The market is up 2. ASX 200 SFE Futures were down 5 this morning. Dow Jones finished down 41 on below average volume as US markets posted their biggest weekly losses this year on the back of weaker than expected economic data. Over the week the Dow was down 0.09%, S&P 500 down 1.01% and the Nasdaq down 1.95%.

Headlines in Asia — North Korea has not toned down its war rhetoric and South Korean officials confirmed that the North has moved a pair of mid-range missiles to its east coast.

European markets mixed — UK FTSE down 1.49%, German DAX down 2.03%, France down 1.68%, Spain down 0.63%, Italy up 0.64%.

Metals mixed — copper down 0.47%, nickel down 0.93%, lead down 1.40%, Tin up 0.59%. Spot iron ore was unchanged at $135.90.

  • Orica (ORI) — Is looking to gain almost $100 million in future land sales at its Deer Park manufacturing site in Melbourne as part of new restructure plans. ORI is down 0.78% to 2297c.
  • Carsales.com (CRZ)  — Car advice is up for sale and a number of website companies are looking to purchase the website including Carsales.com. CRZ is down 0.55% to 898v.
  • Billabong (BBG) — Negotiations continued over the weekend between the two bidders looking to take over the company. BBG is in a difficult position, having received both offers which are significantly below the last traded price (73c).
  • Boral (BLD) — Has given a subdued outlook ahead of its financial year results by saying continuous wet weather along the east coast and a weaker Victorian construction market will put pressure on earnings. BLD is down 0.62% to 483c.
  • Fortescue Metals (FMG) — Says it will soon announce the sale of a stake in its rail and port business by the mid-this year. The company says it has received strong interest in the Pilbara Infrastructure business. FMG is down 0.56% to 355c.
  • Boart Longyears (BLY) — CEO Joseph Raglan has agreed to step down but will remain in the company to assist with the transition of his successor. No date has yet been set for his departure. BLY is down 0.87% to 114.5c.
  • Atlas Iron (AGO 100c) — A study into a proposed independent rail network to carry iron from the Pilbara to a major port in the region has found the railway could help smaller mining companies. AGO is now JP Morgan’s pick of the mid cap iron stocks. Share price in unchanged.
  • ASX Limited (ASX 3602c) — March numbers showed a stronger trend in cash equities and derivatives volumes. ASX is up 0.86% to 3633c.
  • Santos (STO 1205c) — JP Morgan retain its overweight recommendation with a target price of 1675c. The target price is down 10c. STO is up 0.91% to 1216c.