The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade higher today following positive leads from international markets overnight.
Here's a recap:
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.90%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.23%
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.42%
- DAX (Germany): down 0.91%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.45%
In Europe, major markets reacted to the US Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates on hold earlier in the week. A Bank of England decision to keep its rates on hold also bolstered markets. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 7.7% and 3.7% higher, respectively.
In the US, the Dow Jones Industrial Average extended yesterday's gains to end above its opening level on the first day of 2016, paring back losses from a volatile start to the year. The materials and industrials were the best-performing sectors.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 24-point, or 0.4%, rise in the S&P/ASX 200.
Shares in focus on the market today will include the resources sector heavyweights BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) following a rally in prices overnight.
Also in focus will be shares of Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV). This morning, the owner of popular retail brands like Smiggle, Just Jeans, Peter Alexander and more, reported a 14.5% rise in revenue and 26% increase in profit for the half-year period ended 30 January 2016.
Sirtex Medical Limited (ASX: SRX) announced the departure of Mike Mangano, the company's President of the Americas region. Mr Mangano will leave Sirtex to explore new career challenges.
Melbourne IT Limited (ASX: MLB) said it successfully completed a $15 million capital raising to professional and sophisticated investors. The capital raising follows Melbourne IT's decision to acquire InfoReady for $15.4 million and the disposal of its international domain business for between $8.1 million and $8.5 million.
Sydney Airport Holdings Ltd (ASX: SYD) reported traffic numbers for the month of February revealing an 8.5% increase in domestic and 12.7% increase in international travellers, compared to the prior corresponding period.
Finally, Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) announced a 9.99% acquisition of shares in Southern Cross Media Group Limited (ASX: SXL) from Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).
