The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is set to rise when the market opens again today, following on from yesterday's impressive gains. That is despite a minor setback on Wall Street overnight, although European markets did finish the session mostly higher.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.23%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.63%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.11%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.08%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 0.15%
Companies reporting their earnings will continue to be the focus for investors today.
REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) and Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) are some of the more notable companies that will report their results today. Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH) and Carsales.Com Ltd (ASX: CAR) are also expected to report their earnings.
Meanwhile, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) provided a trading update for the first three quarters. It reported a 3% dive in cash earnings to $5.2 billion as bad debt charges continue to drag on its results. Pleasingly, however, income increased at a faster rate than expenses, while its net interest margin remained stable.
ANZ's results today could also have an impact on shares of National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC). Commonwealth Bank of Australia's (ASX: CBA) shares could also be impacted ahead of the bank's own results, set to be released on Wednesday.
Shares in the resources industry could also move the dial today. Iron ore and oil prices rose, which bodes well for BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL), while gold prices also rebounded which should help companies such as St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) and EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) recover from yesterday's losses.
Speaking of losses, investors in iCar Asia Ltd (ASX: ICQ) and MMA Offshore Ltd (ASX: MRM) will hope for a calmer day today. iCar Asia shares plunged nearly 17% on Monday, while MMA Offshore lost almost 3% after shedding as much as 13% during the session.
Also keep an eye on Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) and FlexiGroup Limited (ASX: FXL) today. The pair rose strongly on Monday after announcing a new agreement together which will see FlexiGroup provide interest-free finance to approved travellers across Australia.
