Australian shares are poised to rise again today following another positive night for international equities markets. Investors could remain somewhat cautious, however, ahead of today's third and final US Presidential Debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.31%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.13%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.25%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.22%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.05%
Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) will be among the companies in focus today as the energy producer releases its quarterly report to the market.
Other energy producers such as Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH) and Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (ASX: LNG) could also receive some attention after Brent oil prices rose 1.8% overnight. Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) is expected to release its quarterly report on Friday.
Fellow resources business Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) is due to report its own third quarter operations review this morning. BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) released its quarterly production report yesterday which resulted in its shares slipping just under 1% for the day.
Gold prices also continued to rise overnight, which could provide some support for Beadell Resources Ltd (ASX: BDR) and EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN).
Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) has had a week shareholders would prefer to forget. The entertainment and gaming business will hold its Annual General Meeting today, which investors will no doubt be tuned into.
Assuming the recent arrests in China of Crown's employees are discussed at the meeting, the discussion could also have implications on the shares of fellow entertainment businesses. That includes SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited-Ord (ASX: SKC), Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) and Donaco International Ltd (ASX: DNA).
Amcor Limited (ASX: AMC) and Spotless Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SPO) will also hold their AGMs in Melbourne today.
