1) Because MEO knew the farminee was to have a board meeting on that date (albeit probably after close of trade on ASX). If price had continued to trend upwards it would have looked suspect when they announced the price sensitive announcement yesterday.
2) Perhaps they knew the farminee and details would not be announced. MEO announcement was in many ways nothing particularly new. The drilling (and farminee) confirmation was, but this would not be reason to send CUE and MOG into a halt IMO.
MEO Price at posting:
45.0¢ Sentiment: LT Buy Disclosure: Held