Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange on Thursday:

CWN – CROWN LTD – up 12 cents at $12.34

A Deloitte report on Sydney’s proposed casino at Barangaroo will be made public once the state government makes a final decision on the project, says NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell. James Packer’s Crown Casino last year announced plans to build the $1 billion six-star hotel and casino, with the opposition giving it in-principle support.

HIL – HILLS HOLDINGS LTD – up 0.5 cents at $1.125

Hills Holdings is offloading its remaining building materials businesses so it can focus on selling more closed circuit TVs, antennas, alarms and other electronics products and services.

 

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LNC – LINC ENERGY LTD – in trading halt, last traded at $2.67

Linc Energy shares have been placed in a trading halt ahead of an announcement about raising capital.

NUF – NUFARM LTD – Last traded at $4.77

Agricultural chemicals supplier Nufarm has slashed its outlook for the full fiscal year after booking a 53 per cent fall in first half profit.

QAN – QANTAS AIRWAYS LTD – up four cents at $1.76

Qantas and Emirates have been given the green light to form a global alliance, albeit with special conditions for flights across the Tasman.

QBE – QBE INSURANCE GROUP LTD – up 48 cents at $13.42

Global insurer QBE is on track to meet its financial targets this year as it embarks on a major transformation plan.

VAH – VIRGIN AUSTRALIA HOLDINGS LTD – up 1.5 cents at 41.5 cents

Virgin Australia has received approval from the High Court of Singapore for its purchase of Skywest Airlines.