The Australian share market, or S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX: XJO)(ASX: XJO) index, is expected to open higher Wednesday morning, according to the Sydney Futures Exchange.
Here’s what you need to know:
SFE ASX 200 futures: +14
Australian Dollar ($A) (AUDUSD): 78.60 US cents
Dow Jones: up 0.2%
Oil (WTI): $US58.94 per barrel
Gold: $US1,332 per ounce
Overnight, London-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) closed up 1.8% and 1.5%, respectively.
Australian Investing News
Today, CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) will be a focal point for investors following the release of its half-year financial results. For the six months to 31 December 2017, Australia’s leading biopharmaceutical company revealed a 13% jump in revenue to $US4.1 billion with profit up 35% to $US1.1 billion. An unfranked interim dividend of 79 US cents was declared.
“CSL’s focused execution of our strategic priorities delivered outstanding results in the first half, especially considering the strength of the prior comparable period,” CEO Paul Perreault said. “Our results reflect the effectiveness of our patient-focused R&D pipeline, robust demand for our differentiated products, and market leadership positions around the world.”
Also reporting its half-year results today, Computershare Limited (ASX: CPU) said its revenue was $1.1 billion during the half year, up 12% on the prior corresponding period. Profit was 14% higher and an interim dividend of 19 cents was declared.
Packaging business Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA) increased its half-year revenue 6% to $2.1 billion and notched up a 13% rise in profit to $104 million.
Finally, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) reported a 5% jump in revenue with profit up 17%. In addition, a 40% franked dividend of 58.1 cents per share was declared.
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