The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade higher today following positive leads from international markets.
Here's a recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.70%
- DAX (Germany): up 1.47%
- CAC 40 (France): up 1.13%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.82%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.70%
In London, the FTSE-100 ended higher thanks to a rise in oil prices. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 2.51% and 1.44% higher, respectively.
US markets ended firmly in the green following Europe's lead. Oil prices also lifted. The energy and materials sectors were best-performing, while utilities was the only sector to end in the red.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 34-point, or 0.6%, rise in the S&P/ASX 200.
Shares in focus will include Gentrak Group Ltd (ASX: GTK). The software and services business this morning reported half-year revenue growth of 26% and profit up 21%.
FONTERRA ORD UNIT (ASX: FSF), the dairy co-operative, announced an increase of 35 cents on the forecast Farmgate Milk Price to $4.25 per kilogram milk solid (kgMS) for the 2016/17 season. "Conditions on farm are very challenging," Chairman, John Wilson, said. "The strength of the Co-operative's balance sheet is enabling us to increase the advance rate in the first half of the new season."
Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) updated the market on its GLNG project saying train two has began producing LNG for the first time. "GLNG train 2 start-up adds to Santos' LNG portfolio, which also includes the Darwin LNG and PNG LNG projects," Santo's CEO, Kevin Gallagher, said.
Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) reported half-year revenue growth of 44% and profit growth of 105% for its most recent half-year reporting period.
In broker news:
- Bell Potter analysts raised their Patties Foods Limited (ASX: PFL) price target 2.1% to $1.45;
- Credit Suisse analysts upgraded Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) to 'Outperform' with a $38.61 price target; and
- Macquarie analysts raised their Ardent Leisure Group (ASX: AAD) price target 2.2% to $2.32, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
