The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade higher today following positive leads from international markets.
Here's a recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.08%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.13%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.05%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.25%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.65%
In London, shares moved mostly sideways on Friday as investors awaited the latest news on US interest rates. Mining and energy shares were among the losers. BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 1.73% lower and 0.42% higher, respectively.
US markets ended a strong week higher, despite Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen saying an interest rate increase in the next few months is probable.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 23-point, or 0.4%, rise in the S&P/ASX 200.
Shares in focus will include Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL). This morning, the private health insurer announced the resignation of Executive General manager, Technology and Operations, Sarah Harland.
Subsequently, Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) announced Ms Harland would join them as the bank's new Chief Information Officer, effective from September 2016.
Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia (ASX: GMA) announced the appointments of Ms Georgette Nicholas as Managing Director and Mr David Foster as Non-Executive Director with immediate effect.
Rare-earths miner Lynas Corporation Limited (ASX: LYC) confirmed the completion of amendments for both of its debt facilities. Lynas said the amendments reflect the support of both lender groups.
Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) released its traffic and capacity statistics for April, revealing a 3.7% increase in available seat kilometres and weaker revenue per seat kilometre.
Finally, in broker news:
- Citi analysts raised their Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) price target 2.1% to $14.30;
- Macquarie analysts raised their Spark Infrastructure Group (ASX: SKI) price target 7.3% to $2.64; and
- Deutsche Bank analysts revised their Adelaide Brighton Ltd. (ASX: ABC) price target to $5.49, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
