At lunch on Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week on a positive note. The benchmark index is currently up 0.75% to 7,230.3 points.
Here's what is happening on the ASX 200 today:
Healius tumbles on trading update
The Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS) share price is tumbling lower today. This follows the release of an update which revealed that trading conditions have been tough in the second half. As a result, during the first five months of the half, the healthcare company has generated just under $100 million of EBIT. This compares to first half EBIT of $376 million.
Iron ore miners rise
Iron ore miners such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) are ending the week strongly. This follows a solid rise in the iron ore price overnight amid optimism that demand will strengthen now China is coming out of lockdowns. According to CommSec, iron ore futures rose by US$6.86 or 5.1% to US$142.20 a tonne.
Lithium shares rebound
It has been a much-needed positive day of trade for Australian lithium shares. The likes of Liontown Resources Limited (ASX: LTR) and Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) are rebounding on Friday following strong gains by lithium stocks on Wall Street. Investors may believe that the selling this week has been overdone and created a buying opportunity.
Best and worst ASX 200 performers
The best performer on the ASX 200 on Friday has been the Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA) share price with a 7% gain. This follows a rise in the iron ore price overnight. Going the other way, the worst performer has been the Healius share price with a 6.5% decline following the healthcare company's trading update.
