The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) ended a disappointing week with a small decline on Friday.
Will the market be able to bounce back with a move higher on Monday? Here are five things to watch:
ASX futures pointing higher.
According to the latest SPI futures, the Australian share market is expected to open the day higher on Monday. Futures are pointing to the market opening the day 21 points or 0.3% higher following a positive end to the week on Wall Street. The Dow Jones rose 0.54%, the S&P 500 climbed 0.46%, and the Nasdaq was 0.1% higher.
Oil prices slide lower.
Energy shares could come under a little bit of pressure on Monday after oil prices took a hit on Friday. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price fell 0.7% to US$68.49 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price slipped 0.3% to US$73.21 a barrel.
Amcor eyes major acquisition.
The AFR is reporting that packaging giant Amcor Limited (ASX: AMC) is planning to make a $7 billion acquisition of US-based rival Bemis Company through an all-scrip deal. Sources have stated that a deal will be signed this week and is likely to result in a US-listing for Amcor.
Goldman Sachs reiterates buy ratings on infant formula companies.
A note out of Goldman Sachs relating to the Chinese consumer market reveals that it remains positive on A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) and Bellamy's Australia Ltd (ASX: BAL). The broker has a buy rating on both and believes they remain well placed with their "key differentiating factors (niche offering, premium product and strong brands) and to benefit from consolidation opportunities and emerging demand for premium and niche products." Goldman remains neutral on Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL).
Earnings season week two kicks off.
Week two of earnings season is here and will see the likes of AMP Limited (ASX: AMP), Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN), and REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) report their respective results later this week. We're set for a quiet start on Monday, though, due to the public holiday in New South Wales.
