Following mixed off shore leads the Australian share market opened higher and is 0.6 per cent up at noon.
The S&P/ASX 200 index is 27 points up at 4,303. On the futures market the SPI is 38 points higher.
Company newsDavid Jones Limited
(ASX:DJS) have placed its shares in a trading halt today pending a board meeting tomorrow to consider the company’s strategic plan. David Jones is due to release its interim results on Wednesday. Retail rival Myer Holdings Limited
(ASX:MYR) reported a profit fall last week. Shares in David Jones last traded at $2.73.
Asciano Limited
(ASX:AIO) has reportedly had its shares endorsed today by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia
(ASX:CBA). According to the Australian Financial Review, the bank is maintaining its “hold” recommendation. Asciano’s port business is in dispute with key unions, which has in turn reduced productivity reportedly by 30 per cent. Shares in Asciano are trading down0.1 per cent at $4.89.
The best and worst performers The best performing sector is Health Care gaining 108 points to 8,370
. Shares in Biota Holdings have risen 5.88 per cent and trading at $0.90. Shares in Pharmaxis and CSL are also stronger.
The worst performing sector is Consumer Staples, falling 44 points to 7,423. Shares in Woolworthshave have fallen 2.26 per cent, trading at $25.09. Shares in Metcash are steady. Shares in Coca Cola are slightly higher.
New ZealandThe NZSX50 is 5 points down at noon: Taking a look at the top four stocks by turnover
, Telecom Corporation of New Zealand is at the top of the list with stock up 0.61 per cent at $2.475, followed by Fletcher Building, Westpac and Fisher & Paykel.
Gold and the dollarGold is trading at $US1,660 an ounce.
The Australian dollar is buying $US1.0596.
