International share markets trended lower overnight, and the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is expected to follow in their footsteps when it opens at 10:00am AEST.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.68%
- DAX (Germany): down 0.58%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.83%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.45%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 0.66%
Corporate earnings results will continue to dominate the market's focus today, but perhaps none more so than BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP).
The miner posted a huge US$6.4 billion loss after the market closed on Tuesday, with underlying earnings per share of just US22.8 cents.
Depending on how the market responds, that could also move the dial for shares of BHP's rivals, including Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG).
However, there are a number of big-name businesses that will also report their own earnings results today.
Sonic Healthcare Limited (ASX: SHL) reported a 20.3% lift in revenue and a 29.8% increase in earnings. QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) said its own net profit was down a whopping 46% on the prior corresponding period to US$265 million.
And CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) reported an 8.6% rise in underlying sales revenue (constant currency basis) to US$5.9 billion, with underlying net profit (constant currency basis) up 5.2%. The healthcare business also announced changes at the board level.
Resorts and entertainment business Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) is also due to report its earnings, while Primary Health Care Limited (ASX: PRY) reported an underlying net profit of $104 million, which was in line with management expectations.
Meanwhile, respiratory care business Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd (ASX: FPH) has released a new humidification system which should capture the market's attention.
Some other companies to watch include Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) and BWX Ltd (ASX: BWX). Mesoblast shares were hit hard on Tuesday following a very strong rally, while BWX shares were sold off after the market expressed its disappointment in the group's earnings report.
