The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is set to open slightly lower on Thursday despite gains from global markets.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.47%
- DAX (Germany): up 0.19%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.59%
- Dow Jones (USA): up 0.52%
- NASDAQ (USA): up 0.64%
In Europe, the financial sector pushed markets higher following positive commentary from the USA's Federal Reserve. FTSE-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) finished 1.9% and 0.3% higher, respectively.
In the U.S, comments from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen gave the market reason to think higher interest rates are on the cards in the near future. That commentary pushed shares in banks, financials and healthcare higher.
Closer to home there will be plenty of stocks to watch today.
Market darling Sydney Airport Holdings Ltd (ASX: SYD) today reported its full-year results, with passenger traffic and distributions growing meaningfully.
Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) reported a 14% fall in profits to 14.8 cents per share. However, the telco giant maintained its interim dividend of 15.5 cents.
Gold miner Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) reported a 17% jump in revenue with a profit of $136.7 million, up from a loss in the same half-year period 12 months earlier.
Slater & Gordon Limited (ASX: SGH) updated the market on its discussions with lenders, noting that they hope an agreement will be reached in coming months. It also said that its U.K. operations have not recovered as management had hoped and hinted at further non-cash impairments. It also said its Australian business has been "impacted by negative sentiment about the business and increased competition in key segments." That doesn't sound good.
Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP), formally known as Burson Group, reported a 34% increase in revenue and a 21% increase in profits per share for its half year.
Lastly, Hansen Technologies Limited (ASX: HSN) reported a 17% increase in revenue and 7% jump in net profit for its half year.
