The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to rise marginally when trading opens this morning, following a positive night for Wall Street off the back of merger and acquisition activity.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.49%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.47%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.36%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.43%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 1%
Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL) and Healthscope Ltd (ASX: HSO) will receive plenty of attention today.
Coca-Cola Amatil's shares plunged on Monday after investors were disappointed by the beverage bottler's update into its strategic review. Meanwhile, Healthscope shares have plunged more than 23% over the past two sessions.
Speaking of heavy declines, Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN), SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited-Ord (ASX: SKC) and Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) will likely remain in focus. The trio have all fallen heavily after a number of Crown's employees were arrested in China, sparking concerns regarding growth for the industry from that region.
There are also a number of businesses holding their Annual General Meetings today. Among those are Sirtex Medical Limited (ASX: SRX), Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA), Worleyparsons Limited (ASX: WOR) and Tabcorp Holdings Limited (ASX: TAH).
Greencross Limited (ASX: GXL) and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) will hold their AGMs today as well. Greencross said it had enjoyed a stronger trading performance in September and October.
Finally, media business APN News and Media Limited (ASX: APN) entered a trading halt this morning, pending the acquisition of Adshel as well as a capital raising.