At lunch on Wednesday the S&P/ASX 200 index has continued its solid run and climbed a further 0.6% to 6,278.6 points.
Here's what has been happening on the market today:
Bank shares edge higher.
It has been positive day of trade for the majority of Australia's biggest banks. At lunch three of the big four are pushing higher, with Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares leading the way with a 0.4% gain. National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares are the exception and down 0.4% at lunch.
Appen completes Figure Eight acquisition.
The Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price is up 4% at lunch after the market darling announced the completion of the US$175 million acquisition of Figure Eight Technologies. The best in class machine learning software platform provider is expected to materially increase the quality of Appen's revenues and the breadth of its customer base.
Eclipx-McMillan Shakespeare merger terminated.
The Eclipx Group Ltd (ASX: ECX) share price is down 3% at lunch after McMillan Shakespeare Limited (ASX: MMS) announced that the two parties have agreed to terminate the Scheme Implementation Agreement (SIA) with immediate effect. Eclipx has agreed to reimburse McMillan Shakespeare for the $8 million costs incurred to date in relation to the SIA and proposed scheme.
Best and worst performers.
The best performer on the ASX 200 at lunch is the Syrah Resources Ltd (ASX: SYR) share price with a gain of 6%. With no news out of the graphite miner, I wouldn't be surprised if this has been driven by short sellers buying back shares to close positions. The worst performer on the ASX 200 at lunch is the Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ) share price with a 9% decline. Its shares have crashed lower after managing director and CEO, Deven Billimoria, announced the sale of 1.1 million shares through an on-market trade on Tuesday. Mr Billimoria received $8.36 million for the shares.
