Following soft European and US leads, the Australian share market opened lower and is 0.03 per cent down at noon and beginning to lose its gains from yesterday.
The S&P/ASX 200 index is 3 points up at 4,346. On the futures market the SPI is 6 points higher.
Economic news
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has reported Job Vacancies for February is down 0.3 per cent to 182, 200.
Company news
Westfield Group (ASX:WDC) is close to selling seven of its US shopping malls to Starwood Capital Group for around $US1 billion. The shopping centre operator recently announced the sale of its interest in three non-core UK centres for about $240 million. Shares in Westfield are trading up 0.62 per cent at $8.915.
Aurora Oil & Gas Limited (ASX:AUT) has reported its 2011 full year results. The oil and gas explorer generated a net profit of $30.6 million. Aurora is an Australian and Toronto listed company that is active in the pressured liquids rich region of the Eagle Ford Shale in Texas. Shares in Aurora are trading down 0.77 per cent at $3.85.
Best and worst performers
The best performing sector is Health Care gaining 93 points to 8,704. Shares in Starpharma Holdings (ASX:SPL) have risen 2.63 per cent and trading at $1.755. Shares in Cochlear and Sonic Healthcare are also stronger.
The worst performing sector is Energy, falling 51 points to 14,344. Shares in Beach Energy Limited (ASX:BPT) have fallen 3.45 per cent, trading at $1.50. Shares in Nexus Energy and Worleyparsons 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 0.41 per cent at $2.45, followed by Westpac, Fletcher Building and Chorus.
Gold and the dollar
Gold is trading at $US1,665 an ounce and the Australian dollar is buying $US1.0395.
