S&P/ASX 200 to open higher: 6 shares to watch

The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade higher following mixed leads from international markets overnight. Shares in focus will include Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX:ANZ), New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX:NHC) and TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX:TPM).

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The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade higher today following mixed leads from international markets overnight.

Here's a recap:

  • Dow Jones (USA): up 0.12%
  • NASDAQ (USA): up 0.28%
  • FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.08%
  • DAX (Germany): down 0.02%
  • CAC 40 (France): down 0.78%

In Europe, shares were mostly flat as commodities markets failed to fire. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) closed 0.9% and 0.3% lower, respectively.

In the US, the energy sector weighed on markets but a lift in the healthcare and telecommunications sectors helped markets edge higher.

Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping an 11-point, or 0.2%, rise in the S&P/ASX 200.

Shares in focus will include TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM). The telecommunications company, which recently acquired iiNet, today reported an 84% jump in revenue and 90% increase in profit for its most recent half-year. Earnings per share climbed 83%.

Meanwhile, Kathmandu Holdings Ltd (ASX: KMD) released its half-year report showing a 9% increase in revenue and a profit of NZ$9.4 million. The company said the results were in line with its expectations.

New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC) reported a 14% decline in half-year revenue but a net profit after tax of $2.7 million – up from a loss of $23 million last year.

Litigation funder, IMF Bentham Ltd (ASX: IMF) announced its intention to raise between $30 million and $50 million via a notes (i.e. debt) offer. The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes and to fund growth initiatives in Australia.

Silver Chef Limited (ASX: SIV) shares are in a trading halt pending an announcement of a capital raising.

Finally, in broker news, UBS analysts downgraded Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) shares from 'Buy' to 'Neutral', according to Dow Jones Newswires.

Motley Fool Contributor Owen Raszkiewicz does not have a financial interest in any company mentioned. Owen welcomes -- and encourages -- your feedback on Google+, LinkedIn or you can follow him on Twitter @ASXinvest. Unless otherwise noted, the author does not have a position in any stocks mentioned by the author in the comments below. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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