Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange at noon on Wednesday:

AMC – AMCOR – down 8.5 cents, or 0.8 per cent, at $10.235

Packaging business Amcor has bought Indonesia’s Bella Prima Packaging business for $27 million.

ASX – ASX – down 24 cents, or 0.7 per cent, at $35.11

Share market operator ASX lifted profit by 10 per cent in the first nine months of the financial year as improving market conditions helped boost revenue.

DXS – DEXUS PROPERTY GROUP – down 0.75 cents, or 0.7 per cent, at $1.0875

Dexus has increased its forecast for funds from operations and distributions ot security holders after the completion of its joint takeover of Commonwealth Property Office Fund.

FXJ – FAIRFAX MEDIA – down 0.75 cents, or 0.7 per cent, at $1.0025

Fairfax Media is planning to cut up to 70 editorial jobs as it looks for more cost savings.

IAG – INSURANCE AUSTRALIA GROUP – down 6.5 cents, or 1.1 per cent, at $5.725

WES – WESFARMERS – down 50 cents, or 1.2 per cent, at $42.82

The NZ Commerce Commission has cleared Insurance Australia Group to buy Wesfarmers’ Lumley General Insurance unit.

KMD – KATHMANDU – up 18 cents, or 5.1 per cent, at $3.69

Outdoor clothing retailer Kathmandu’s third quarter sales grew by nearly four per cent due to colder weather in Australia and New Zealand.

NHF – NIB – down two cents, or 0.7 per cent, at $2.93

Health insurer NIB expects government efforts to boost private cover, plus solid economic conditions, to fuel continued growth in the sector.