The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade slightly lower today despite some positive leads from international markets.
Here's a recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): closed
- DAX (Germany): up 0.45%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.32%
- Dow Jones (USA): closed
- NASDAQ (USA): closed
In London, the market was closed for a public holiday. As a result, trading volumes in Europe were quite low, with US markets also closed on Monday. Nonetheless, Germany's DAX climbed slightly to a one-month high, while Paris' CAC 40 closed in the green.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 7-point, or 0.1%, fall in the S&P/ASX 200.
Shares in focus will include Praemium Limited (ASX: PPS). This morning, the SMA provider announced its Australian investment platform surpassed $3 billion of funds under administration. Over 40 fund managers now deliver 260 model portfolios.
National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) launched its Capital Notes 2 Offer, expecting to raise $750 million in additional tier 1 capital.
FlexiGroup Limited (ASX: FXL) updated the market on its profit guidance, including announcing $34.1 million in provisions and goodwill write-offs. The company said its statutory profit for its 2016 financial year would be down 35% year-over-year. Cash profit is expected to be up 8%. In its ASX release, the company said it aims to regain momentum into FY18 with a path to achieve double-digit cash profit growth.
Junior technology business Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA) announced a contract win in Australia, with an existing client, worth $1.1 million in annual revenue.
Engineering and infrastructure business RCR Tomlinson Limited (ASX: RCR) announced $108 million in new contracts.
Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX: VAH) updated the market on a strategic commercial alliance with a division of HNA Group, which will also see HNA make a $159 million equity investment in Virgin at an issue price of $0.30 per share.
Finally, in broker news:
- UBS analysts raised their Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd (ASX: FPH) price target 13% to NZ$7.35;
- Canaccord Genuity analysts initiated coverage of BWX Ltd (ASX: BWX) shares with a 'hold' rating and a price target of $4.87; and
- Hartleys analysts initiated Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) shares as a 'speculative buy' with a price target of $0.33, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
