The Australian share market dropped at the open and continued to struggle throughout the morning now tracking 0.5 per cent lower at noon. One of the world's largest gold mining companies Newcrest (ASX:NCM) saw their shares jump today after reporting their plans to acquire a copper-gold mine in Canada. Funeral services provider, InvoCare (ASX:IVC) saw a dip in their shares today after announcing the successful completion of its fully underwritten institutional placement. The Placement raised approximately $65 million. The best-performing sector is Real Estate Investment Trust so far today - while the worst performing sector is Energy. The S&P/ASX 200 index is 29 points down at 6,175. On the futures market the SPI is 25 points lower. Company news Gold miner Newcrest Mining (ASX:NCM) has agreed to acquire a majority stake in copper and gold mine in Canada for $1.12 billion.