Morning market movers: 9 shares to watch

The S&P/ASX 200 (Index:^AXJO) (ASX:XJO) is expected to open lower. Shares of Qantas Airways Limited (ASX:QAN) and MYOB Group Ltd (ASX:MYO) will be in focus.

| More on:
a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The local S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AJXO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to open higher following positive leads from US markets overnight.

Here's a recap:

  • Dow Jones (USA) – up 0.72%
  • NASDAQ (USA): up 0.93%
  • FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.29%
  • DAX (Germany) – down 1.04%
  • EURO STOXX 50 (Europe) – down 1.46%

In the US, technology companies led markets higher, with shares of Apple, Microsoft and Alphabet Inc (formally Google) all ending in positive territory.

However, a 1.7% fall in Brent crude oil to $US36.27 a barrel overnight took the total decline in prices to 19% this month, and means oil prices are now at their lowest level in 11 years, according to the Fairfax Press.

In Europe, energy companies weighed on markets. FTSE-listed shares of Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) closed mostly flat.

Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 20-poiunt jump from the S&P/ASX 200.

Shares of Asciano Ltd (ASX: AIO) and Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB) will be in focus after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said it would consult the market on the proposed takeover of Asciano by a consortium led by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP. Rail and ports business, Qube, has also entered a bid for Asciano.

After the announcement of the resignation of Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) director, James Packer, shares of the casino and resorts operator will again be in focus.

So too will shares of accounting software providers Reckon Limited (ASX: RKN) and MYOB Group Ltd (ASX: MYO). According to The Australian, speculation may be mounting for MYOB to launch a takeover offer for Reckon.

In broker news, Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) has been given an outperform rating by analysts at Credit Suisse, and Macquarie analysts lifted their price target on Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTM) shares to $12.50, from $11.77, according to Dow Jones Newswires.

Motley Fool writer/analyst Owen Raszkiewicz has no position in any stocks mentioned. Owen welcomes your feedback on Google plus (see below), LinkedIn or you can follow him on Twitter @ASXinvest. Unless otherwise noted, the author does not have a position in any stocks mentioned by the author in the comments below. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ⏸️ Investing

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »

⏸️ Investing

Why Fox (NASDAQ:FOX) might hurt News Corp (ASX:NWS) shareholders

News Corporation (ASX: NWS) might be facing some existential threats from its American cousins over the riots on 6 January

Read more »