The Australian share market is on a steady rise today lifting 0.8 per cent at midday after Eurozone finance ministers and the IMF sealed a debt deal to release aid to Greece. Health care stocks are leading the gains at noon.
The S&P/ASX 200 index is 36 points up at 4,460. On the futures market the SPI is 37 points higher.
Company news
Shares in Australia and New Zealand Banking Group
(ASX:ANZ) have been given a boost today after Chief ExecutiveGiles Plante said the bank was keen to expand its presence in Thailand. According to Fairfax Media, the bank says Thailand has strong economic potential and a strategic part of the ASEAN market, however an expansion into the country prior to 2014 has been prohibited by the Thai government. Shares in ANZ are trading up 0.98 per cent at $23.80.
Fortescue Metals Group Limited’s
(ASX:FMG) founder is reportedly committing to new iron ore mine projects in an effort to reach development targets in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. According to News Corporation, despite recent project suspensions in the region, Mr Forrest remains bullish on China’s economy and expects projects to commence by the end of next year. Shares in Fortescue are trading up 1.58 per cent at $3.86.
Best and worst performers The best performing sector is health care gaining 476 points to 11,056. Shares in CSL limited
(ASX:CSL) have risen 7.63 per cent and trading at $50.35. Shares in ResMed and Sonic Healthcare are also stronger.
The only sector down is utilities, falling 26 points to 5,013. Shares in APA Group
(ASX:APA) have fallen 1.01 per cent, trading at $5.40. Shares in AGL Energy and SP AusNet are also lower.
IPOs TTG Mobile Coupon Services Limited
(ASX:TUP) started trading today with an issue price of $0.60 opening at $0.75 and currently trading at $0.80.
Gold and the dollar
Gold is trading at $US1,751 an ounce and the Australian dollar is buying $US1.048.
