The S&P / ASX 200 Index (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has added 0.2% today, to close at 4,484.8. Sectors were mostly in the green, with health care and gold both up 0.6%, while telecommunications was the only sector to fall, losing 0.3%.
The Australian dollar has soared against the US dollar, currently buying 104.3 cents, after the RBA's decision to leave rates on hold.
These three large cap stocks trumped the market.
Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL) added 1.6% to close at $13.28, more than reversing falls over the past two days. Generally viewed as a defensive stock, the drinks bottler has likely been in big demand by investors seeking safe stocks with a decent dividend. That has seen the company's share price rise 15.4% since the start of this year, although it has fallen back below $14 since early October.
Property play, Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) also posted a 1.6% rise, and ended at $4.48. Mainly focused on industrial property and funds management, Goodman has seen its share price rise 20% over the past three months, as demand for A-REITS (property trusts) increases. After several spectacular failures during and after the GFC (Centro), investors had shunned property trusts, on the basis that they were highly leveraged, opaque, risky assets to own. Many A-REITS have taken steps to de-leverage, by selling off assets, reducing debt and getting back to their roots, and therefore becoming more attractive for investors.
Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) added 31 cents, or 1.2% to end at $26.10. The gold miner has seen its share price fall from above $29 since the beginning of October, as the price of gold slumped. A run of missed production targets and accusations of failing to conduct proper due diligence on its acquisition of Lihir Gold in 2010 haven't helped either. Trading on a prospective P/E of over 18, and with a return on equity of just 8%, there are far better opportunities in the sector – although it appears some investors may seem some value in the stock – hence the rise today.
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Motley Fool writer/analyst Mike King doesn't own shares in any companies mentioned. The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Take Stock is The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Click here now to request your free subscription, whilst it's still available. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.
