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): down 0.1%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.03%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.21%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.27%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.39%
In London, investors couldn't keep the market above breakeven following OPEC's inability to reach a deal on oil and after a forecast by UBS Wealth Management revealed 10% falls can be expected for the FTSE 100 if Britain leaves the Eurozone. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 0.87% and 0.13% lower, respectively.
US markets trended into positive territory as jobless claims numbers came in better-than-expected. According to Trading Economics, unemployment sits at just 5% in the US.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 40-point, or 0.7%, rise in the S&P/ASX 200.
Shares in focus will include Billabong International Limited (ASX: BBG). This morning, the surfwear company said its largest brand has continued to widen its lead in the core surf sector in the United States.
Also under the microscope, shares of biotechnology business Mesoblast Limited (ASX: MSB) remain in a trading halt.
In broker news:
- Macquarie analysts raised their Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) price target from $9.21 to $10.23;
- Canaccord Genuity analysts initiated AWE Limited (ASX: AWE) shares with a 'hold' rating and $0.96 price target
- UBS analysts cut their Sirtex Medical Limited (ASX: SRX) price target 8.2% to $40.75, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
