The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade higher today following mixed leads from international markets.
Here's a recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.27%
- DAX (Germany): down 0.59%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.45%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.53%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.21%
In London, shares started off weak but rebounded to end only marginally lower. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 2.4% and 1.1% lower, respectively.
Across the pond, US markets ended slightly higher as the dollar began to weaken against the British pound. Shares in the consumer staples and utilities sectors were the best performing.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 35-point, or 0.7%, rise from the S&P/ASX 200.
Shares in focus will include Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN). Following the announcement of a proposed restructure, S&P Global Ratings placed Crown on credit watch with negative implications citing less diversification.
This morning, litigation specialist IMF Bentham Ltd (ASX: IMF) announced the funding of a new US case with an initial claim value of $35 million.
Doray Minerals Limited (ASX: DRM) said drilling results at its Gnaweeda Project showed signs of gold mineralisation, including "several outstanding high-grade results."
Superloop Ltd (ASX: SLC) shares entered a trading halt this morning pending the announcement of a proposed capital raising.
Finally, in broker news:
- Deutsche Bank analysts cut their Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX: VAH) price target 32% to $0.30;
- Macquarie analysts cut their Alumina Limited (ASX: AWC) price target 15% to $1.40; and
- Morgan Stanley analysts raised their JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) price target 13% to $26, according to Dow Jones Newswires.