Leaderboard

[align=justify]We are expecting a half year earnings release from Billiton on the 21st of this month. 2016’s full year results were dismal; with the group reporting a first time attributable loss, cutting the dividend by 77%. The Samarco dam disaster was a blemish on the income statement, resulting in a $2.2bn after tax loss. Given the groups exposure to a range of commodities, in particular that of petroleum, iron ore and copper (collectively contributing over 60% of the groups revenue) with the subsequent weakness these products experienced up until a rebound in their prices through the second half of last year, we could see an improved set of half year results. Despite the poor full year results for 2016 the share price still managed to climb over 68% from the eight year lows last seen in November of 2008. Currently the share price looks to be consolidating with the recent pullback coming on the back of lower volume. The oscillator denotes a move out of oversold territory and back into a neutral area, denoting a pick up in momentum. The price action is line with what technicians would consider a bullish flag formation with a bias to the upside after an extended upward trend. Aggressive buyers will be looking to get in closer to around the horizontal support at 22300c with a potential stop loss just below 21558c. A confirmation of the bullish move would be considered with a close of the share price above the diagonal resistance line at 23170c. The upside targets for the breakout would be considered at 24400c and 25500c in extension.[/align]