Last week the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) managed to carve out of a weekly gain of 0.6% to finish at 5,788 points despite the heightened levels of volatility on international markets.
While investors may be hoping for more of the same this week, that doesn't look likely to be the case on Monday.
Here are five things that could shape the market today:
S&P/ASX 200 set to open lower.
Unfortunately, global trade war fears are once again weighing heavily on investor sentiment and caused the Dow Jones Industrial Average, NASDAQ, and S&P 500 to each drop over 2% on Friday. Because of this, futures are pointing to the S&P/ASX 200 opening 33 points or 0.6% lower on Monday, wiping out all last week's gain.
Matt Comyn steps up as CBA CEO.
This morning Matt Comyn will step up to the role of CEO at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), replacing the retiring Ian Narev. After a thorough global search and a rigorous interview process, the bank's board concluded that Mr Comyn, 42, has the best mix of attributes and values needed to lead it.
Gold miners could push higher.
Australian gold miners including the likes of Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM), Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), and Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) could push higher on Monday as investors switch to risk off mode and turn their attention to safe haven assets. The spot gold price consolidated recent gains on Friday, finishing the week at US$1,331 an ounce.
Eyes will be on Blue Sky and Glaucus.
The Blue Sky Alternative Investments Ltd (ASX: BLA) and Glaucus Research battle will be on watch again this week. Blue Sky's shares finished the week with a move higher after investor sentiment improved amid news that directors were buying shares on-market. This may not last long if Glaucus strikes again.
Shares going ex-dividend.
This morning the shares of Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH) and Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW) will go ex-dividend for their respective interim dividends. Elsewhere, eligible shareholders of Reject Shop Ltd (ASX: TRS) will receive the retailer's interim 24 cents per share dividend in their nominated accounts.
