Another session of positive leads from overnight trades in the U.S. and partly from European markets will bode well for Tuesday's trading in Australia.

The markets in the U.S. moved forward with Apple Inc. leading the way with shares selling $600 a piece in reaction to company announcements that cash dividends and a buy-back scheme will be the way to go forward spending its billions in cash coffers.

Moreover, the U.S. home builder sentiment has consecutively expanded after 5 years of slack, giving the market a more optimistic ammunition in the days ahead.

IG Markets strategist Stan Shamu says in a commentary for clients that the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.1% at 13239. The S&P was 0.4% higher at 1410 and the NASDAQ surged 0.8% to finish at 3078.

Nevertheless, there are still parts of Europe still in doldrums, "thus European markets retreated from eight-month highs," adds Mr. Shamu.

The slight reprise of some risk appetitie during Monday's trades pushed down the U.S. dollar demand. Thus, the potential of generating more earnings for commodities and energy related stocks.

"Overall, there was mild improvement in risk appetite, with the US dollar weakening against most majors. This saw commodities gain ground, with oil rising 1%. BHP's ADR is pointing to a 0.7% advance at the open to around $35.59 after having enjoyed a strong bounce off key support at $34 recently. The stock has been ranging between $34 and $40 for the past few months. We expect to see other mining names rise mildly at the open following the improvement in risk appetite," adds the market analyst.

He also points out that the David Jones, now on a trading halt, will be one of the most interesting stocks today.

The Aussie market is seen consistently kicking off with a good start with a 0.2% rise to 4301.

The struggle to breach 4300 level will still be there today and the challenge to surpass the 4309 level recorded on Monday.

The markets will be looking forward to hints for future monetary policy direction to be undertaken by the Reserve Bank of Australia with the release of the February minutes of meeting.

CHART FROM IG MARKETS

Market

Price at 8:30am AEST

Change Since Australian Market Close

Percentage Change

AUD/USD

1.0609

0.0001

0.01%

ASX (cash)

4301

10

0.23%

US DOW (cash)

13238

-22

-0.17%

US S&P (cash)

1411.0

3

0.21%

UK FTSE (cash)

5958.0

-20

-0.33%

German DAX (cash)

7158.0

-12

-0.17%

Japan 225 (cash)

10142

0

0.00%

Rio Tinto Plc (London)

36.15

0.36

1.01%

BHP Billiton Plc (London)

20.48

0.13

0.64%

BHP Billiton Ltd. ADR (US) (AUD)

35.59

0.24

0.68%

US Light Crude Oil (May)

108.30

0.41

0.38%

Gold (spot)

1664.0

1.0

0.06%

Aluminium (London)

2275.00

17

0.75%

Copper (London)

8570.00

60

0.71%

Nickel (London)

19050.00

150

0.79%

Zinc (London)

2078.00

0

0.00%

RBA Cash Rate to be decreased by 25bp (Apr)

19.00

0

0.00%

IG Markets provides round-the-clock CFD trading on currencies, indices and commodities. The levels quoted in this email are the latest tradeable price for each market. The net change for each market is referenced from the corresponding tradeable level at yesterday's close of the ASX. These levels are specifically tailored for the Australian trader and take into account the 24hr nature of global markets.

Please contact IG Markets if you require market commentary or the latest dealing price.