At lunch on Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week with a disappointing decline. The benchmark index is currently down 0.55% to 7,389.1 points.
Here's what is happening on the ASX 200 today:
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Macquarie delivers strong half year result
The Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price is in a trading halt on Friday. This follows the announcement of a $1.5 billion capital raising along with its half year results. In respect to the latter, the investment bank reported a first half net profit up 107% to $2,043 million. A key driver of its strong performance was the Macquarie Capital business. It delivered a net profit contribution of $468 million, up significantly from a loss of $189 million in the first half of FY 2021.
ResMed's Q1 results beats expectations
The ResMed (ASX: RMD) share price is charging higher today after delivering a first quarter result ahead of the market's expectations. The sleep treatment focused medical device company reported a 20% increase in revenue to US$904 million and GAAP earnings per share of US$1.39. This compares to consensus estimates of US$860 million and US$1.24 per share, respectively.
NAB director appointment U-turn
The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price is trading lower than the rest of the big four banks today. This may relate to news that James Spenceley will no longer be joining the bank as a Non-Executive Director. NAB Chair Philip Chronican revealed that Mr Spenceley decided against the move after reconsidering his overall commitments following feedback from proxy advisors as well as a number of NAB investors.
Best and worst ASX 200 performers
The best performer on the ASX 200 on Friday has been the Reece Ltd (ASX: REH) share price with a 7% gain. This morning the plumbing parts company released its first quarter update and revealed sales growth of 13.2%. The worst performer has been the Pointsbet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH) share price with a 9% decline. Investors have been selling the sports betting company's shares since the release of its quarterly update. Goldman Sachs believes this is a buying opportunity.
