Stocks of interest on the Australian Securities Exchange on Thursday:

BHP – BHP BILLITON – up 57.0 cents, or 2.07 per cent, at $28.05

BHP Billiton has increased overall group production by nine per cent but will reduce its drilling activity in US shale by 40 per cent in response to the plunging oil price.

BKI – BKI INVESTMENT – up 2.5 cents, or 1.54 per cent, at $1.645

BKI Investment Company has lifted its first half profit 20 per cent thanks to higher dividends from a number of major companies.

PYL – Phytotech – share issue price was 20 cents

Perth based medicinal cannabis company Phytotech lists on the ASX, due to start trading at 1400 AEDT (1100 AWST).

PSA – PETSEC ENERGY – up 0.9 cents, or 9.9 per cent, at 10 cents

Petsec Energy is considering reining in its exploration program following the dramatic falls in oil and gas prices.

SXY – SENEX ENERGY – down 0.5 cents, or 1.89 per cent, at 26.0 cents

Senex Energy has cut capital expenses 20 per cent in response to the sharp slide in oil prices.