The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) started the day strongly but has now dropped lower over concerns of rising tensions in Syria. In early afternoon trade the index is down 0.3% to 5,838 points.
Four shares which have gone against the grain today and climbed higher are listed below. Here's why they are finishing the week with a bang:
The AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) share price has jumped almost 3% to $27.64 today. The integrated energy company's shares were given a boost this morning after a research note out of UBS revealed that its analysts have upgraded AGL Energy's shares to a buy rating with a $29.50 price target.
The Catapult Group International Ltd (ASX: CAT) share price is up 5.5% to $2.11 after the sports technology company announced a change of CEO. Shaun Holthouse will step down as CEO at the end of the month and will become the Global Head of Strategy. He will be replaced by Joe Powell from SEEK Limited (ASX: SEK). Judging by the share price reaction, the market appears to be pleased with the change.
The Helloworld Ltd (ASX: HLO) share price has surged higher by 6.5% to $3.99 after the travel agent upgraded its full-year earnings guidance. Synergy benefits from its merger with AOT are expected to be realised sooner than previously expected. As a result EBITDA guidance has been increased from between $47 million and $51 million to between $52 million and $55 million.
The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price has jumped almost 5% to $4.50 following a jump in the spot gold price. At the time of writing the spot gold price is up almost 1% today to US$1,265 an ounce after it emerged that the United States had launched military strikes in Syria.
