The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to rise when trading opens this morning, bolstered by a strong performance from international markets overnight. However, investors could remain somewhat cautious ahead of Chinese economic data on retail sales, GDP and industrial production.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.76%
- DAX (Germany): up 1.22%
- CAC 40 (France): up 1.32%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.42%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.85%
Shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) rose strongly in London overnight, and could be set for a decent return on the ASX as well after iron ore and oil prices rose marginally.
That could also help bolster Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) ahead of their quarterly reports on Thursday and Friday, respectively.
Gold miners such as St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) and EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) could also benefit from a 0.6% rise in the spot price of gold overnight.
Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) remains in the headlines as a number of its staff face potential prison time in China. The shares were hammered on Monday but did regain 1.7% on Tuesday.
Small-cap pair Somnomed Limited (ASX: SOM) and Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA) recorded strong gains on Tuesday and will likely be in focus again today.
Meanwhile, Bellamy's Australia Ltd (ASX: BAL) will hold its Annual General Meeting in Launceston, Tasmania today. Reject Shop Ltd (ASX: TRS) will also hold its AGM in Melbourne. As will Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) in Sydney.
