The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is on course to have a disappointing end to the week. In afternoon trade the index is down 0.8% to 5,829 points.
Four shares which have acted as a major drag on the market today are listed below. Here's why they are ending the week deep in the red:
The Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) share price has fallen 4.5% to $5.23 despite there being no news out of the automotive aftermarket parts retailer. A good number of retail shares have fallen lower this week following weaker-than-expected Australian retail sales data.
The BT Investment Management Ltd (ASX: BTT) share price has sunk lower again, this time by 3.5% to $11.81. BTIM's shares fell sharply yesterday following the release of a disappointing half-year result. This led to Macquarie downgrading its shares to a neutral rating with an $11.70 price target this morning. I would have to agree with Macquarie on this one.
The Japara Healthcare Ltd (ASX: JHC) share price has tumbled 4% to $2.15 even though there was no news out of the aged care operator. Japara isn't the only aged care operator to fall lower today, rivals Estia Health Ltd (ASX: EHE) and Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG) are also in the red following a broad sector sell-off. I feel Japara could be reasonably good value now.
The Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF) share price has dropped 4% to $1.99 after the leading fertility company announced the surprise resignation of its CEO. Although a change at the top can be disruptive, I feel confident that the company will be able to transition successfully and continue its solid growth.
