Equity markets may get a shot in the arm today from the Greek election, with final exit polls showing pro-euro zone parties have enough of a majority to form a government.

Just how big a boost remains to be seen, with a fair amount of that positivity already priced in on Thursday and Friday, although growth-linked currencies have taken the news as a reason to rally.

Still there looks to be a degree of volatility in store, as the New Democracy and PASOK parties start horse trading over the shape and terms of the coalition government.

While both political groups are committed to staying in the euro zone, PASOK is pushing for an easing of the austerity measures forced on the country as part of its two bailouts.

Local data flows are looking light today, but offshore the Group of 20 Nations meeting kicks off in Mexico tonight, with early signs suggesting policy makers will push for a more co-ordinated response to the European crisis.

Stocks to watch:

Air New Zealand is assessing the potential to expand its US destinations after United Airlines abandoned plans to fly from Houston to Auckland. However, plans to add South America to the network are on hold. AIR shares closed at 86c on Friday.

Allied Farmers and Bank of Scotland International look set to take a $121 million loss on the sale of the Gulf Harbour development north of Auckland when it is sold to interests associated with Jiang Zhaobai, the Chinese tycoon behind the company buying the Crafar farms. ALF shares last traded at 2.3c per share.

Fletcher Building's chief executive Jonathan Ling is set to step down September 30, having spent six years at the helm of the construction company. Mark Adamson, head of the laminates & panels division, will replace him. FBU shares were last at $6.29 on Friday.

Equity markets
 
Australia and New Zealand
NZX 50: +0.9 per cent to 3447.07
S&P/ASX 200: +0.37 per cent to 4057.3                 

US:
Dow: +0.9 per cent to 12,767.20
S&P 500: +1.03 per cent to 1342.84
Nasdaq: +1.29 per cent to 2872.80

Europe
FTSE 100: +0.22 per cent to 5478.81
Dax: +1.48 per cent to 6229.41
Stoxx 600: +0.98 per cent to 244.21

Asia
Nikkei: +0.01 per cent to 8569.32
Hang Seng: +2.26 per cent to 19,233.90

Currency
The New Zealand dollar recently traded at US79.07, up from US78.35c at 5pm on Friday.

Commodities
Gold: US$1624.29 an ounce, from US$1624.29 on Friday
ICE Brent Crude: US$97.31 a barrel, from US$96.97 on Friday
Thompson Reuters Jefferies CRB: +0.07 per cent to 272.23

- © Fairfax NZ News