After a strong day yesterday, it appears investors are feeling a little more cautious today with the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX:XJO) trading broadly flat at lunchtime.
The gold, healthcare, and industrials sectors are posting fairly healthy gains, while the energy, telecommunications and consumer staples sectors are weighing the market down.
Four shares that have managed to rise strongly today, include:
Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL)
Despite starting the session on the back foot, the Blackmores share price has rallied more than 5% today following the release of its third quarter results. Although the headline numbers were less than inspiring, it appears some investors are pleased with the progress the company is making in China. The vitamin maker's 'in-country' and export sales to China increased to $92 million in the first nine months, up 60% from this time last year.
Clean TeQ Holdings Limited (ASX: CLQ)
The Clean TeQ share price has spiked more than 14% today after the cobalt miner released a positive quarterly activities report. The company made a number of key appointments during the quarter and also said that its Syerston Nickel/Cobalt feasibility study was progressing as planned. Interestingly, management also commented on the recent slide in the share price, noting that it is "not aware of any issues that explain the recent trading activity".
Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)
The Northern Star Resources share price has climbed more than 5.2% today after the gold miner released another outstanding quarterly activities report. The company mined more than 132,000 ounces of gold in the quarter and remains well on track to meet its FY17 production targets. Pleasingly, production costs also fell during the quarter to just $988/ounce. Northern Star finished the quarter with no bank debt and $393 million in cash and investments.
Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN)
The Qantas share price has soared nearly 4.5% today after analysts suggested the airline has room for $500 million a year in share-buy backs over the next three years. This could potentially increase its earnings per share by 32% and would be more prudent than paying dividends to shareholders since Qantas won't have franking credits until FY19. The shares are also getting a nice boost today thanks to the overnight drop in crude oil prices.
