The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is set to open flat this morning, despite the heavy fall endured by oil prices during the latest session.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.17%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.09%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.17%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.36%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.34%
Oil prices fell 3.6% to around US$47 a barrel which could weigh on energy businesses such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL).
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) could also be impacted, although that could also be mitigated by a 3.5% rise in the price of iron ore, according to The Metal Bulletin. Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) could also get a boost from the iron ore rally.
Metcash Limited (ASX: MTS) reported a 0.3% lift in group sales and a 4.2% decline in earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) for the first-half of financial year 2017 this morning. Orion Health Group Ltd (ASX: OHE) also released its interim results.
Retailer Fantastic Holdings Limited (ASX: FAN) said the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) had approved a takeover proposal by Steinhoff Asia Pacific Holdings.
Biotechnology investors will likely take a look at Sirtex Medical Limited (ASX: SRX) which released a medical research and development briefing to the market this morning.
Embattled theme park operator Ardent Leisure Group's (ASX: AAD) shares rose strongly on Friday following a safety audit that revealed no threats related to guest safety, which followed the tragedy that occurred at its Dreamworld theme park recently. It could thus receive more attention today.
Shares of Codan Limited (ASX: CDA) soared on Friday as well, together with Vita Group Limited (ASX: VTG).
Sandfire Resources NL (ASX: SFR) will hold its annual general meeting today, which could also receive some focus from investors.
