The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) appears set to drop this morning. The futures market is pointing to a 68-point decline at the opening bell, following international markets lower in response to growing geopolitical tension.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 1.44%
- DAX (Germany): down 1.15%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.59%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.93%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 2.13%
National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) is due to provide its third quarter trading update today, following Commonwealth Bank of Australia's (ASX: CBA) annual results earlier in the week. NAB's performance today could also have an impact on shares of the other major banks.
The REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) share price could also move today with the online classifieds business reporting its full-year results.
Shares across the gold sector could also receive a boost today. The gold price continued to climb, rising to about US$1,286 an ounce, likely in response to the growing angst surrounding the situation with North Korea.
The Bellamy's Australia Ltd (ASX: BAL) share price will likely receive some attention from investors today. The BAL share price rose 7.8% on Thursday, and 12.2% over the past two sessions.
Likewise, Mayne Pharma Group Ltd (ASX: MYX) shares have actually lost 13.5% since Monday, which could keep the shares in focus again today as well.
