The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade higher today following mixed leads from international markets on Friday.
Here's a recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.3%
- DAX (Germany): down 0.2%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.7%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.1%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.1%
In London, shares closed lower ahead of the Italian referendum on constitutional reform, which is touted to be the biggest European political event since Brexit. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 2.8% and 1% lower, respectively.
In the U.S., markets closed mostly flat ahead of the Italy's vote. The consumer staples and materials sectors were the best performing.
Closer to home, the ASX 200 is poised for a positive open on Monday with SPI futures pointing to a 21-point increase in the index.
Shares in focus will include Bellamy's Australia Ltd (ASX: BAL) and a2 Milk Company (Australia) (ASX: A2M). Last week, Bellamy's and a2 Milk suffered significant share price falls as Bellamy's warned of tough operating conditions in the key Chinese market.
In other news, Sky Network Television Ltd (ASX: SKT) and Vodafone New Zealand's proposed merger appears to have been delayed by the New Zealand Commerce Commission's consultation process. Sky Network said the Commission extended the decision date to 23 February 2017 as a result of a "heavy workload" and multiple submissions from third parties.
Speculation is swirling DUET Group (ASX: DUE) will be the subject of a $3 per share takeover offer by Hong Kong's Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings. DUET shares last traded at $2.35.
Finally, in broker news:
- Citi analysts cut their Bellamy's price target 50% to $6;
- Goldman Sachs analysts raised their Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) price target 2.2% to $18.20, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
