ASX 200 lunch time update

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX:ANZ), Elders Ltd (ASX:ELD), and Healthscope Ltd (ASX:HSO) shares are in the news today. Here's why…

| More on:
a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

At lunch on Monday the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has fought back from a heavy early decline to be down just 0.1% at 5,915 points.

The information technology sector has been the biggest drag on the market today, offsetting positive moves in the energy sector.

Here are a few highlights from the ASX 200 so far on Monday:

Healthscope receives takeover approach.

The Healthscope Ltd (ASX: HSO) share price has stormed 11% higher after the private hospital operator revealed that it has received a proposal from Brookfield Capital Partners and its affiliates to acquire 100% of Healthscope by way of an off-market takeover offer. A scheme of arrangement representing total value of $2.585 per share has been tabled.

ANZ shares go ex-dividend.

One major drag on the ASX 200 today has been the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) share price. It has fallen approximately 3.8% to $26.11 after its shares went ex-dividend this morning for the bank's 80 cents per share fully franked final dividend. Eligible shareholders will receive this dividend on December 18.

Elders results release.

The Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD) share price has been a big mover on Monday. The agribusiness company's shares are up 12% to $8.30 at lunch following the release of its full year results. Elders reported an underlying net profit after tax of $63.7 million, up 9% on the prior corresponding period. This is despite the impact of the droughts on its business.

Corporate Travel Management shares on the rise.

It has been a positive day of trade for the Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) share price. The under-fire corporate travel specialist's shares were given a boost today after it emerged that the company's CEO and independent non-executive director had been buying shares on-market following the short seller attack.

Best and worst performers.

The Elders share price is the best performer on the ASX 200 at lunch following its results release. Going the other way has been Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF) share price which is down 9% to $2.80. The general insurance broker's shares have been hit hard after ASIC called for a ban on general insurance commissions.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Corporate Travel Management Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Elders Limited and Steadfast Group Ltd. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

Stock market chart in green with a rising arrow symbolising a rising share price.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a massive day for the ASX 200, with a new all-time high recorded.

Read more »

A man sits thoughtfully on the couch with a laptop on his lap.
Technology Shares

This ASX tech stock rocketed 60% in March! Can it keep on delivering?

After soaring in March, the ASX tech stock is now up 169% since this time last year.

Read more »

Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy now

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with his eyes closed and a pained expression on his face as he clasps a laptop computer in front of him, seemingly learning of bad news or a poor investment.
Share Fallers

Why Burgundy Diamond Mines, Clarity Pharmaceuticals, EML, and Zip are sinking today

These ASX shares are ending the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

A young women pumps her fists in excitement after seeing some good news on her laptop.
Share Gainers

Why Mesoblast, Newmont, Pilbara Minerals, and Platinum shares are jumping

These ASX shares are ending the week strongly. But why?

Read more »

a young boy dressed up in a business suit and tie has a cute grin and holds two fingers up.
Opinions

2 of my top ASX 200 shares to consider buying before April

I would happily exchange dollars for these two shares right now.

Read more »

Father in the ocean with his daughters, symbolising passive income.
Dividend Investing

I'd spend $8k on these ASX 200 shares today to target a $6,102 annual passive income

I believe these ASX 200 shares will continue rewarding passive income investors for years to come.

Read more »

Three businesspeople leap high with the CBD in the background.
Share Market News

Boom! ASX 200 blasts to new record highs

ASX 200 investors just sent the benchmark index into uncharted territory.

Read more »