S&P/ASX 200 set to open lower: 7 shares to watch

The S&P/ASX 200 (Index:^AXJO) (ASX:XJO) is expected to trade lower today following negative leads from international markets overnight. Shares in focus will include iSentia Group Ltd (ASX:ISD), CSR Limited (ASX:CSR), EVOLUTION FPO (ASX:EVN) and Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX:TLS).

| 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 S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade lower today following positive leads from international markets overnight.

Here's a recap:

  • Dow Jones (USA): down 0.98%
  • NASDAQ (USA): down 1.47%
  • FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.40%
  • DAX (Germany): down 0.98%
  • CAC 40 (France): down 0.9%

In Europe, markets pared back most of Wednesday's gains despite continued speculation of a pickup in merger and acquisition activity following the decision by Pfizer and Allergan not to merge. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 2.9% and 1.7% higher, respectively.

US markets suffered their biggest loss in six weeks, led lower by banks and technology shares. Shares of Bank of America and Goldman Sachs both fell more than 3%.

Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 47-point, or 1%, fall in the S&P/ASX 200.

Shares in focus will include OceanaGold Corporation (ASX: OGC). This morning, the gold producer announced a strategic investment in Canadian-listed Nulegacy Gold for $6.67 million.  

iSentia Group Ltd (ASX: ISD) announced it signed a new agreement with rights manager, the Copyright Agency. "This new agreement ensures our clients will receive high quality content from all the key publishers in Australia," Isentia CEO, John Croll, said.

CSR Limited's (ASX: CSR) chief financial officer (CFO), Greg Barnes, has resigned from his position to take on the CFO role at another ASX-listed company. He will remain with CSR until 30 June 2016.

EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) released its quarterly report showing record gold production and net mine cash flow. The gold producer's All-in Sustaining Cost (AISC) was $US732 per ounce.

Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) announced a €750 million ($1.14 billion) bond issuance with a coupon of 1.125% and maturity in 2026.

Finally, in broker news, analysts at Hartleys upped their Saracen Minerals Holdings Limited (ASX: SAR) price target 18% to $1.04, while Goldman Sachs analysts raised their Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) price target 6.5% to $16.50, according to Dow Jones Newswires.

Motley Fool Contributor Owen Raszkiewicz does not have a financial interest in any company mentioned. Owen welcomes -- and encourages -- your feedback on Google+, LinkedIn or you can follow him on Twitter @ASXinvest. 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 »