International markets were generally weaker overnight.

In Europe the FTSE shed 38 points (-0.7%), whilst the CAC (-1.3%) and DAX (-1.3%) were even weaker.

Stateside, the Dow Jones slipped 41 points (-0.4%) whilst the broader S&P 500 gave up 0.3% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq rallied 0.6%.

Financial stocks weighed heaviest in the US, following less than impressive results from JP Morgan, whilst reduced jobless claims provided some support.

The yen rallied against most of its major counterparts amid softening equity markets, whilst commodity currencies took a hit against the greenback after China's exports rose less than forecast.

Crude fell for a second consecutive session, shedding 1.6% to settle at US$84.23, whilst gold slipped 0.8% and copper shed 2.5%.

There is no major local data due out for today's session, although Chinese CPI and PPI data will be released at 12:30pm and could have an impact on the local action.

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