At lunch on Thursday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a disappointing decline due to COVID-19 concerns. The benchmark index is currently down 1.1% to 5,989.3 points.
Here's what is happening on the market today:
SEEK shares slammed.
The SEEK Limited (ASX: SEK) share price is crashing lower today after the job listings company was targeted by a short seller. According to a note out of Blue Orca, it believes SEEK's China-based business is full of fake listings. It also alleges that the company is paying students to make fake resumes. The short seller believes SEEK's shares are worth only $7.20.
ANZ full year results.
The Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ) share price is trading lower today following the release of its full year results. ANZ reported an unaudited statutory profit after tax of $3.58 billion. This was down 40% on the prior corresponding period. Its cash profit from continuing operations fell 42% $3.76 billion. A final fully franked 35 cents per share dividend was declared.
HUB24 shares surge higher.
The HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) share price is surging higher on Thursday after returning from its trading halt. The investment platform provider's shares were halted whilst it undertook a $50 million institutional placement. This placement has now been complete and will be used to acquire investment platform provider Xplore Wealth Ltd (ASX: XPL) and Ord Minnett's non-custody Portfolio Administration and Reporting Service. The company also intends to increase its investment in integrated accounting and wealth solutions provider Easton Investments Ltd (ASX: EAS) to up to 40%.
Best and worst ASX 200 performers.
The best performer on the ASX 200 today has been the HUB24 share price with a sizeable 7% gain. Investors have responded positively to its acquisition plans. The worst performer has been the Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) share price with a 9% decline. A number of gold miners are falling heavily today after a pullback in the gold price.
