Today, the local sharemarket is expected to open lower following mixed leads from international markets overnight.
US shares closed flat (the Dow Jones finished up 0.01%) ahead of the Thanksgiving weekend and in reaction to mixed economic data. Meanwhile, London's FTSE 100 climbed 0.96% higher with all major European markets bouncing back from Tuesday's big falls.
However, FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) closed down 2.55% and 1.08%, respectively.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is pointing to a modest 9-point fall in the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO).
In particular focus will be shares of Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW), Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX: BOQ), Primary Health Care Limited (ASX: PRY) and SEEK Limited (ASX: SEK), who are expected to hold their Annual General Meetings today.
ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ) announced its half-year report to the market this morning. The $2 billion testing services company announced a slight 2.2% fall in profit for the six-month period ended 30 September 2015, but its shares entered a trading halt as it also announced it would undertake a $324.8 million capital raising to strengthen its balance sheet and provide flexibility.
Also reporting results this morning was Gentrack Group Ltd (ASX: GTK), which announced a 9.2% jump in full-year revenue and more than doubled its profit before tax for its 2015 financial year.
In broker news, Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) has seen its price target cut by analysts at UBS, who cited increased competition and cyclical pressures, according to Fairfax. UBS maintained their 'neutral' rating on Wesfarmers. Bell Potter analysts retained their 'buy' rating on shares of Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB), with a $3.00 price target, according to Fairfax.
