Origin Energy Limited

The Australian share market closed lower on Wednesday, largely attributable to volatility returning to the US financial sector and weaker resource stocks.

The Australian share market was boosted by banks yesterday after investor confidence returned following a rally overnight on Wall Street. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index rose 89.2 points, or 1.84%, to 4936.7, while the broader All Ordinaries climbed 85.4 points, or 1.73%, to 5008.7.

The Australian share market closed in the black again yesterday, driven by a stronger financial sector, but weaker resource stocks capped the gains. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 38.8 points or 0.76% to 5144.1, while the broader All Ordinaries gained 26.8 points or 0.52%, to 5188.4.

Australian financial stocks is likely to continue gains on improved sentiment towards the sector in overseas markets, though weaker oil and metals prices may weigh on resource stocks. Analysts have cautioned that despite recent market gains, overall sentiment was still fragile and a further spike in energy prices or more bad news out of credit markets could trigger a fresh wave of selling.

Last night Wall Street led on easing concerns about a credit crisis, but gains are likely to be tempered by declines in mining and oil companies after oil, gold and base metals prices fell.

Beach Petroleum Limited Weekly Drilling Report Week ending 2 July 2008

Origin Energy (ASX: ORG)(PNK: OGFGF) and Inpex have taken out the key Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) environment awards for 2008.

Origin Energy (Origin), one of Australia's leading energy companies, has launched a new Carbon Reduction Scheme offering Australian businesses an effective, efficient and flexible approach to reduce their carbon footprint.

The average wholesale electricity price received by Contact's generation was $72.14 per MWh over the quarter ended 30 September 2005(1). This was in contrast to the same period ended 30 September 2004, where the average price received by Contact was $28.77 per MWh.