The Australian share market, or S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX: XJO)(ASX: XJO) index, is expected to open higher Tuesday morning, according to the Sydney Futures Exchange.
Here’s what you need to know:
SFE ASX 200 futures: +33
Australian Dollar ($A) (AUDUSD): 78.61 US cents
Dow Jones: up 1.7%
Oil (WTI): $US59.38 per barrel
Gold: $US1,325 per ounce
Overnight, London-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) closed up 2% and 2.8%, respectively.
Australian Investing News
Today, Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) will be a focal point for investors. This morning, Australia’s largest provider of annuities to retirees released its half-year report to the ASX revealing a 20% increase in revenue and a profit of $195 million, down 3% compared to the prior corresponding period.
“There has been particularly strong demand for products such as our new Challenger Guaranteed Index Plus Fund, which is targeted at Australian super funds, and our CarePlus aged care annuity,” CEO Brian Benari said. “The strength of our business is supported by prudent capital management and during the half we placed $500 million of equity to be used for growth.”
GBST Holdings Limited (ASX: GBT), a technology business based in Brisbane, reported its half-year results showing a 6% fall in revenue and a 43% fall in profit to $2.5 million.
MNF Group Ltd (ASX: MNF), formerly My Net Fone, reported a 28% increase in revenue to $117 million and a profit of $6 million, up 24%.
Boral Limited (ASX: BLD) reported a 40% jump in half-year revenue to $2.9 billion and a net profit of $173 million, up 13%. The building and construction materials business announced a dividend of 12.5 cents per share.
Transurban Group (ASX: TCL), the leading toll road operator in Australia, reported a 10% jump in toll revenue and free cash flow of $582 million, up 14%.
Finally, global hearing aid business Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH) reported a 6% rise in revenue to $640 million and profit down 1% to $111 million.
“The positive momentum we have experienced across the developed markets over the past few years has continued into FY18 with a 12% increase in cochlear implant units delivered across these markets,” CEO Dig Dowitt said.
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