ALL ORDINARIES finishes higher Wednesday: 8 shares you missed

The S&P/ASX 200 (Index:^AXJO)(ASX:XJO) and ALL ORDINARIES (Index:^AXAO) (ASX:XAO) finished higher on Wednesday.

a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO)(ASX: XJO) and ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) indices finished higher on Wednesday.

Here's a short recap of the Australian market:

  • S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) higher 1.18% to 5,939.10
  • ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) higher 1.16% to 6,047.10
  • AUD/USD at US 71 cents
  • Gold at US$1,225.70 an ounce
  • Brent Oil at US$81.47 a barrel

The best-performing ASX 200 share today was organic infant formula business Bellamy's Australia Ltd (ASX: BAL), its share price rose 12.5%. Fellow infant formula business a2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) also flew 8.5% higher. Both seem to be reacting to a2 Milk's first quarter update.

Afterpay Touch Group Ltd (ASX: APT) shares plunged nearly 19% on news of a new Senate inquiry into finance business like payday lenders. Credit Corp Group Limited (ASX: CCP) also fell 9.2% in response to the news.

The share price of Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) rose 3.3% after revealing its funds under management (FUM) update for the September 2018 quarter.

Big resource business BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) shares fell 0.7% after revealing its production numbers for the September 2018 quarter.

Discount retailer Reject Shop Ltd (ASX: TRS) shares declined 39% after telling investors that its comparable sales were actually falling, meaning the first half profit would be significantly less than expected.

Finally, the share price of Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) rose 1.1% today despite Amazon launching its pantry food offering.

Here are some of today's top stories:

Should you invest $1,000 in The A2 Milk Company Limited right now?

Before you buy The A2 Milk Company Limited shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and The A2 Milk Company Limited wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 9 January 2025

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison owns shares of Challenger Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Challenger Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of A2 Milk and AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended The Reject Shop Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

A rueful woman tucks into a sweet pie as she contemplates a decision with regret.
Share Market News

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a rough end to the week this Friday for ASX shares...

Read more »

Three rockets heading to space
Record Highs

3 ASX 300 shares smashing new multi-year highs while the market struggles

The broader market is in the red on Friday but these three shares are riding high.

Read more »

A fresh-faced young woman holds an Australian flag aloft above her head as she smiles widely on a beach as though celebrating a national day or event where Australia has been successful.
Opinions

The only Australian stocks I own at the start of 2025

My portfolio has a mix of studs and potential duds...

Read more »

Best Shares

Which ASX 200 large-cap shares outperformed their peers in 2024?

We reveal the 16 best ASX 200 large-cap stocks for share price growth last year.

Read more »

Three happy girls on jumping motion with inflatable mattresses at the beach.
Share Gainers

3 ASX All Ords shares leading the charge in 2025

These ASX All Ords shares have soared 16% to 37% already in 2025.

Read more »

Shot of a young businesswoman looking stressed out while working in an office.
Bank Shares

Why is the Westpac share price being hit so hard today?

The bank is currently the worst-performing member of the big four.

Read more »

Two smiling work colleagues discuss an investment or business plan at their office.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares.

Read more »

a young woman raises her hands in joyful celebration as she sits at her computer in a home environment.
Share Gainers

Why Insignia, Rio Tinto, St Barbara, and Structural Monitoring shares are rising today

These shares are ending the week on a positive note. But why? Let's find out.

Read more »