AAP
Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange at close:
ALZ - AUSTRALAND PROPERTY GROUP - down one cent to 48 cents
GPT - GPT GROUP - steady at 58 cents
Australand has appointed a GPT Group executive, Kieran Pryke, as chief financial officer, following the resignation of Tiernan O'Rourke last October.
BHP - BHP BILLITON LTD - up 10 cents to $43.41
The world's biggest miner, BHP Billiton Ltd, has reported a surge in fourth-quarter production, with strong Chinese demand sparking record output of key commodities.
BHP Billiton is continuing to move away from selling its iron ore at benchmark rates, in favour of more flexible prices.
ILU - ILUKA RESOURCES LTD - steady at $3.49
Mineral sands miner Iluka Resources recorded a 37.5 per cent drop in sales revenue in calendar 2009, but says revenue increased appreciably in the second half.
LLC - LEND LEASE GROUP - 38 censt to $9.85
Lend Lease Group has won a bid to become preferred proponent for the $400 million first stage of the new Alkimos residential development, north of Perth.
MAP - MACQUARIE AIRPORTS LTD - up 19 cents to $3.10
Sydney Airport's passenger numbers jumped in December, helping achieve a small gain for 2009, on strong international traffic.
