The local bourse appears set to fall this morning, reversing some of yesterday's strong gains. The Sydney Futures Exchange is pointing to a 0.5% decline when trading begins. US markets were closed for a public holiday.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.22%
- DAX (Germany): down 0.11%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.02%
Aged care operators are likely to be a key focus again today after the main stocks in that sector plunged on Monday.
Estia Health Ltd (ASX: EHE), Japara Healthcare Ltd (ASX: JHC) and Regis Healthcare Limited (ASX: REG) all experienced major losses following a government review into the sector. That said, The Australian Financial Review reported that Regal Funds Management has bought more stock in Estia which could provide some support for its troubled share price.
The iron ore miners could also be in focus following comments from BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) that suggest the iron ore price will drop, according to The AFR. That could also weigh on companies such as Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG).
The gold miners could be in for another good day, however. Silver Lake Resources Limited. (ASX: SLR), EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) and Beadell Resources Ltd (ASX: BDR) all enjoyed a solid session on Monday and could rise again after the spot gold price rose another 0.2% overnight.
Investors will also await the Reserve Bank of Australia's latest decision on interest rates at 2:30pm AEST today. It's expected the board will leave rates on hold, but the commentary provided by the board could impact shares of businesses such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS), which are known for their generous dividend yields.
Finally, businesses such as Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) and Cover-More Group Ltd (ASX: CVO) could be on the market's radar again today after the pair fell sharply on Monday.
