The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade lower today following negative leads from international market overnight.
Here's a recap:
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.75%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 0.98%
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 1.19%
- DAX (Germany): down 2.63%
- CAC 40 (France): down 2.18%
In Europe, markets fell into the red as the IMF warned of the potential implications of China's recent jitters and global growth, and Germany's factory orders dropped to a six-month low. Resources and energy shares fell lower, with FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ending down 5% and 3%, respectively.
In the US, the financial and utilities sectors dragged markets lower as bears began to worry ahead of the upcoming reporting season results.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping an 18-point, or 0.3%, fall in the S&P/ASX 200.
Shares in focus will include Orion Health Group Ltd (ASX: OHE). This morning, the healthcare data business announced it had signed an agreement with Metro North, Queensland's largest health service platform, to use its Referrals Management platform.
Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank PLC, found on Google Finance as CYBG PLC CDI 1:1 (ASX: CYB), announced the appointment of Mark Thundercliffe as Chief Risk Officer. CYB PLC was recently split from National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) following years of shareholder pressure.
Gold miner Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited (ASX: SAR) released a market update saying its annual production rate is set to double to 300,000 ounces, it has $34.3 million cash and no debt. "Saracen is in an enviable position to build a significant cash position," Saracen Managing director, Raleigh Finlayson, said.
Finally, in broker news, analysts at Morgan Stanley initiated coverage over Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) shares with a price target of $70, while UBS analysts raised their Retail Food Group Limited (ASX: RFG) price target 3.7% to $5.65.
