Following mixed leads the Australian share market opened higher and is 0.4 per cent up at noon, boosted by strength in the banking sector.
The S&P/ASX 200 index is 17 points up at 4,271. On the futures market the SPI is 23 points higher.
Company news
Shares in Macquarie Group Limited (ASX:MQG) have firmed following an announcement that it has raised $US250 million. The figure is less than the $US500 million that was originally projected. Shares in Macquarie are trading up 2.19 per cent at $28.89.
Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited (ASX:SOL) has reported a 65 per cent drop in first half net profit, coming in at $99 million. A fully franked interim dividend of 17 cents per share has been declared. Shares in Washington H. Soul Pattinson are trading up 0.37 per cent at $13.67.
Best and worst performers
The best performing sector is Financials Excluding Real Estate Investment Trusts, gaining 39 points to 4,727. Shares in Macquarie Group have risen 2.19 per cent and trading at $28.89. Shares in QBE Insurance and Challenger are also stronger.
The worst performing sector is Health Care, falling 35 points to 8,256. Shares in Starpharma Holdings have fallen 1.83 per cent and trading at $1.61. Shares in Blackmores and Ramsay Health are also lower.
New Zealand
The NZSX50 is 6 points up 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 down 0.83 per cent at $2.395, followed by Fletcher, Westpac Banking Group and Chorus.
Gold and the dollar
Gold is trading at $US1,652 an ounce and the Australian dollar is buying $US1.0464.
