Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange on Thursday:

BHP – BHP BILLITON

FMG – FORTESCUE METALS GROUP

RIO – RIO TINTO

Shares in the mining giants could come under pressure, as the price of iron ore has slipped below the $US60 mark.

ORG – ORIGIN ENERGY

STO – SANTOS

Energy companies may see their shares extend gains after a strong recovery in oil prices sent energy shares sharply higher globally.