ASX Today: Stocks to watch on Friday

Futures are predicting that the ASX will open in the red to end the week, bucking the trend on a week full of positive openings.

Meanwhile, Wall Street eagerly awaits US job data. Bitcoin also as experienced a decline overnight, down by as much as 4.9 per cent at one stage.

On home soil, here are some ASX-listed companies with news out today:

Living Cell Technologies (LCT) has executed a research agreement with La Trobe University to conduct multiple pre-clinical studies using its cannabinoid-based combination drug, AI-116.

AI-116 pairs cannabidiol (CBD) with another off-patent pharmaceutical drug.

The study will employ state-of-the-art experimental techniques to treat Dementia, providing valuable insights into AI-116’s mechanism of action and efficacy compared to other Dementia drugs.

LCT shares last traded at 1 cent.

Talga Group (TLG) has secured environmental approval from the Swedish Land and Environment Court for its Nunasvaara South graphite mine.

Despite some government parties opting to appeal, the Court of Appeal confirmed yesterday that there were no grounds to grant leave to appeal to any of the parties.

“Talga is dedicated to mitigating environmental impacts associated with its projects, having diligently adhered to the regulatory procedures…We are excited to continue working on this critical project for European green battery production alongside the local community and stakeholders,” TLG Managing Director Mark Thompson said.

TLG shares last traded at $1.22.

In energy, Invictus (IVZ) has mobilised a drill rig to its Mukuyu-2 wellsite within its Cabora Bassa project in Zimbabwe.

Rig acceptance testing and commissioning are ongoing, with the well on track to spud in September.

“The final preparation of the well services equipment and independent quality assurance and quality control is nearing completion ahead of mobilisation of equipment and personnel to the Mukuyu-2 wellsite,” IVZ Managing Director Scott Macmillan said.

IVZ shares last traded at 17 cents.

MMA Offshore (MRM) has been awarded two contracts to provide LNG field support duties in Australia’s North West.

Commencing in mid-September 2023, the Platform Supply Vessel, “MMA Inscription,” will perform back-to-back contracts for 220 days, with additional option periods totalling 87 days.

The firm contract periods are expected to bring in $12.4 million in revenue for the company, with an additional $4.9 million if the options are exercised.

“It is encouraging to see rates and contract terms improving for high-quality well-maintained and operated platform supply vessels in the current market,” MMA’s Managing Director David Ross said.

MRM shares last traded at $1.33.

Strickland Metals (STK) has completed a 2D IP Survey across its Great Western gold target, revealing positive chargeability features associated with peak magnetic anomalism.

“The results from this survey have highlighted a 500-metre wide chargeable feature across the central portion of Line 1 that, importantly, coincides with the peak magnetic anomalism,” STK CEO Andrew Bray said.

The company plans to commence follow-up drilling upon receiving Heritage clearance for the project.

STK shares last traded at 4 cents.