In afternoon trade the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has followed international markets higher and is up a solid 0.9% to 5,893 points.
Four shares that have climbed more than most today are listed below. Here's why they have climbed higher:
The BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) share price has stormed 3.5% higher to $31.09 after economic data in the United States led to a strong rally in base metal prices. It isn't just BHP climbing higher, either. The mining sector as a whole is up a solid 2.5% today with gains being seen across all industries. With the outlook for the global economy looking strong, I think BHP Billiton would be a great buy.
The Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG) share price is up 5% to $12.87 after the appliance manufacturer posted a 7.8% increase in first-half profit to $36.3 million. Profits would have been higher had the company not been negatively impacted by changes to federal corporate tax rates in the United States. Excluding this, net profit would have increased 12.4% in the prior corresponding period.
The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price is up 2.5% to $2.87 following the release of the gold miner's half-year results. Although Evolution posted a 10% decline in first-half profit to $122.5 million, this was due to a one-off $30.9 million gain in the prior corresponding period. Evolution finished the period with an AISC of A$785 per ounce, leading to a healthy A$628 AISC margin per ounce. If I were bullish on the gold price I would be a buyer of Evolution shares.
The Integrated Research Limited (ASX: IRI) share price has climbed 4.5% to $3.80. This morning the leading global provider of proactive performance management software reported a 20% increase in net profit after tax to $9.3 million. I think the company is one of the most underrated tech shares on the local market and well worth getting better acquainted with.
