The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to slip roughly 0.2% when the market opens this morning. Investors may tread cautiously ahead of some key U.S. earnings results this week, together with a speech by Reserve Bank Governor Phil Lowe.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.51%
- DAX (Germany): up 1.6%
- CAC 40 (France): up 1.49%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.22%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.02%
Gold miners could come under pressure again today after the shiny metal slipped to US$1,251 an ounce. That could weigh on businesses such as Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) and EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN), just as it has done in recent weeks.
Oil prices also slipped marginally and investors could take a cautious approach in the sector. Senex Energy Ltd (ASX: SXY) reported a significant dip in first quarter revenues this morning, while Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH) is due to report its quarterly results to the market tomorrow.
Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) will likely be in focus following multiple arrests of its staff members in China late last week.
Telecommunications giant Vocus Communications Limited (ASX: VOC) will capture the attention of investors again today and this week. It endured another shakeup last week but ultimately ended the week higher, with some investors speculating now could be the time to buy.
Fantastic Holdings Limited (ASX: FAN) shares will likely cool off today following Friday's rally. The shares soared 40% after a takeover offer was received, but the shares are now trading close to the proposed sale price.
Finally, the big banks could also be in focus after the RBA warned that higher bank capital could harm dividends from the sector. That includes Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ), National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC).
