S&P/ASX 200 set to open lower: 9 shares to watch

The S&P/ASX 200 (Index:^AXJO) (ASX:XJO) is expected to trade lower today following mixed leads from international markets. Shares in focus will include Dominos Pizza Enterprises Ltd. (ASX:DMP), FONTERRA ORD UNIT (ASX:FSF), Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX:AAL) and Rubik Financial Limited (ASX:RFL).

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

Here's a recap:

  • FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.56%
  • DAX (Germany): up 0.92%
  • CAC 40 (France): up 0.62%
  • Dow Jones (USA): down 1.05%
  • NASDAQ (USA): down 0.41%

In London, FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 0.1% and 1% higher, respectively.

US markets ended lower on Friday as oil prices retreated and poor earnings reports from retailers dented investors' enthusiasm. The energy and financial sectors were the worst-performing.

Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 15-point, or 0.2%, fall in the S&P/ASX 200.

Shares in focus on the market today will include FONTERRA ORD UNIT (ASX: FSF). This morning, the dairy cooperative released its global dairy update. It also announced it will release part of its forecast final dividend earlier than expected, "to support farmers during a time of extremely tight on-farm cash flows," the company said. Fonterra will pay a 10 cents per share dividend.

Shares of National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) will also be in focus. According to the Wall Street Journal, Australia's third largest bank raised around $US327 million through a Singapore-dollar subordinated tier 2 bond offering.

Rubik Financial Limited (ASX: RFL) announced it has partnered with MyState Limited (ASX: MYS) to help transform their digital channels and customer experience offering.

Finally, in recent broker news:

  • Morgan Stanley analysts raised their Dominos Pizza Enterprises Ltd. (ASX: DMP) price target 14% to $80;
  • Deutsche Bank analysts raised their Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: AAL) price target 29% to $14.20; and
  • UBS downgraded AMP Limited (ASX: AMP) shares to 'Neutral' from 'Buy', 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 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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