The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade lower today following mixed leads from international markets on Friday.
Here's a recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.56%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.92%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.62%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 1.05%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 0.41%
In London, FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 0.1% and 1% higher, respectively.
US markets ended lower on Friday as oil prices retreated and poor earnings reports from retailers dented investors' enthusiasm. The energy and financial sectors were the worst-performing.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 15-point, or 0.2%, fall in the S&P/ASX 200.
Shares in focus on the market today will include FONTERRA ORD UNIT (ASX: FSF). This morning, the dairy cooperative released its global dairy update. It also announced it will release part of its forecast final dividend earlier than expected, "to support farmers during a time of extremely tight on-farm cash flows," the company said. Fonterra will pay a 10 cents per share dividend.
Shares of National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) will also be in focus. According to the Wall Street Journal, Australia's third largest bank raised around $US327 million through a Singapore-dollar subordinated tier 2 bond offering.
Rubik Financial Limited (ASX: RFL) announced it has partnered with MyState Limited (ASX: MYS) to help transform their digital channels and customer experience offering.
Finally, in recent broker news:
- Morgan Stanley analysts raised their Dominos Pizza Enterprises Ltd. (ASX: DMP) price target 14% to $80;
- Deutsche Bank analysts raised their Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: AAL) price target 29% to $14.20; and
- UBS downgraded AMP Limited (ASX: AMP) shares to 'Neutral' from 'Buy', according to Dow Jones Newswires.
