The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to slip marginally when trading opens this morning, despite a generally positive night for international equity markets.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.34%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.24%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.43%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.11%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 0.36%
Iron ore snapped its winning streak overnight as it retreated 2.6%, according to The Metal Bulletin. Oil prices also slipped, which could weigh on businesses such as BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO), Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO).
On the other hand, the gold rout took a breather overnight. The precious metal is still fetching just US$1,221 an ounce, but the fact its price found some support could also help support shares of businesses such as St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM), EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) – all of which fell sharply on Monday.
Dairy business Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) could receive some attention after it announced the appointment of its new CEO after yesterday's market close. Paul van Heerwaarden will lead Bega as of February 2017 and said China's infant formula market continues to grow.
OFX Group Ltd (ASX: OFX) released its first-half earnings results today, reporting a 4% reduction in its half-year turnover, compared to the prior corresponding period, while underlying net profit was down 21% as well.
Ruralco Holdings Ltd (ASX: RHL) also reported its full-year results, while Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) issued its first-quarter results. It said its cash outflows for the quarter were 28% lower than the comparable period last year.
Finally, Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) will hold its annual general meeting today which could receive some attention from investors.
