Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange:

BHP – BHP BILLITON

FMG – FORTESCUE METALS GROUP

RIO – RIO TINTO

The price of iron has again fallen, slipping below the $US55 mark at $US54.18.

ORG – ORIGIN ENERGY

STO – SANTOS

WPL – WOODSIDE PETROLEUM

Oil prices pare early gains, with WTI closing just four US cents higher at $US38.32 and Brent up 12 US cents at $US39.26.

WCB – WARRNAMBOOL CHEESE AND BUTTER

Warrnambool Cheese and Butter is expected to post full-year results on Thursday.