The futures market is pointing to an 18-point jump when the opening bell rings this morning which follows a sharp drop for the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) on Friday.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.62%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.94%
- CAC 40 (France): up 1.2%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.03%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.48%
Sirtex Medical Limited (ASX: SRX) will be a key focus today. After the market closed on Friday it confirmed it had terminated its CEO, Mr Gilman Wong, following an investigation by the board regarding his trading of Sirtex shares.
Meanwhile, Primary Health Care Limited's (ASX: PRY) CEO also resigned on Friday evening. However, he will remain in the role until the company completes its search for a replacement.
Infant formula maker Bellamy's Australia Ltd (ASX: BAL) will also receive more attention, together with Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL). Blackmores' shares rose strongly in the final sessions last week, while Bellamy's fell sharply.
Nanosonics Ltd. (ASX: NAN) reported record quarter sales of $18.3 million this morning, with half-year sales rising 131% on the prior corresponding period.
In the resources sector, the gold price continues to edge closer to US$1,200 an ounce. The spot gold price rose 0.2% during the latest session which may help shares such as Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM).
Elsewhere, the iron ore and oil prices fell which could put pressure on shares such as BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO).
