The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO)(ASX: XJO) is expected to open slightly higher on Monday, with Amaysim Australia Ltd (ASX: AYS) shares and Orion Health Group Ltd (ASX: OHE) shares in focus.
Here's a quick recap of global markets on Friday:
- FTSE 100 (UK): up 0.6%
- DAX (Germany): down 0.05%
- CAC 40 (France): up 0.3%
- Dow Jones (USA): flat
- NASDAQ (USA): flat
According to the Sydney Futures Exchange, the ASX 200 is tipped to open 14 points higher today.
Following last week's geopolitical events, the price of gold rallied from around $1,640 per ounce to over $1,680 per ounce. Despite the 9% share price rally of Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM), Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) and Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN), gold investors will be hoping the shiny metal's price can continue to rise.
Other shares in focus today include Orion Health Group Ltd. This morning, the Kiwi health technology company announced the appointment of Executive Vice President, Teri Thomas.
Meanwhile, telecommunications company Amaysim Australia Ltd announced the acquisition of Click Energy Group, an online energy retailer, for $120 million.
Falling iron ore prices may see selling pressure on shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG). Iron ore prices have fallen 20% since their peak in February.
According to The Metal Bulletin, prices of the steel-making ingredient fell 6.8% on Friday, to $US75.45 a tonne.
Finally, in broker news, Hartley's analysts rated Macmahon Holdings Limited (ASX: MAH) a 'speculative buy', while UBS analysts upgraded AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) shares from 'Neutral' to 'Buy', according to Dow Jones Newswires.
