Unfortunately the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is on course to finish the day in the red once again. In afternoon trade the index is down 0.3% to 5,722 points.
Although the market is sinking lower, four shares in particular have managed to finish the week with a bang. Here's why:
The Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price has continued to climb higher, this time by 6% to $3.43. Yesterday the shares of this exciting data solutions and services company climbed over 20% after management upgraded its full-year EBITDA growth guidance to between 40% and 50%. Previous guidance had been set at mid to high teen growth. After today's gain, I think Appen's shares are probably fully valued now.
The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price has jumped 5% to $5.20 after the iron ore price rebounded. Speculation that steel demand will increase is behind this latest gain for the base metal. Although I think Fortescue is a quality miner, I'm not convinced that iron ore prices will hold up at current levels for too much longer.
The Huon Aquaculture Group Ltd (ASX: HUO) share price has climbed 6.5% to $4.90. Today's gain appears to be related to a research note out of Ord Minnett which named the salmon producer as a buy with a $5.86 price target. Increasing demand and lower competition have led its analysts to expect the company to benefit from higher wholesale salmon prices this year.
The Sirtex Medical Limited (ASX: SRX) share price has surged 7.5% to $11.59. After yesterday's heavy decline, the company was given a boost today when a research note out of UBS revealed that its analysts had retained their buy rating and $30.30 price target on Sirtex's shares. Whilst it is tempting to pick up shares on the cheap, I think there are better options elsewhere on the market.
