The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to rise roughly 0.2% at the opening bell this morning, adding to yesterday's rebound. The Australian dollar also continued its descent, now fetching just US 74.13 cents.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.67%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.2%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.59%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.19%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.74%
The spot gold price slipped almost 1% overnight and is again fetching just US$1,213 an ounce. It has fallen significantly since its initial post-election rally and will likely weigh on shares such as St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM), Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) and Beadell Resources Ltd (ASX: BDR) again today.
Iron ore and oil, on the other hand, both recorded gains overnight. That could help support BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG).
Businesses such as Computershare Limited (ASX: CPU) and QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) could benefit from comments from the US Federal Reserve which indicated US interest rates would rise "relatively soon".
Orion Health Group Ltd (ASX: OHE) announced it has extended an agreement with Philips, which could draw some attention.
Meanwhile, Mobile Embrace Ltd (ASX: MBE) shares plummeted during yesterday's session, so investors will be hopeful for a rebound of sorts today.
Finally, a number of businesses will hold their annual general meetings today. Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR) will hold its, together with iSelect Ltd (ASX: ISU) and Automotive Holdings Group Ltd (ASX: AHG).
Gold miners Independence Group NL (ASX: IGO) and Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) will hold their meetings today as well.
