Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange on Friday:

BHP – BHP BILLITON

FMG – FORTESCUE METALS GROUP

RIO – RIO TINTO

Mining company shares could benefit with the price of iron ore lifting to the $US45 mark.

GMA – GENWORTH MORTGAGE INSURANCE

Genworth Mortgage Insurance is expected to release its full year results.

NWS – NEWS CORP

New Corp is expected to post second quarter earnings on Friday.

ORG – ORIGIN ENERGY

OSH – OILSEARCH

STO – SANTOS

WPL – WOODSIDE PETROLEUM

Energy companies could again be in the spotlight with the price of oil paring back early gains overnight but still comfortably above the $US30 level.

REA – REA GROUP

REA Group is scheduled to release half year results.

WHC – WHITEHAVEN COAL

Whitehaven Coal is expected to post half year results and Genworth Mortgage Insurance its full year results.

WES – WESFARMERS

WOW – WOOLWORTHS

Australians are being warned against eating pre-packed lettuce sold at Coles and Woolworths after a salmonella outbreak.