Following mixed leads, the Australian share market looks set to open higher at this midway point in the trading week. Despite a lift in energy shares prompted by a crude oil rally, US investors continued to shed healthcare stocks.
The US Commerce Department reported an increase in the trade deficit to US$48.3 billion in August. A strong dollar and slow overseas growth saw the deficit grow from US$41.81 the previous month.
Markets
Wall Street closed mixed yesterday: The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.08 per cent to close at 16,790, the S&P 500 lost 0.36 per cent to close at 1,980 and the NASDAQ lost 0.69 per cent to close at 4,748.
European markets closed up: London’s FTSE gained 0.4 per cent, Paris gained nearly 1 per cent and Frankfurt gained 0.9 per cent.
Asian markets closed mixed: Tokyo’s Nikkei added 1 per cent, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 0.1 per cent, and China’s Shanghai Composite was closed.
The Australian share market closed higher yesterday: The S&P/ASX 200 Index closed 16.87 points up to finish at 5,167. On the futures market the SPI is 6 points up.
Currencies
The Australian Dollar at 8:20AM was buying $US0.7165 cents, 47.06 Pence Sterling, 86.13 Yen and 63.57 Euro cents.
Economic news
Due out today from the Housing Industry Association is New Home Sales for August.
Company news
Integrated Research Limited
(ASX:IRI) Chairman Mr Steve Killelea is set to sell up to 5.27 percent of his stake in the company. Mr Killelea has advised that he will be decreasing his involvement in the business over the next five years and as such intends to reduce his investment in the IT company. Following the Sell Down Mr Killelea will possess a direct holding of approximately 52.7 percent. Shares in Integrated Research closed 0.36 per cent lower yesterday at $2.74.
Aquarius Platinum Limited
(ASX:AQP) board of directors have recommended that Aquarius shareholders vote in favour of a cash offer made by Sibanye Gold Limited. The mining company advised that it has entered into an implementation agreement with Sibanye Gold. Under the agreement, Sibanye will acquire all shares in Aquarius for a cash consideration of US$0.195 per Aquarius share. Shares in Aquarius Platinum closed 10 per cent up yesterday at $0.165.
Ex-dividends | Name | Code | Date | Amount(cents) | Franking |
| Ausmani Ltd | ABF | 7/10/15 | 0.0 | 100 |
| ARB Corporation. | ARB | 7/10/15 | 16.0 | 100 |
| ICSGlobal Limited | ICS | 7/10/15 | 2.5 | 0 |
| Japara Healthcare Lt | JHC | 7/10/15 | 5.5 | 100 |
| Premier Investments | PMV | 7/10/15 | 21.0 | 100 |
Commodities
Gold has gained $9.20 to $US1,147 an ounce for the December contract on Comex. Silver has gained $0.18 to $15.88 for December. Copper is steady at $2.36 a pound. Oil has gained $2.78 to $US49.04 a barrel for November light crude in New York.
