The Aussie market is poised to open sharply lower later this morning after Wall Street fell overnight on disappointment over the European Central Bank's latest policy easing measures.

The December SPI futures contract is down 77 points at 5,154.

In local economic news today, the Australian Bureau of Statistics releases October's retail trade data and overseas arrivals and departure figures for the same month.

In the equities space, BHP Billiton's battle against the Queensland government over coal royalties in expected to be in court on Friday.

Key Numbers:

• SPI futures down 77pts to 5154
• AUD at 73.36 US cents
• On Wall St, late, S&P 500 -1.3%, Dow -1.5%, Nasdaq -1.7%
• In Europe, Stoxx 50 -3.6%, FTSE -2.3%, CAC -3.6%, DAX -3.6%
• In London, Rio Tinto -3.4%, BHP -3.3%
• Spot gold up $US9.74 or 0.9% to $US1063.44/oz at 2.49pm NYC
• Brent crude up $US1.52 or 3.6% to $US44.01/bbl at 2.25pm NYC
• Iron ore fell 0.9% to $US40.75 a dry ton

What’s on today

Australia retail trade; US trade deficit, November non-farm payrolls jobs data

Stocks in focus

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is working on plans to revive its $9 billion takeover bid for Asciano, including teaming up with Australia’s Macquarie Group.

Bell Potter rates JB Hi-Fi a “hold” with a price target of $19.00.

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