The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade higher today following mixed leads from international markets on Friday.
Here's a recap:
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.61%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.92%
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.47%
- DAX (Germany): down 1.71%
- CAC 40 (France): down 1.43%
In Europe, markets ended lower on the back of a slide in oil prices and employment data out of the US. The resources sector was hit particularly hard, shares of Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) ended the week 0.6% and 1.3% lower, respectively.
US markets finished the week strongly with the materials and consumer goods sectors pushing higher.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 23-point, or 0.4%, rise in the S&P/ASX 200.
Vista Group International Ltd (ASX: VGL) shares will be in focus. This morning, Vista Group announced the acquisition of a 50% stake in London-based entertainment industry marketing, music video and creative content company, Powster Limited.
Ziptel Ltd (ASX: ZIP) announced its Ambassador Campaign drove 2 million installs in four weeks.
iCar Asia Ltd (ASX: ICQ) has appointed Hamish stone as CEO, starting June 2016. Mr Stone has relevant experience from a previous role in the Netherlands. Carsales.Com Ltd (ASX: CAR) is a major shareholder of iCar Asia.
Aconex Ltd (ASX: ACX) announced it signed a three-year enterprise agreement with Fluor Corporation for project information and process management for its projects worldwide. "Our enterprise agreement with Fluor is a key milestone," Aconex CEO, Leigh Jasper, said.
Finally, in broker news, analysts at Deutsche Bank raised their Ten Network Holdings Limited (ASX: TEN) share price target from $0.16 to $0.95, while Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) analysts upped their price target on Downer EDI Limited (ASX: DOW) shares 9.5% to $4.05, according to Dow Jones Newswires.