The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is still lower in afternoon trade but has bounced off its lows of the day. Currently, the benchmark index is down 0.3% to 5,517 points, having touched on 5,500 points in early trade.
Much of the blame for these drops can be placed on the energy and information technology sectors. Both have been the worst performers today, posting declines of over 1% each. Four ASX shares which have been having a great day though are as follows:
BWX Ltd (ASX: BWX) shares have risen over 5% to $5.45 today after the beauty products company announced plans to expand its presence in the United Kingdom. Leading pharmacy, health, and beauty retailer Boots will begin stocking BWX's flagship skin care brand Sukin from the second quarter of FY 2017. With Boots having 2,500 stores across its network, this could prove to be a real boost to the sales of this growing company.
BWX shares have risen by a whopping 140% since its IPO late last year.
Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) shares have jumped over 3.8% to $3.10 despite there being no news out of the company. The shares had come under a spot of selling pressure in the last few weeks and dropped around 10% lower than their 52-week high. It would appear that some investors have seen this as a buying opportunity ahead of earnings season. According to CommSec analysts are expecting Medibank to post full-year earnings per share growth of over 39% to 14.5 cents in August.
Medibank shares have had a great 2016 and risen by almost 45%.
Opthea Ltd (ASX: OPT) shares surged higher by 15% to 61 cents today. The biologics drug developer reported positive data from its wet age-related macular degeneration clinical trial. The company has stated that the encouraging results suggest the combined inhibition of VEGF-C/D and VEGF-A may lead to improved outcomes over the current standalone Lucentis treatment.
Opthea shares have gained a huge 183% in the last 12 months.
Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ) shares have been one of the best performers today with a gain of over 12% to $7.38. Today's rise comes following the announcement this morning that the salary packaging specialist had successfully completed its $54 million institutional placement to partly fund the acquisition of Selectus Pty Ltd. As well as this the company reported unaudited half year results which showed net profit after tax and amortisation growth of 44%.
Smartgroup shares have rocketed by over 60% in the last three months.
