Local shares are expected to rise again today, continuing what has thus far been a strong week for the market. As it stands, the futures market is pointing to a 16-point rise for the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) at the open.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.42%
- DAX (Germany): up 1.75%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.87%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.33%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.44%
Sirtex Medical Limited (ASX: SRX) will be in focus today after it released a trading update this morning. It said it had recorded lower-than-anticipated dose sales in the Americas and EMEA regions, with first-half dose sales expected to grow just 4% to 6% worldwide.
Mining giant Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) could receive some more attention today as well after its London-listed shares rose another 2.8% overnight. BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP), on the other hand, slipped 0.2%.
Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) will hold its annual general meeting in Adelaide today. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) could also remain in focus after achieving some solid gains in recent sessions.
Other companies that could also come under the market's microscope include QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) and Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG), as well as Dorsavi Ltd (ASX: DVL).
The insurance businesses rallied on Thursday, whereas Dorsavi slipped 8.5%.
