News: Midday: BHP drags on ASX before South32 debut

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After gaining almost 2 per cent over last week the Australian share market has fallen following soft global leads. Shares in Australia’s largest company BHP Billiton Limited (ASX:BHP) have tumbled more than 5 per cent ahead of its spin-off’s debut. South32 Limited (ASX:S32) will start trading at midday after BHP shareholders overwhelmingly backed the demerger earlier this month.

 

Figures

 

The S&P/ASX 200 index has dropped 21 points to 5,714. On the futures market the SPI is 17 points lower. 

 

Company news

 

Shares in Elders Limited (ASX:ELD) have risen after rebounding to an interim profit. The agribusiness has posted a first half net profit of $15.9 million, after booking a loss of $10.2 million the year before. CEO Mark Allison says Elders is actively considering opportunities for growth locally and across Asia. Mr Allison has also flagged positive operating conditions for the remainder of the financial year. Shares in Elders have risen 4.09 per cent and are trading at $3.31. 

 

Silicon Valley-based 1-Page Limited (ASX:1PG) has inked a deal with America’s third largest not-for profit health system called Providence Health and Services. The human resources start-up says the agreement will leverage its sourcing and referral engine. 1-Page expects to provide Providence Health and Services with its innovative sourcing platform to help Providence find, attract and engage talented candidates. Shares in 1-Page have risen 1.18 per cent and are trading at $1.72.

 

Best and worst performers

 

The best performing sector is industrials, gaining 0.2 per cent to 4,829. Shares in MMA Offshore Limited (ASX:MRM) have risen 4.5 per cent and trading at $0.58. Shares in Skilled Group Limited (ASX:SKE) and UGL Limited (ASX:UGL) are also stronger. 

 

The worst performing sector is financials excluding REITs, falling 0.9 per cent to 7,504. Shares in Macquarie Group Limited (ASX:MQG) are trading ex-dividend today and have eased 2.67 per cent, trading at $80.35. Shares in ANZ Banking Group (ASX:ANZ) and QBE Insurance Group (ASX:QBE) are also lower. 

 

IPOs 

 

IQ3CORP Limited (ASX:IQ3) started trading today. The corporate finance and advisory firm specialising in the life science sector floated with an issue price of $0.30, opened at $0.35 and is currently trading at $0.33.    

 

Gold and the dollar

 

Gold is buying $US1,222 an ounce.

The Australian dollar is buying $US0.8011.