Here are the headlines from the S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX: XJO)(ASX: XJO) and Australian finance circles on Thursday morning.

But first, here are the data points:

Australian Dollar ($A) (AUDUSD): 71.97 US cents

Dow Jones (DJI): up 0.1%

Oil (WTI): $US67.89 per barrel

Gold: $US1,205 per ounce

Australian Investing News

In Australian share market news this morning, S&P Dow Jones released its quarterly rebalance. S&P is the company which chooses the shares that are included in many popular market indices like the S&P/ASX 200 and S&P/ASX 300.

Video: What Is The ASX 200?

For the ASX 200, Bingo Industries Limited (ASX: BIN) and Elders Limited (ASX: ELD) were added while Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia (ASX: GMA) and Greencrosss Ltd (ASX: GXL) were removed.

Stockmarket index changes are closely watched because companies included in them typically receive more coverage from analysts, fund managers (e.g. index funds) and Super funds.

Building materials company James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX) announced the successor to the long-running CEO Louis Gries. James Hardie appointed Dr Jack Truong, who is currently the Company’s President – International.

“The Board has selected Jack following a rigorous and extensive process that included a strong field of internal candidates,” Chairman Michael Hammes said. “The decision considered the transition from Louis’ immensely successful 13-year tenure as CEO of James Hardie and the requirement for the incoming candidate to possess strong operational experience and industry knowledge.”

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