Another record finish on Wall Street has buoyed the Australian share market 0.2 per cent higher at noon. Local stocks continue to push beyond 5,000 and on track to close the week stronger. Most sectors are trading higher but weakness remains in the mining and industrial sectors. 

The S&P/ASX 200 index has firmed 8 points and is sitting at 5,015. On the futures market the SPI is 4 points higher. 

Company news

Shares in Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX:WPL) have lifted after ditching plans to proceed with an onshore plant at its controversial $45 billion Browse liquefied natural gas (LNG) development in Western Australia. 

Shares in Calibre Group Limited (ASX:CGH) have shed half their value after cutting its earnings and profit forecast. 

Best and worst performers

The best performing sector is real estate investment trusts gaining 17 points to 1,060. Shares in DEXUS Property Group (ASX:DXS) have risen 2.04 per cent and trading at $1.13. Shares in Mirvac Group (ASX:MGR) and Stockland (ASX:SGP) are also stronger. 

The worst performing sector is industrials, falling 23 points to 3,843. Shares in 

Gold and the dollar

Gold is trading at $US1,560 an ounce.
The Australian dollar is buying $US1.054.