Despite the positive leads provided by international markets last night, the Aussie market is struggling so far today.

The XJO is currently 30 points (-0.7%) underwater, with energy, financial and IT stocks the hardest hit.

Only defensive consumer discretionary and telco plays are in positive territory.

In company news, Boral (BLD) is down more than 2% after reporting a tough start to FY12, whilst NewsCorp (NWS) is up more than 2% after releasing solid 1Q results.

In economic news, retail sales grew for a third consecutive month in September, although the number came in weaker-than-expected.

Economists were expecting a 0.6% increase but number came in at 0.4%.

Around the region, Asian markets are mixed; the Shanghai Composite is up 0.5%, whilst the Hang Seng is down 2.4% and the Nikkei is 2.2% weaker.