The Australian share market has closed higher for the day and week higher but 0.2 per cent down for the month of November, snapping a five month winning streak.
Figures
The S&P/ASX 200 index advanced 28 points today, extending the weekly gain of 93 points to finish at 4,506.
The value of trades was $6.9 billion on volume of 1.3 billion shares at the close of trade. The top three stocks by value were Commonwealth Bank of Australia
(ASX:CBA), BHP Billiton Limited
(ASX:BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited
(ASX:RIO).
On the futures market the SPI is 27 points higher.
US stocks have gained over the four trading days this week: The Dow Jones Industrial Average has gained 185 points. The S&P 500 Index has gained 25 points, the Nasdaq has gained 85 points and the 100 Index has gained 80 points.
Company news Primary Health Care Limited
(ASX:PRY) says it’s on track to boost its earnings by up to 25 per cent in the current financial year. Managing Director Dr Edmund Bateman told shareholders at the medical centre operator’s annual general meeting today to expect full year earnings will lift up to $380 million. Shares in Primary Health Care lost 0.25 per cent today, finishing the week at $4.00.
Rare earths developer Lynas Corporation Limited
(ASX:LYC) has achieved producer status with the first feed to kiln and start up of operations now underway in Malaysia. Following lengthy delays CEO Nick Curtis says the operation of the rare earths refinery is now a reality and a significant milestone for the company. Shares in Lynas Corporation lost 5.19 per cent today, finishing the week at $0.64.
Grocery wholesaler Metcash Limited
(ASX:MTS) has cut its full year earnings guidance after reporting a 13 per cent first half profit fall, dragged down by more than expected closures of its Franklins stores.
Northern Star Resources Limited
(ASX:NST) biggest shareholder and members of the board have sold a combined 10 per cent stake in the gold producer, sending the company’s stock to the worst performer by close.
Best and worst performers
The best performing sector was utilities adding 54 points to close at 5,100.
The worst performing sector was consumer staples, losing 31 points to close at 8,771 points.
The best performing stock in the S&PASX 200 was Ausdrill Limited
(ASX:ASL), rising 7.5 per cent to close at $2.15. Shares in Regis Resources Limited
(ASX:RRL) and Acrux Limited
(ASX:ACR) also closed higher.
The worst performing stock was Northern Star Resources Limited
(ASX:NST), dropping 11.44 per cent to close at $1.35. Shares in Imdex Limited
(ASX:IMD) and Lynas Corporation Limited
(ASX:LYC) also closed lower.
IPOs Dairy suppliers Fonterra Shareholders’ Fund
(ASX:FSF) started trading today with an issue price of $4.32 opening at $5.34 and closing at $5.45.
Commodities
Gold is trading at $US1,729 an ounce, up $0.60 over the week.
Light crude is $0.33 lower at $US87.74 a barrel.
The Australian dollar
The Australian dollar is buying $1.042, $0.0022 higher over the week.
