The S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) is set to open lower on Wednesday according to the latest SPI futures. Here’s what’s making headlines.
ASX 200 reaches new highs
The ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) continues to hit new records, moving 0.9% higher on Tuesday, with pent up Queen’s Birthday demand behind the surge.
Every sector in the market moved higher but it was healthcare behind CSL Limited (ASX: CSL), up 1.7%, and IT behind Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) up 2.1%, that were the biggest beneficiaries.
The Reserve Bank’s latest update confirmed the ‘steady as she goes’ approach with little change and the board suggesting most bosses outside of the public service are not willing to increase wages, preferring to pay bonuses or reduce their trading hours.
Austal sold off shares sold off
Shipbuilder Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) was the worst-performing company on Tuesday, falling 9% after flagging a difficult finish to the year in which earnings are set to land between $112 and $118 million, down from $125 million initially expected.
Management highlighted labour issues, border closures and resourcing as key influences on the poor result.
Sims upgrades forecasts
On the other hand, metal recycler Sims Ltd (ASX: SGM) jumped 1.8% after upgrading its forecasts as excellent third-quarter pricing extended into the current quarter.
Earnings will now land between $360 and 380 million, up from $260 to $310 million initially forecast. Both margins and a recovery in volumes were behind the result.
Nuix CEO & CFO dumped
Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL) is showing the first signs of recovery after announcing the departure of both its CEO and CFO.
This follows one of the highest-profile and worst-performing IPOs in recent years. The Nuix share price reacted positively to the news, adding 4.2%.
Oaktree offers clarity on Crown bid
Sticking with the embattled moniker, Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) received more detail on Oaktree’s offer to support the business, with the proposal offering an insight into how deals are down in the world of distressed debt.
Oaktree plans to take a 9.9% ownership of the company via a convertible note whilst providing the group with a $2 billion seven-year loan which will have the purpose of buying back shares owned by the James Packer controlled CPH Group.
The interest rate will begin at 6% before moving to 6.5% and offers a clear path to exit for both Crown and Packer. Crown shares were unmoved, falling 0.6%.
Fortescue heads to Congo
Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) announced its intention to step into the Democratic Republic of Congo and offer support to a massive hydroelectric project expected to deliver US$80 to $100 billion in investment.
This seems an interesting move by the company in what remains a difficult region for foreign investors. Fortescue shares finished the day 0.5% higher.
