Over the past five trading days, the S&P ASX 100 Index (ASX: ^XTO) rose 2.6% to 4,598, a level not seen since May 2008. The US stock exchanges are still rising.
The Aussie dollar slipped back under 93 cents to the US$. Domestic inflation is up slightly, yet less than expected, so the RBA has no real need to raise interest rates. Gold is at US$1,291/oz.
The ASX 100 stocks had a strong trading week, although shortened by the Easter long weekend and Anzac Day long weekend. Over the last five trading days, these companies were the top 4 ASX 100 gainers.
Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) price: $7.00 (+14.7%)
The company made two moves this month. First, its life insurance business arm, Challenger Life, made a takeover offer for the remaining 41.3% of Challenger Diversified Property Group (ASX: CDI) for $243 million. That estimates the security unit value to be $2.74 each.
Secondly, it will merge its infrastructure investment operations with Access Capital Advisers, creating a new infrastructure business with $4 billion under management. Challenger's Fidante Partners funds management business will own 30% of the business.
Beach Energy Limited (ASX: BPT) price: $1.80 (+10.4%)
The oil and gas producer had a strong first half with production up from new oil discoveries and further promising developments with its unconventional gas in the Cooper Basin in SA.
Beach Energy is the biggest onshore oil producer.
Carsales.com Ltd (ASX: CRZ) price: $11.05 (+9.4%)
The auto sales website company completed its acquisition of a 49.9% stake in South Korea's biggest car sales website, SK Encar. This goes along with its international expansion into Brazil and South East Asia with investments in other established businesses in those regions.
ResMed Inc. (CHESS) (ASX: RMD) price: $5.26 (+8.4%)
The respiratory aid device developer and producer released third quarter results with net profit up 6% on the previous corresponding period. This was below market expectations, but investors still sent the stock up to an intraday high of $5.37.
