The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) appears set to decline today following a negative session for international markets. The futures market is pointing to a 22-point decline at the opening bell.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.25%
- DAX (Germany): down 1.11%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.56%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.11%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 0.04%
BlueScope Steel Limited (ASX: BSL) increased its earnings guidance for the half year this morning, saying it expects operating earnings (EBIT) to be around $460 million, up from previous guidance of $420 million.
The company also provided an update on how it expects to benefit from U.S. Tax Reform, saying "BlueScope expects its U.S. earnings will benefit through a lower federal tax rate, with an anticipated 7 per cent decrease in FY2017 and 11 per cent decrease thereafter." It noted that the benefit will be partly offset by a toll charge on foreign earnings, although that isn't expected to be material.
The Retail Food Group Limited (ASX: RFG) share price could again receive some attention today after dropping another 18% on Wednesday. The shares have declined 43% this week and 63% over the past fortnight.
Other businesses that could receive some attention today include Sirtex Medical Limited (ASX: SRX), which gained 4.8% on Wednesday, and Mayne Pharma Group Ltd (ASX: MYX) which fell 2.8%.
