The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is set to open in the green Friday morning following modest gains from global markets.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.57%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.86%
- CAC 40 (France): up 1.25%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.59%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.58%
In Europe, stocks moved higher. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended up 0.03% and down 0.6%, respectively.
Across the pond, U.S. markets rallied after President Trump made remarks hinting at his promise of business tax cuts. The Trump administration is likely to make an announcement within the next month.
Closer to home, the S&P/ASX 200 is expected to open slightly higher, with the Sydney Futures Exchange pointing to a strong start.
Shares in focus today include REA Group Limited (ASX: REA). This morning, the owner of realestate.com.au reported a 16% increase in revenue and 6% rise in net profit for the first half of its financial year.
Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) and NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF) announced they plan to increase their private health insurance premiums by an average of 4.6% and 4.48%, respectively.
Fund manager Blue Sky Alternative Investments Ltd (ASX: BLA) reported a 53% increase in income and a 130% jump in half-year profit.
Finally, News Corp (ASX: NWS) announced its second quarter results showing a slight fall in revenue to $2.12 billion and a loss of $219 million from continuing operations.
