S&P/ASX 200 to open lower: 5 shares to watch

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

| More on:
a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

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

Here's a recap:

  • Dow Jones (USA): down 0.45%
  • NASDAQ (USA): down 1.1%
  • FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.10%
  • DAX (Germany): up 0.33%
  • CAC 40 (France): down.18%

In Europe, major markets bucked off concerns from the Brussels incident earlier in the week to post gains. In London, renewed fears of a Brexit (Britain exciting the Eurozone) saw the British pound fall against the basket of major currencies. As a result mining shares were sold down. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) fell 1.85% and 1.46%, respectively.

In the US, technology shares weighed on markets with the NASDAQ falling more than 1%. Shares of Apple Inc, Alphabet Inc (formerly Google), Microsoft and Twitter fell – the latter by more than 5%.

Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 34-point, or 0.6%, fall in the S&P/ASX 200.

Shares in focus will include Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ). This morning, the retail banking behemoth updated the market on its expected credit quality. It said it expects credit charges to rise from $800 million, reported 17 February 2016, by at least another $100 million. While the size of the increase isn't a game-changer for ANZ, investors will no doubt be questioning whether the banking cycle is finally turning down.

Meanwhile, Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) notes ENN Group's acquisition of Hony Capital's 11.7% shareholding in the oil and gas giant. ENN Group agreed to buy the "strategic stake" in Santos for $US750 million.

Junior technology business, Infomedia Limited (ASX: IFM), announced the appointment of Mr Richard Leon as Chief Financial Officer following the resignation of Mr Russell King. Mr Leon was previously CFO of Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) from 2008 to 2015.

Finally, in broker news, Goldman Sachs analysts raised their price target on TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM) 3.5% to $11.70 while Morgans analysts cut their price target on Kathmandu Holdings Ltd (ASX: KMD) shares 3.5% to $1.66, 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. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Apple, Microsoft, and Twitter. 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 owns shares of Altium. 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.

More on ⏸️ Investing

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »

⏸️ Investing

Why Fox (NASDAQ:FOX) might hurt News Corp (ASX:NWS) shareholders

News Corporation (ASX: NWS) might be facing some existential threats from its American cousins over the riots on 6 January

Read more »