Stocks to watch at noon on Friday

Friday 30th of March 2012 12:04:05 PM By AAP

Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange at noon on Friday:

BHP - BHP BILLITON LTD - up 56 cents, or 1.6 per cent, at $34.81

BHP Billiton's head of iron ore Ian Ashby will stand down in July after 25 years with the resources giant.

MTS - METCASH LTD - in a trading half, last traded at $4.30

Franklins supermarket owner Metcash is set to announce impairment charges that will impact on its net profit.

TAH - TABCORP CORPORATION LTD - steady at $2.71

Gambling firm Tabcorp says a legal victory by NSW authorities over Betfair and Sportsbet will ensure the viability of Australia's racing industry.

TGR - TASSAL GROUP LTD - up 2.5 cents, or 1.90 per cent, at $1.34

Three directors on the board of salmon farmer Tassal Group have resigned, Tassal announced on Friday.

TLS - TELSTRA CORPORATION - up 0.5 cents, or 0.15 per cent, at $3.305

A senior telco executive from China is joining Telstra's board.

WES - WESFARMERS LTD - up 20 cents, or 0.67 per cent, at $29.93

WOW - WOOLWORTHS LTD - up 22 cents, or 0.86 per cent, at $25.86

Hardware chain Bunnings says its $1.5 billion expansion plan will create 6,000 jobs in the next three years.