Best and worst stocks on the ASX today

The market clawed its way higher.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has managed to end the day higher with a gain of 0.18%.

It was down to local companies reporting to do the heavy lifting today with little in the way of economic data or offshore leads with the US markets closed over night for the Presidents' Day holiday. Investors reacted enthusiastically to BHP Billiton Limited's (ASX: BHP) result, which helped lift the materials sector by 1%. The financial, healthcare, telco, and REIT sectors all gained as well. The IT, gold, industrials, utilities, consumer discretionary and consumer staples sectors were all lower.

Here are the top five best performing stocks in the index today.

  • Monadelphous Group Limited (ASX: MND)  jumped 9.7% to $17.10
  • Karoon Gas Australia Limited (ASX: KAR) gained  4.3% to $3.18
  • NRW Holdings Limited (ASX: NWH) added 4% to $1.435
  • Sirtex Medical Limited (ASX: SRX) rose 3.8% to $14.96
  • G8 Education Ltd (ASX: GEM) closed up 3.4% to $3.95

These stocks were the losers on the day.

  • Pacific Brands Limited (ASX: PBG) slumped 9% to 65.5 cents
  • GWA Group Ltd (ASX: GWA) fell 8.6% to $2.88
  • Silver Lake Resources Limited (ASX: SLR) lost 8% to 69 cents
  • Medusa Mining Limited (ASX: MML) dropped 5.4% to $2.11
  • Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL) closed down 5.3% to $11.22
Motley Fool contributor Tim McArthur owns shares in Pacific Brands Ltd.

More on ⏸️ Investing

A white and black robot in the form of a human being stands in front of a green graphic holding a laptop and discussing robotics and automation ASX shares
Technology Shares

Joining the revolution: How I'd invest in ASX AI shares right now

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) could usher in a new industrial revolution. Here’s how you can invest in it.

Read more »

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »