The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO)(ASX: XJO) is expected to open flat on Thursday.
Here's a quick recap of global markets:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.1%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.1%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.4%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.1%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 0.1%
In London, the blue-chip index traded mostly flat as investors await next week's general elections. Many fear the government may lose seats in parliament. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 1.6% and 2.4% lower, respectively.
Across the pond, US markets also traded flat, despite a modest selloff in energy and materials. Oil prices fell as much as 2.8%.
Closer to home, the ASX 200 is expected to open slightly lower today.
Shares in focus will include Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd. (ASX: DMP). The pizza chain's shares are down more than 7% over the past five days, as the company says a review of its industrial compliance program continues.
Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD) shares will also be in focus after the agricultural business announced it had completed the divestment of its live export logistics business.
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) announced that the average risk weight for its residential mortgages will increase following a review by APRA of its capital model. However, it expects no additional capital management actions are required.
APA Group (ASX: APA) announced the acquisition of the Orbost Gas Processing Plant, in eastern Victoria. APA will purchase, update and operate the facility, which is currently owned by Cooper Energy Ltd. (ASX: COE). However, the deal remains subject to a debt raising and final investment decision by Cooper Energy.
Finally, Macquarie analysts raised their Amcor Limited (ASX: AMC) price target 2.4% to $17.17, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
