The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) will look to defy a trend set by international markets when it opens today, with the futures market pointing to a 20-point rise.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.27%
- DAX (Germany): down 1.25%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.75%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.54%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.02%
Money transfer business OFX Group Ltd (ASX: OFX) has announced the appointment of its new CEO, Mr John Malcom, while also providing a trading update. It said that, against expectations, it endured a further decline in average transaction volumes from individual customer transactions originating in the UK.
GBST Holdings Limited (ASX: GBT) said it had experienced project delays during the first-half and deferred spending in the UK, which is the company's largest international market. It expects earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of around $8 million for the first half, and just $12 million for the full year.
Auckland International Airport Ltd (ASX: AIA) will likely receive some attention today after the infrastructure business reported its December traffic numbers. Its domestic passengers increased by 10.9% year-on-year.
Manufacturing business GUD Holdings Limited (ASX: GUD) reported a 1% decline in revenue for the first-half due to divestments, but a 10% increase in its Automotive division. Underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) rose 26% compared to the prior corresponding period.
Meanwhile, gold miners such as St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) and EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) could be in for a good day today after the gold price soared to US$1,214 an ounce.
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