The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) looks set to follow its international counterparts lower today with the futures market pointing to a 19-point decline at the opening bell.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.54%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.02%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.01%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.56%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 0.89%
Hunter Hall International Ltd (ASX: HHL) and Hunter Hall Global Value Ltd (ASX: HHV) shares are likely to remain in a trading halt today. The shares didn't trade on Wednesday pending the announcement of the resignation of the pair's Chief Investment Officer, Mr Peter Hall.
Iron ore and oil prices both rose again overnight, which could provide another boost for shares such as BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG). Rio Tinto Limited's (ASX: RIO) London-listed shares advanced 3.7% overnight as well, which could help boost its shares today.
Gold declined marginally, although it was still sitting around US$1,140 an ounce. The Australian dollar also declined marginally to US71.8 cents.
Sydney Airport Holdings Ltd (ASX: SYD) could receive some attention today, as well. According to The Australian Financial Review, the Turnbull government said it is prepared to develop Sydney's second airport itself if Sydney Airport, which has a right of first refusal, does not take on the project by mid-May.
Speculative human resources business 1-Page Ltd (ASX: 1PG) issued a clarifying statement regarding the transition of its CEO, Joanna Riley, into a more developmental role. Its shares fell 1 cent or 5.2% during Wednesday's session.
Another couple of shares worth watching today include Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW) and Audio Pixels Holdings Ltd (ASX: AKP). Woolworths' shares rose on the news it would sell its Fuel business while Audio Pixels plunged following a business update.
