Midday: Aus shares track 0.75% higher at noon

Market Reports

Following positive leads from Wall Street, the Australian share market started the trading week in the black and is now tracking 0.75 per cent higher at noon. Today it’s the financials space and Telstra that are leading the charge, with the big four banks all higher. 
 
The S&P/ASX 200 index is 38 points higher at 5,205. On the futures market the SPI is up 24 points. 

Company news

Aurizon Holdings Limited (ASX:AZJ) has secured a long-term extension with BHP for its Mt Arthur Coal Mine in the Hunter Valley to June 2028. The contract allows for a potential increase in Aurizon’s coal haulage volumes from the current 18 million tonnes per annum up to a maximum of 26 mtpa. Shares in Aurizon are trading up 1.87 per cent at $4.09. 
 
iWebGate Limited (ASX:IWG) has entered into an agreement with an entity managed by The Lind Partners for a total funding commitment of up to US$8.575 milion. The Lind Parnters are a New York based asset management company that selectively invests in public companies across a broad range of industries and economic environments. Shares in iWebGate Limited are trading down 7.41 per cent at $0.13. 

Best and worst performers

The best performing sector is Telcos, gaining 2 per cent to 1,931. Shares in Telstra have risen 2.13 per cent and trading at $5.27. Shares in TPG and Vocus are also stronger. 
 
The worst performing sector is REITs, falling 0.5 per cent to 1,344. Shares in Vicinity Centres have fallen 1.12 per cent, trading at $3.08. Shares in Dexus Property and Scentre Group are also lower. 
 
Gold and the dollar

Gold is trading at $US1,254 an ounce.
The Australian dollar is buying $US0.7569. 

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