The Sydney Futures Exchange is pointing to a marginal gain for the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) when the market opens this morning. That is despite the weak lead set by international markets overnight following weaker-than-expected China trade data.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.66%
- DAX (Germany): down 1.04%
- CAC 40 (France): down 1.06%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.25%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 0.49%
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) are two companies to watch today. Their London-listed shares fell 4.5% each as a result of the weak data.
Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) and the soaring Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) will be worth watching for the same reason.
Meanwhile, the gold miners will be in the spotlight again today after a glistening performance on Thursday. EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) performed particularly strongly, together with Beadell Resources Ltd (ASX: BDR).
OFX Group Ltd (ASX: OFX), on the other hand, has been crushed over the last two sessions and could receive more attention today. Link Administration Holdings Ltd (ASX: LNK) shares were also struck hard on Thursday.
Shareholders of Vocus Communications Limited (ASX: VOC) will be hopeful the recovery in the telco's stock price can continue today after rebounding 5.5% yesterday.
