After soft leads the Australian share market opened in the red but has edged onto positive territory as investors absorb the outcomes from a US Federal Reserve meeting and ahead of a European Central Bank meeting.
The S&P/ASX 200 index is trading 5 points higher at 4,268. On the futures market the SPI is currently steady.
Company news
Construction company Leighton Holdings Limited (ASX:LEI) says its Middle Eastern division as part of a consortium has won a $US412 million infrastructure contract in Qatar.
Pipeline operator APA Group (ASX:APA) has today confirmed media speculation of a potential $350 million subordinated notes offer and says it is considering such an offer among other options.
Cabcharge Australia Limited (ASX:CAB) says its expanding its local operations, announcing its inked a deal with a joint venture partner to buy a large regional bus company for $53 million.
The Australian has quoted an internal email from BHP Billiton Limited (ASX:BHP) which claims the global miner has flagged the potential for extended project development timelines at its iron ore operations.
Best and worst performers
The best performing sector is Energy gaining 113 points to 12,301. Shares in Beach Energy Limited (ASX:BPT) have risen 4.1 per cent and trading at $1.13. Shares in Paladin Energy Limited (ASX:PDN) and Senex Energy Limited (ASX:SXY) are also stronger.
The worst performing sector is Health Care, falling 47 points to 9,563. Shares in Sonic Healthcare Limited (ASX:SHL) have fallen 1.02 per cent, trading at $12.57. Shares in Primary Health Care Limited (ASX:PRY) and CSL Limited (ASX:CSL) are also lower.
Gold and the dollar
Gold is trading at $US1,602 an ounce.
The Australian dollar is buying $US1.047.