Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange on Friday, July 24:

CIM – CIMIC – up 40 cents, or 1.71 per cent, at $23.76

Construction giant CIMIC says it remains on track to meet its its full year profit forecasts.

FMG – FORTESCUE METALS GROUP – down 10.5 cents, or 6.00 per cent, at $1.645

Fortescue Metals increased its iron ore shipments by 33 per cent in the 2014/15 financial year while also cutting costs.

MQG – MACQUARIE GROUP – up 35.00 cents, or 0.41 per cent, at $84.81

Macquarie Group shares have hit a record high after the company lifted its full year guidance.

NCM – NEWCREST MINING – up 31.00 cents, or 2.69 per cent, at $11.84

Newcrest Mining has lifted its profit margins thanks to lower production costs and a weaker Australian dollar.

QAN – QANTAS – up 10.00 cents, or 2.74 per cent, at $3.75

Qantas will offer discount fares to small and medium business owners in an effort to shore up its share of the crucial premium traveller market.