Unless the S&P/ASX 200 index finishes the decade on a very positive note, the benchmark index looks set to record a small monthly decline.
Not all shares on the index have tumbled lower this month, though. Four shares that have been strong performers in December are listed below. Here's why they are ending the year on a high:
Silver Lake Resources Limited (ASX: SLR)
The Silver Lake Resources share price has been the best performer on the ASX 200 month to date. Since the start of December the gold miner's shares have risen an impressive 19.8%. The catalyst for this was a rebound in the gold price to a two-month high amid concerns that a trade deal may not be signed by the U.S. and China.
oOh!Media Ltd (ASX: OML)
The oOh!Media share price has been a strong performer in December. The outdoor advertising and media company's shares are also up 19.8% month to date. Investors were buying oOh!Media's shares after it upgraded its FY 2019 earnings guidance. Improved bookings during September and the fourth quarter were behind the upgrade. It now expects FY 2019 EBITDA in the range of $138 million to $143 million. This compares to its previous guidance of $125 million to $135 million.
Nufarm Limited (ASX: NUF)
The Nufarm share price has returned to form in December after falling 20% in November. Nufarm's shares are up 17.4% month to date. This appears to have been down to a combination of bargain hunters taking advantage of its share price decline and a broker note out of Macquarie. Its analysts were positive on the agribusiness company due largely to its omega-3 opportunity. It placed an outperform rating and $5.83 price target on its shares earlier this month.
Cooper Energy Ltd (ASX: COE)
The Cooper Energy share price is up 16.8% month to date. Investors have been buying shares following a busy month for the energy company. This month Cooper Energy completed the acquisition of the Minerva Gas plant and provided a positive update on the Sole gas project. That update revealed that the Sole gas field is ready to produce gas on completion of the Orbost Gas Plant upgrade and commissioning which is being managed by the plant owner, APA Group (ASX: APA).
