Following negative leads, the Australian share market has extended its horror start to the year, opening below the key 5000-point level. The local bourse is 0.6 per cent down at noon. Once again China is in focus on this last day of the trading week as investors eye Shanghai shares despite regulators suspending the circuit-breaker rules.
The S&P/ASX 200 index is 30 points down at 4,980. On the futures market the SPI is 22 points lower.
Company news
Broadspectrum Limited
(ASX:BRS) has been granted an extension of time for dispatching its Target statement relating to a takeover bid from Ferrovial Services Australia Pty Limited. ASIC said the target statement may be sent at any time up to and including Thursday 28 January. Shares in Broadspectrum are trading down 1.14 per cent at $1.30.
AtCor Medical Holdings Limited
(ASX:ACG) has warned shareholders revenue for the first half of FY16 will be below company expectations. AtCor Medical Holdings told investors it will report first half sales in the range of $1.6 million to $1.7 million, compared with $2.9 million a year earlier. Shares in AtCor Medical Holdings are trading down 13.95 per cent at $0.18.
Best and worst performers
The best performing sector is Energy, gaining 0.7 per cent to 7,550. Shares in LNG have risen 3.65 per cent and trading at $0.71. Shares in Woodside Petroleum and Worley Parsons are also stronger.
The worst performing sector is Consumer Discretionaries, falling 1 per cent to 1,895. Shares in APN News & Media have fallen 4.08 per cent, trading at $0.47. Shares in Fairfax Media and Slater & Gordon are also lower.
Commodities and the dollar
Gold is trading at $US1,109 an ounce.
The Australian dollar is buying $US0.7022
