The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is set to open higher Wednesday morning following modest gains from global markets.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.14%
- DAX (Germany): down 0.02%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.16%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.45%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.32%
In Europe, stocks moved mostly sideways, breaking a five-day winning streak in the U.K. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 0.7% higher and 1.1% lower, respectively.
In the U.S, the consumer goods, financials and healthcare sectors showed the best gains while the 'expensive defensives' in telecommunications and utilities ended lower.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a modest jump in the S&P/ASX 200 at the open.
But given we are in the middle of reporting season, there are plenty of companies to keep your eye on today.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) reported its half-year results today with profits up 2% and dividends one cent higher.
The a2 Milk Company Ltd (Australia) (ASX: A2M) reported an 84% increase in revenue for its half-year ended 31 December 2016. Profit rose an incredible 290%.
Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd. (ASX: DMP) released its eagerly anticipated half-year report, with profit up 30.8%.
Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA) reported a 5% increase in profit for its half year, Ruralco Holdings Ltd (ASX: RHL) shares entered a trading halt pending a capital raising, and IOOF Holdings Limited (ASX: IFL) announced a 45% drop in profit.
Lastly, retail giant Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) announced a 4.3% increase in half-year revenue and a profit 13.2% higher than last year.
