S&P/ASX 200 set to fall: 9 shares to watch

The S&P/ASX 200 (Index:^AXJO) (ASX:XJO) is expected to trade slightly lower despite some positive leads from international markets. Shares in focus will include Praemium Limited (ASX:PPS), FlexiGroup Limited (ASX:FXL), National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX:NAB), Nearmap Ltd (ASX:NEA) and Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX:VAH).

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The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade slightly lower today despite some positive leads from international markets.

Here's a recap:

  • FTSE 100 (UK): closed
  • DAX (Germany): up 0.45%
  • CAC 40 (France): up 0.32%
  • Dow Jones (USA): closed
  • NASDAQ (USA): closed

In London, the market was closed for a public holiday. As a result, trading volumes in Europe were quite low, with US markets also closed on Monday. Nonetheless, Germany's DAX climbed slightly to a one-month high, while Paris' CAC 40 closed in the green.

Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 7-point, or 0.1%, fall in the S&P/ASX 200.

Shares in focus will include Praemium Limited (ASX: PPS). This morning, the SMA provider announced its Australian investment platform surpassed $3 billion of funds under administration. Over 40 fund managers now deliver 260 model portfolios.

National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) launched its Capital Notes 2 Offer, expecting to raise $750 million in additional tier 1 capital.

FlexiGroup Limited (ASX: FXL) updated the market on its profit guidance, including announcing $34.1 million in provisions and goodwill write-offs. The company said its statutory profit for its 2016 financial year would be down 35% year-over-year. Cash profit is expected to be up 8%. In its ASX release, the company said it aims to regain momentum into FY18 with a path to achieve double-digit cash profit growth.

Junior technology business Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA) announced a contract win in Australia, with an existing client, worth $1.1 million in annual revenue.

Engineering and infrastructure business RCR Tomlinson Limited (ASX: RCR) announced $108 million in new contracts.

Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX: VAH) updated the market on a strategic commercial alliance with a division of HNA Group, which will also see HNA make a $159 million equity investment in Virgin at an issue price of $0.30 per share.

Finally, in broker news:

  • UBS analysts raised their Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd (ASX: FPH) price target 13% to NZ$7.35;
  • Canaccord Genuity analysts initiated coverage of BWX Ltd (ASX: BWX) shares with a 'hold' rating and a price target of $4.87; and
  • Hartleys analysts initiated Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) shares as a 'speculative buy' with a price target of $0.33, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
Motley Fool Contributor Owen Raszkiewicz does not have a financial interest in any company mentioned in this article. 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.

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