The market is down 66 which compares to the 48 point fall predicted the SFE Futures and the 65 point fall on Wall Street overnight.

The Dow Jones closed down 65 overnight. Stayed in negative territory for most of the session. End of a four day rally. $US up — $A/$US below 80c. Metals down except Aluminium. Oil price down and was Gold. Bonds up.

Mirvac Group (MGR) is the latest property trust raising capital. Its shares went into a trading halt this morning — last traded at 133c — saying it is looking to raise $1.1bn. It wants to improve its balance sheet and fund all debt expiries and capital commitment to June 2011. MGR has also provided guidance saying it expects a FY operating profit of $190m-$200m and a distribution of 8-9c. The stock is up 66.25% in the past quarter but is still down 56.8% for the year.

Making the news today…

  • WorleyParsons (WOR) announces PNG LNG project services contract for Exxon Mobil.
  • Oz Minerals (OZL) responds to recent media speculation saying there is no superior recapitalization proposal to that of Minmetal’s.
  • Molopo Australia (MPO) has finished drilling at their major trial lateral well at Mungi.
  • GPT Group (GPT) has provided a joint venture update.
  • Aquila Resources (AQA) said it begun a feasibility study for its $402m Washpool coking coal project in QLD.
  • Babcock & Brown Power (BBP) has entered into a substantial electricity supply contract with BHP.
  • ING Office Fund (IOF) has sold one its Melbourne buildings for $42m, 6.7% discount to its book value. It is currently working on its $115m asset sales process.
  • PaperlinX (PPX) has sold its Netherlands properties for $57m.
  • Pharmaxis (PXS) announce a placement of $47m and a share purchase plan.
  • SP Ausnet (SPN) has executed a further $50m bank debt facility.

In other news…

  • Talk is that Rio Tinto will announce a revised version of its $US19.5bn deal with Chinalco within days.
  • Brokers have lifted ASX Ltd’s (ASX) target price after it exercised its “monopoly muscles” and lifted its listing fees. Citi lifts target price to 3517c from 2800c (Hold from Sell) and Merrill Lynch to 3600c from 3300c.
  • Credit Suisse says Australia’s grain production outlook is improving after rainfall in May.
  • The NAB is ex dividend 73c fully franked and has fallen 119c or 5.15%. It had rallied 217c in seven days ahead of going ex dividend.

The Dow Futures suggest an 8 point rise on Wall Street tonight.

MARCUS PADLEY is the Author of the MARCUS TODAY Daily Stockmarket Newsletter.

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