International markets traded mostly higher on Friday. The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is also expected to rise when the market opens this morning, but trading could be light on given the public holiday for much of the country.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.29%
- DAX (Germany): up 1.01 %
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.1%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.91%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.82%
The market is expected to swing higher today based on expectations that the embattled Deutsche Bank is nearing a US$5.4 billion settlement with the US Department of Justice. That is less than half the amount initially expected.
Banks such as National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX NAB), Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) could be worth watching today as a result.
Oil prices also rose above US$50 a barrel during the latest session, which fares well for BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP), Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) and other companies operating in the energy sector.
Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (ASX: LNG) shares have also enjoyed a stellar performance over the past three weeks and are worth keeping an eye on today.
Gold and iron ore, on the other hand, both slipped in price. Gold is now fetching around US$1,316 an ounce again, which could act as a drag on shares such as St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) and Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM).
Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW) endured a volatile week last week, but ended with some momentum which could carry into today's session.
Other companies that could be worth watching today include Programmed Maintenance Services Limited (ASX: PRG) and TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM). The pair fell sharply last week, and investors will be hoping for a turnaround of sorts today.
