The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to open this morning's session virtually unchanged. The Australian dollar, on the other hand, has trended lower towards US76 cents.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.09%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.09%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.09%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.09%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.3%
The Reserve Bank of Australia will be happy with the Australian dollar's decline. It will turn its attention to Wednesday's Consumer Price Index (CPI) data release which could be a deciding factor as to whether or not to cut interest rates any further, starting with its meeting on Tuesday, 1 November.
Today, Healthscope Ltd (ASX: HSO) and SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited-Ord (ASX: SKC) will be in focus. The pair's share prices collapsed on Friday last week off the back of disappointing trading updates.
SkyCity in particular had already been under pressure following the arrests of 18 staff members of its rival, Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN). Meanwhile, The Australian Financial Review reported that Matt Bekier, CEO of Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR), has also cancelled his trip to Macau as a result of the events.
While the gaming and entertainment businesses struggled last week, aerial imaging business Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA) saw its shares soar higher. They ended last week at 89 cents and investors will likely take another look at the business this week.
Travel agency business Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) could receive some attention after a team of students from Griffith University, taking part in the annual CFA Institute Research challenge, labelled the stock a "sell". According to The AFR, they think the shares are 9% overvalued based on Friday's closing price.
Energy businesses such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (ASX: LNG) could receive a boost from a rising oil price, while gold and iron ore both remained mostly flat.
Finally, Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) will hold its Annual General Meeting in Queensland today, whereby any material announcements could move the dial on its share price.
