The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to recover some of its recent declines today with the Sydney Futures Exchange indicating a 17-point rise at the open.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.59%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.39%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.62%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.29%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 1.1%
The resources sector is likely to produce mixed results today after a volatile night for commodity markets.
Iron ore plummeted 6.5% to less than US$73 a tonne, according to The Metal Bulletin. That could reverse some of the recent gains from BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG).
Gold prices remained mostly flat, while oil prices rocketed higher. That could help limit BHP's declines and support businesses such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL).
Thorn Group Ltd (ASX: TGA) released its half-year earnings report at 7pm (Sydney time) yesterday, reporting a 2.8% increase in revenue but a 1.4% decline in net profit, compared to the prior corresponding period.
International money transfer business OFX Group Ltd (ASX: OFX) will likely receive more attention today after its shares plunged 17% yesterday, after a disappointing earnings result.
Aconex Ltd (ASX: ACX) has also endured heavy volatility recently, including an 8.5% decline yesterday, which could attract some interest.
A number of companies will hold their annual general meetings today, which will also receive some attention. Among them are AWE Limited (ASX: AWE), DUET Group (ASX: DUE), Navitas Limited (ASX: NVT) and Brambles Limited (ASX: BXB).
