The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO)(ASX: XJO) is expected to open flat on Friday, with shares of Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) and Tatts Group Limited (ASX: TTS) in focus.
Here's a quick recap of global markets:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.7%
- DAX (Germany): down 0.2%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.3%
- Dow Jones (USA): flat
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.4%
In London, a rising British pound weighed on blue chip stocks, with BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) shares ending 2% and 1.2% lower, respectively.
In the US, the Dow Jones finished lower, however, good reports from technology stocks pushed the NASDAQ higher. Paypal and Twitter shares rose 6% and 5%, respectively.
Closer to home the ASX 200 is expected to open slightly lower.
Shares in focus will include energy and gas companies, such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO), Origin Energy Ltd and AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL). An overnight fall in oil prices together with the Australian government's decision to restrict gas exports could see each company's shares come under pressure.
Although they are not reporting today Australia's big banks, including National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), will be in focus ahead of their financial results next week.
This morning, Tatts Group Limited released an update stating that it had fully assessed the takeover proposal from Pacific Consortium, but noted that its proposed merger with Tabcorp Holdings Limited (ASX: TAH) provides better value for shareholders.
Berkeley Energia Ltd (ASX: BKY) released its quarterly report to the market saying that the development of the Salamanca mine is progressing well.
Airxpanders Inc (ASX: AXP) reported its quarterly results, showing a rise in revenue.
Finally, analysts at Macquarie raised their IOOF Holdings Limited (ASX: IFL) price target 2.4% to $8.70, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
