The Australian share market opened higher and is 0.3 per cent up and noon.
The S&P/ASX 200 index is 14 points up at 4,137. On the futures market the SPI is 17 points higher.
Company news
Dart Energy Limited (ASX:DTE) says its compressed natural gas facility in China has been completed. The gas and energy group says the facility, which will compress natural gas collected from the Luilin Coal Bed Methane Block, is now awaiting final approval. Separately Dart has received approval to extend exploration at the Luilin block for another two years. Shares in Dart Energy are trading up 3.33 per cent at $0.15.
Western Desert Resources Limited (ASX:WDR) has started drilling for gold on the Rover JV project near Tennant Creek. The Rover JV is a joint venture between Western Desert Resources and TNG Limited (ASX:TNG). Shares in Western Desert Resources are trading up 0.73 per cent at $0.69.
Best and worst performers
The best performing sector is Telco services gaining 10 points to 1,340. Shares in Telstra Corporation Limited (ASX:TLS) have risen 0.64 per cent and trading at $3.92. Shares in M2 Telecommunications Group Limited (ASX:MTU) and Telecom Corp of New Zealand (ASX:TEL) are also stronger.
The worst performing sector is Healthcare, falling 18 points to 9,346. Shares in Sigma Pharmaceutical Limited (ASX:SIP) have fallen 3.1 per cent, trading at $0.55. Shares in Mesoblast Limited (ASX:MSB) and ResMed Inc.(ASX:RMD) are also lower.
Gold and the dollar
Gold is trading at $US1,604 an ounce
The Australian dollar is buying $US1.03