The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO)(ASX: XJO) is expected to open flat on Thursday, with shares of National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) and Vocus Group Ltd (ASX: VOC) in focus.
Here's a quick recap of global markets:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.2%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.2%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.1%
- Dow Jones (USA): flat
- NASDAQ (USA): down 0.4%
In London, the blue chip index closed slightly lower with the British pound falling 0.2%. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) finished 2.1% and 2.8% lower, respectively.
Across the pond, US markets ended slightly lower with some technology shares being led down by Apple Inc, which reported its quarterly results.
Closer to home, the ASX 200 is expected to open slightly lower.
Shares in focus will include National Australia Bank. This morning, the bank heavyweight reported a 2.3% rise in profit and dividend of 99 cents per share, in line with last year.
Also in focus, shares of Vocus Group will be closely watched today after the telecommunications business suffered a 27% sell-off yesterday.
Aconex Ltd (ASX: ACX) reaffirmed its guidance for operating profit of between $15 million and $18 million this financial year.
Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) updated the market on its trading performance noting that its profit has been in-line with expectations.
Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) released a presentation stating that it expects its 2017 operating profit to be a minimum of $97 million, which is at the top end of the range previously provided to the market. It also said the recent performance provides "good momentum into FY18".
Pleasingly for shareholders, Caltex Australia Limited's (ASX: CTX) proposed takeover of 46 Victorian service stations will not be opposed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Meanwhile, the ACCC has raised concerns with the proposed merger between media companies APN Outdoor Group Limited (ASX: APO) and oOh!media Limited (ASX: OML).
