Wall Street drifted lower again overnight, but the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to rebound from its sharp drop in recent sessions. The Sydney Futures Exchange is pointing to a 28-point rise at the open.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.41%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.07%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.02%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.16%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 0.65%
Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW) will have its turn in the spotlight today as it reports its sales for the first quarter of financial year 2017. That could take some of the attention away from rival Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) whose shares have been shattered in recent days.
Banking giant Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) announced a number of additional specified charges it will record when it reports its full-year results next week. These include a further $100 million (net of tax) restructuring charge.
AMP Limited (ASX: AMP) also announced it expects profit margins to be impacted this year, down approximately $90 million.
The strength of Ardent Leisure Group's (ASX: AAD) board has been called into question by The Australian Financial Review in relation to the way it has dealt with the aftermath of Tuesday's tragedy at Dreamworld. Its shares rebounded on Thursday but are still trading substantially lower since the incident.
Vitamins maker Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL) released its first-quarter results yesterday. Although the shares fell sharply immediately after the announcement, they ended the day in positive territory which could help their cause today.
Blackmores' joint venture partner Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA), on the other hand, has struggled this week and could be looked at by investors again today.
Meanwhile, Intueri Education Group Ltd (ASX: IQE) announced it expects 2016 underlying EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) to be $9.5 million, compared to a previous estimate of $15 million.
Finally, a number of companies will hold their Annual General Meetings today. Headlining those will be Carsales.Com Ltd (ASX: CAR), Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) and Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG).
