A spot of weakness in the banking sector today means the S&P/ASX 200 index is trading ever so slightly lower in afternoon trade. At the time of writing the benchmark index is down slightly to 6,454.1 points.
Four shares that have not let that hold them back today are listed below. Here's why they have charged higher:
The Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price is up over 4% to $26.16 despite there being no news out of the language technology data and services company. However, the majority of Australia's leading tech shares have charged higher today, leading to the S&P/ASX 200 Info Tech index rising by a sizeable 1% this afternoon.
The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price has climbed 2.5% to $8.42 after iron ore prices surged higher on Friday. Strong demand from steel makers and lower inventories at Chinese ports sent the price of the benchmark 62% fines higher and within a whisker of a five-year high. Chinese iron ore futures surged higher on Friday, which could mean further gains this evening when the London Metal Exchange opens.
The iSignthis Ltd (ASX: ISX) share price has jumped a sizeable 10% higher to 65.5 cents. At one stage today the neobank's shares surged over 13% higher to a new all-time high of 67.5 cents. When it reached that level it meant that the iSignthis share price had rocketed an incredible 350% since the start of the year. Investors appear impressed with its progress in 2019 and may believe the company will be Australia's answer to PayPal.
The Vocus Group Ltd (ASX: VOC) share price has rocketed 17% higher to $4.56 after receiving a takeover approach from a Swedish private equity group. According to the announcement, EQT Infrastructure has made a non-binding, indicative proposal to acquire the telco company for $5.25 cash per share. EQT has been granted non-exclusive due diligence access.
