The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO)(ASX: XJO) is expected to open lower on Monday, with shares of RCG Corporation Ltd (ASX: RCG) and Catapult Group International Ltd (ASX: CAT) in focus.
Here's a quick recap of global markets:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.5%
- DAX (Germany): down 0.1%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.1%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.2%
- NASDAQ (USA): flat
In London, the blue chip index (FTSE 100) ended firmly lower on Friday as banks weighed on the market. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 1.9% and 1.1% higher, respectively.
In the U.S, markets ended lower following a disappointing first quarter GDP reading.
Closer to home, the ASX 200 is expected to open slightly lower today, following global markets.
Shares in focus will be the big banks, including National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), ahead of their reports later this week.
In company-specific news, RCG Corporation, the owner of The Athlete's Foot and more, today reported a market downgrade saying sales have fallen short of management's expectations. Concerningly, the RCG share price has fallen 24% over the past month.
Shares of technology business Catapult Group International have entered a trading halt, pending a capital raising.
Cimic Group Ltd (ASX: CIM) announced that its subsidiary Leighton Asia has been awarded a $436 million contract in Hong Kong.
Quintis Ltd (ASX: QIN), formally TFS Corporation, reported, "good progress" at Santalis, its pharmaceutical subsidiary.
Finally, analysts at Credit Suisse raised their ResMed Inc. (CHESS) (ASX: RMD) price target 2.6% to $9.70 while UBS analysts cut their AWE Limited (ASX: AWE) price target 4.8% to $0.60, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
