The Australian sharemarket looks set to open in positive territory on this Tuesday, taking leads from an extended relief rally in Asia and Europe as oil prices maintain recent gains.
Markets
To the figures: Wall Street wsa closed in observance of President’s Day.
European markets closed up: London’s FTSE gained 2.0 per cent, Paris gained 3 per cent and Frankfurt gained 2.7 per cent.
Asian markets closed mixed: Tokyo’s Nikkei added 7.2 per cent, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 3.3 per cent, and China’s Shanghai Composite fell 0.6 per cent.
The Australian share market closed higher yesterday: The S&P/ASX 200 Index closed 78 points up to finish at 4,843. On the futures market the SPI is 27 points up.
Currencies
The Australian Dollar at 8:45AM was buying $US0.7139 cents, 49.47 Pence Sterling, 81.82 Yen and 64.01 Euro cents.
Economic news
Due out today the Reserve Bank of Australia is due to release its February board meeting minutes.
Company news
Challenger Limited
(ASX:CGF) has announced a record interim operating profit for the first half. The company reported normalized profit after tax of $182 million, up 18 percent from 2015’s first half result of $155 million. The company referred to continuing growth in annuity sales and an improved cost to income ratio when outlining the results. Shares in Challenger closed 3.63 per cent up yesterday at $6.86
Citadel Group Limited
(ASX:CGL) has announced a 312 percent increase in net profit to $5.6 million in the six months ending 31 December 2015. The company reported operating revenue of $46.8 million, a 57 percent increase from the previous corresponding period. Managing Director Dr Miles Jakeman cited the technology and health division’s as contributing particularly strongly to the group result. Shares in Citadel Group closed 3.14 per cent up yesterday at $4.60.
Ex-dividends:
| Name | Code | Date | Amount(cents) | Franking |
| Boral Limited | BLD | 16/02/16 | 11.0 | 100 |
| Commonwealth Bank. | CBA | 16/02/16 | 198.0 | 100 |
| Downer EDI Limited | DOW | 16/02/16 | 12.0 | 100 |
Commodities
Gold has lost $30.00 to $US1,209 an ounce for the April contract on Comex.
Silver has lost $0.42 to $15.37 for March.
Copper has gained $0.03 to $2.06 a pound.
Oil has gained $0.04 to $US31.95 a barrel for March light crude in New York.
