At lunch on Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to snap its losing streak and end the week on a positive note. The benchmark index is up 0.6% to 7,489.1 points.
Here's what is happening on the ASX 200 today:
GrainCorp upgrades guidance
The GrainCorp Ltd (ASX: GNC) share price hit a record high this morning following an earnings guidance update. The release notes that the company has been benefiting from significant ongoing global demand for Australian grain and oilseeds. It also notes that planting conditions for the upcoming east coast Australian winter crop are favourable. All in all, this has led to management upgrading its earnings guidance for FY 2022.
Pro Medicus signs major contract
The Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME) share price is rising today. This has been driven by news that the health imaging technology company has won a major new contract. According to the release, the company's US business, Visage Imaging, has signed a $32 million, eight-year contract with Inova Health System.
Ampol update
The Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) share price is pushing higher on Friday. This follows news that the New Zealand Commerce Commission has approved the sale of its Gull NZ business to Allegro. This paves the way for Ampol to complete the acquisition of Z Energy Ltd (ASX: ZEL).
Best and worst ASX 200 performers
The best performer on the ASX 200 has been the Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) share price with a 10% gain. Paladin and other uranium shares are charging higher today. Going the other way, the worst performer on the ASX 200 has been the IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) share price with a 2.5% decline. This morning UBS initiated coverage on IGO with a sell rating and $12.65 price target.
