The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to trade lower today following mixed leads from international markets.
Here's a recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.56%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.55%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.29%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.27%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 0.22%
In London, a day before the UK votes on whether to stay in or leave the European Union, shares traded slightly higher. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) ended 1% and 1.4% higher, respectively.
US markets finished lower with oil prices and earnings reports weighing on sentiment. Shares in the healthcare and consumer staples sectors were the best performing.
Closer to home, the Sydney Futures Exchange is tipping a 16 point, or 0.3%, fall in the S&P/ASX 200.
Shares in focus will include Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG). This morning, the iron ore miner announced it issued a further US$500 million debt repayment notice. Fortescue's Chief Financial Officer, Stephen Pearce, said total debt repayments conducted during FY16 stand at $US2.9 billion.
Sims Metal Management Ltd (ASX: SGM) updated earnings guidance for the second of its 2016 financial year. The company now expects underlying operating earnings between $55 million and $65 million.
Fleetwood Corporation Limited (ASX: FWD) announced the establishment of an exclusive supply agreement with National Lifestyle Villages.
GPT Group (ASX: GPT) announced its latest distribution of 11.5 cents per security. APA Group (ASX: APA) announced it will pay 22.5 cents per security.
Finally, in broker news:
- UBS analysts raised their Healthscope Ltd (ASX: HSO) price target 3.2% to $3.20;
- Deutsche Bank analysts raised their BlueScope Steel Limited (ASX: BSL) price target 11% to $6.73; and
- Citi analysts raised their Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) price target 37% to $1.25, according to Dow Jones Newswires.