The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to open marginally lower this morning as earnings season draws to a close. Signs that the US Federal Reserve may hike interest rates as soon as next month could also weigh on investor confidence.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.31%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.55%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.8%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.29%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.13%
Earnings season has, for the most part, come to an end. Estia Health Ltd (ASX: EHE), Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) and Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) are all expected to report their earnings results today, but their results are unlikely to move the market's dial in any significant way.
That said, Estia Health has had a tough run over the last 12 months or so, with its shares falling particularly hard since late in May. Today's earnings results could see the shares swing strongly in either direction.
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) could come under pressure today, as well. The iron ore price dropped nearly 4% during the latest session, according to The Metal Bulletin, and is now fetching a little more than US$59 a tonne. Some economists suggest a heavy fall in the second-half of 2016 isn't out of the question.
Gold miners such as St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) and Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) could also be in focus. The prospect of a hike in interest rates in the United States could lead to a fall in gold prices, which would almost certainly weigh on the shares of miners in the sector.
Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd. (ASX: DMP) could be on the agenda as well following an article in The Australian Financial Review suggesting it could acquire the remainder of Domino's Japan. Shares of Domino's Pizza Enterprises have almost doubled in price over the last 12 months, but have retreated marginally in the last two weeks or so.
Finally, Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL) shares fell sharply on Friday following the release of its earnings results. Prior to that, the shares had enjoyed a strong rally over the past two months, but investors are likely becoming impatient with the group's slow progress in strengthening the brand.