The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is set to open slightly lower on Tuesday despite modest gains from global markets.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.4%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.6%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.05%
- Dow Jones (USA): closed
- NASDAQ (USA): closed
In Europe, markets ended mostly higher despite news that the huge merger deal between Unilever Plc and Kraft Heinz had fallen through. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) finished 1.16% and 0.7% higher, respectively.
As U.K. parliamentarians debate whether Donald Trump should be allowed to visit their country on a state-sponsored trip, across the pond U.S. markets were closed for President's Day.
Closer to home, the Australian market or S&P/ASX 200 is expected to open slightly lower.
However, given we are in the middle of reporting season there will be plenty of company updates hitting the market.
For example, construction software business Aconex Ltd (ASX: ACX) reports its half-year results today. Last month, Aconex warned of soft conditions and forecast a reduction in operating profit growth — shares have since fallen 34%.
Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) will also be reporting its eagerly anticipated results today.
Other reports include:
- Online employment business Seek Limited (ASX: SEK)
- Westfield shopping centre property owner, Scentre Group (ASX: SCG)
- Financier FlexiGroup Limited (ASX: FXL), and
- Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH), which reports its full-year results
Around 4:15 pm Melbourne time BHP Billiton reports its half year results.
In my opinion, the Seek results will be especially interesting, given the ongoing push of LinkedIn, Indeed, and other competing job portals.
Analysts are also expecting a big jump in profit from Oil Search following the rebound in oil prices. The company's outlook will also be closely scrutinised.
