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.
