The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is poised to open relatively flat this morning following a 0.4% rise on Thursday. As it stands, the main bourse sits at 5,794 points.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.3%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.09%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.03%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.14%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 0.18%
The IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH) share price could remain in focus today after the shares surged 8.5% higher on Thursday, making it the top-performing share from the ASX 200 cohort. The shares have risen more than 15% over the past three sessions.
The Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) share price rose strongly on Thursday as well, which could attract more attention today, along with gold miner Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST).
The gold price rose 0.2% overnight to US$1,294 an ounce, which could boost Northern Star's shares even further.
At the other end of the spectrum, shares of Retail Food Group Limited (ASX: RFG) and Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) struggled on Thursday. Investors will be hoping for a better performance today.
Finally, SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited-Ord (ASX: SKC) announced this morning that it has acquired NPT Limited's interest in the AA Centre for $47 million. Skycity said the acquisition is consistent with its intention to consolidate control over its Auckland precinct as part of the Auckland master planning being undertaken.
