The S&P / ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has again drifted sideways today as the market lacks direction before the arrival of February's half-year reporting season. However, there are several stocks bucking the trend to fly higher on the back of brightening outlooks.
Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) yesterday announced it expects full year profit growth to be up 10-20% over the prior year. In response the stock has lifted 2.66% today to close at $59.80 and still looks to be trading on a reasonable valuation with an attractive yield. The bank will provide more detail on its position during an operational briefing scheduled for February 17, and if markets remain reasonable I expect it will perform well in 2015.
Platinum Asset Management Limited (ASX: PTM) is a global equities manager that has climbed 3.67% today and around 13% over the prior month. The group announced a modest growth in funds under management (FUM) for December 2014 recently, but the investor support is probably linked to Platinum's international exposure.
With the Australian economy expected to underperform versus international peers in the year ahead, investors are likely betting on an upturn in demand for international equity exposure from retail and institutional investors.
Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) is another international equities manager that has outperformed Platinum recently as investors bet on growing demand for international equities exposure. The stock has soared around 60% over the past year, largely on the back of strong FUM growth. Up almost 3% to $18.03 today it will need to see post some strong FUM growth to justify its current valuation.
Somnomed Limited (ASX: SOM) is a healthcare stock that has simply shot the lights out over the last year to almost double in value at today's closing price of $3.10. The stock climbed 3.33% today as its momentum builds following strong recent sales numbers for its mouthguard-like sleep apnea treatment device.
The company has been investing heavily in its US business, although sales elsewhere in the world are now beginning to show positive signs. The business is on a big valuation, but may have a big future to match.
