The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX:XJO) has maintained its strong start to 2017, rising another 0.35% to 5,757 points.
Most sectors are making a positive contribution today, although the telecommunications, gold and energy sectors are posting the biggest gains.
A number of shares have missed out on today's gains, however, including:
Macquarie Atlas Roads Limited (ASX: MQA)
A number of 'bond-proxy' shares have been sold down today, although Macquarie Atlas Roads has been the hardest hit with its shares falling nearly 3%. The prospect of higher inflation and higher interest rates has some investors questioning just how attractive these types of shares will be in the short-to-medium term and whether cyclical shares may offer the potential for higher returns.
Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL)
Shares of Blackmores have dropped around 2% today, despite the absence of any news from the company. Investors should expect the shares to remain volatile until the vitamin maker releases its second-quarter sales results in February. Blackmores disappointed the market late last year when it announced much weaker-than-expected first quarter sales.
iSentia Group Ltd (ASX: ISD)
Shares of iSentia have declined around 2.8% today, most likely on the back of short term profit taking. The media monitoring company surprised the market with a significant profit downgrade last November which resulted in the shares falling to a low of $2.36. Considering the shares have now bounced around 17% from their lows, some investors may also be taking the opportunity to exit their positions at a better-than-expected price.
Airxpanders Inc (ASX: AXP)
Shares of AirXpanders have fallen 2.8% today, despite it releasing an upbeat market presentation. For investors unfamiliar with the company, AirXpanders has developed a revolutionary tissue expander system for breast reconstruction procedures following mastectomy. The company's system is gaining greater acceptance in the medical community and its addressable market is already quite large. Although AirXpanders is not yet profitable, I think it could gain wider attention from the market over the next couple of years.
