The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has fought back from a morning in the red and is slightly higher at 5,607.1 points in early afternoon trade.
Four shares that have climbed more than most today are listed below. Here's why they have started the week with a bang:
The Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) share price is up 2% to $1.90 after advising that the Commonwealth of Australia has made available a loan facility of up to A$80 million to support the acquisition of two Cape Class Patrol Boats. The facility will be made available to the Government of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago to assist it in purchasing the vessels from Austal. In addition to this, Austal has been contracted to make another two combat vessels for the US Navy.
The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price has pushed almost 2.5% higher to $33.16 after it announced details of its special dividend. After successfully completing a US$5.2 billion off-market buy back, the mining giant will pay shareholders a US$1.02 (A$1.42) per share special dividend in January. BHP's shares will trade ex-dividend for this on January 10.
The Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) share price is up over 5.5% to $15.13 after the mining services and production company announced that it has entered into a binding asset sale and share subscription agreement with lithium giant Albemarle. The agreement is in relation to the sale of a 50% interest in its Wodgina lithium project and the formation of a 50:50 joint venture. Mineral Resources will receive US$1.15 billion for the sale.
The TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM) share price has climbed 2% higher to $6.42. Bargain hunters may be swooping in today to pick up the telco company's shares after a sharp decline last week. TPG Telecom's shares fell heavily after the ACCC advised that it has concerns with its planned merger with Vodafone Australia. It is worth noting that TPG Telecom remains confident the merger will go ahead.
