South32 Limited (S32) advised underground operations at the Appin colliery, forming part of its broader Illawarra Metallurgical Coal operation, remain suspended. A review of the operation's systems and operating practices is currently being undertaken to ensure its ongoing safety and reliability. Given the scope of this review, an extended outage is anticipated. Dendrobium mine continues to operate. S32 ended the week on $2.76.

Vocus Group Limited (VOC) announced it had received a preliminary, indicative and non-binding proposal from Kohlberg Kravis Roberts to acquire 100pc of the shares in the Company at a price of $3.50 cash per share. It further advised on July 5 it had determined it was in the best interests of shareholders to grant KKR the opportunity to conduct due diligence on a non-exclusive basis in order to establish whether an acceptable binding transaction could be agreed. VOC rose following the news and ended the week on $3.50.

Growthpoint Properties Australia (GOZ) announced it has acquired an 18.2pc interest in Industria REIT for $68.1m. The majority of IDR's assets are complementary to the Company's being largely modern with long weighted average lease terms to quality tenants. GOZ fell slightly and ended the week on $3.13.

Cochlear Limited (COH) announced plans to expand its global manufacturing capacity with a new facility in China for the manufacture of cochlear implants and sound processors for an estimated A$50m. COH added $3.56 to $153.50 following the news and then ended the week on $154.73.

At the close of weekly trading, the gold price finished at $1,227.50 per ounce, the WTI oil price traded at $46.75 a barrel, and the Australian dollar was worth US $0.78.

In the US on Friday night, the Dow Jones finished up 84.65 points to end the week at 21,637.74. The Share Price Index (SPI) finished up 14 points which should lead to a positive start to today’s trade.