The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO)(ASX: XJO) is expected to open higher on Friday, with shares of Oz Minerals Limited (ASX: OZL) and Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) in focus.
Here's a quick recap of global markets:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.1%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.1%
- CAC 40 (France): up 1.5%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.8%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.8%
In London, shares closed higher for the first time since Prime Minister Theresa May announced a general election to strengthen her government ahead of the UK leaving the European Union.
FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) closed 0.3% lower and 0.6% higher, respectively.
In the US, markets ended higher as renewed hopes of tax cuts spurred investors and oil prices stabilised.
Closer to home, the S&P/ASX 200 is expected to open higher.
Shares in focus will include Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL), which this morning released its quarterly activities report showing a 55% rise in quarterly sales volumes.
Regis Resources reported a slight reduction in gold production for its most recent quarter. However, the company is expected to exceed its yearly production forecasts.
Gold and copper miner OZ Minerals released its March quarter report, with a positive update on it Carrapateena project.
Also in focus today, shares of listed investment company (LIC) WAM Capital Limited (ASX: WAM) will enter a trading halt ahead of a proposed capital raising.
Meanwhile, small-cap technology business Bulletproof Group Ltd (ASX: BPF) has announced the appointment of Paula Kensington as Chief Financial Officer.
Finally, in broker news, Credit Suisse analysts raised their Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) price target 13% to $13.50 and their Brambles Limited (ASX: BXB) price target 4.7% to $8.90, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
