The S&P/ASX 200 index has given back its morning gains and has just dropped into the red. At the time of writing the benchmark index is down a few points to 6,749.5 points.
Four shares that have not let that hold them back today are listed below. Here's why they have charged higher:
The Fluence Corporation Ltd (ASX: FLC) share price has zoomed 9% higher to 50 cents after the water services company announced an agreement which will make Fluence the preferred supplier for wastewater treatment equipment for Liaoning Huahong in China. According to the release, Liaoning Huahong expects to deploy Fluence's MABR products to meet the growing wastewater treatment needs of Panjin City, Liaoning, and surrounding provinces.
The Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO) share price is up 1.5% to $4.71 after the travel company announced an acquisition. According to the release, Helloworld has agreed to acquire the TravelEdge Group for a consideration of $28 million. TravelEdge is one of Australia's largest privately-owned corporate travel management company, offering a full suite of services of corporate travel services. This includes travel management solutions, academic travel services, event and group planning and delivery, holiday and leisure services, and travel prizing and incentives.
The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price has pushed 3% higher to $11.64 after the gold price hit a two-week high overnight. The price of the precious metal stormed higher after weak German economic data sparked fears that the trade war was having a big impact on global economic growth. The S&P/ASX All Ords Gold index is up 1.8% this afternoon.
The Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) share price has rebounded 4.5% to $11.60. Although Thomas Cook has officially gone bust after 178 years in business, analysts at UBS have suggested investors look beyond this and focus on Webjet's strong growth potential. It notes that structural shifts and market share gains give Webjet a rosy outlook. As a result, it has retained its buy rating but trimmed its price target slightly to $18.65.
