lower as a spike in the Euro proved short-lived, earnings season rolled on, and telecommunications weighed on shares.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 28-point, or 0.5%, fall in the S&P/ASX 200.
Shares in focus will include Rio Tinto. Overnight, the global iron ore miner said it will launch a cash tender to buy back as much as $1.5 billion of its own debt which is due in 2017 and 2018.
NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF) shares will also be in focus. Yesterday afternoon, the private health insurer increased its 2016 statutory operating profit guidance to between $113 million and $121 million from the previous $90 million and $100 million.
Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) reported quarterly gold production of 78,892 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost of $1,205 per ounce.
Finally, in broker news, analysts at Canaccord Genuity upped their EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) price target 14% to $1.65 per share, Goldman Sachs analysts increased their GUD Holdings Limited (ASX: GUD) price target 6.4% to $8.30, and Credit Suisse raised their OZ Minerals Limited (ASX: OZL) price target 4% to $5.15, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
