Stocks of interest on the Australian Securities Exchange on Thursday:

BHP – BHP BILLITON

RIO – RIO TINTO

FMG – FORTESCUE METALS GROUP

Miners may find some relief as the iron ore price lifts nearly half a US cent, although it still remains below the $US40 mark at $US39.08.

FXJ – FAIRFAX

Facebook users will be able to read Fairfax Media stories just that little bit faster after the media giant became the first local Australian outlet to sign up for Facebook’s Instant Articles program.