The ASX has started the shortened trading week following the Easter long weekend with a gain. At midday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) was 0.4% higher following Wall Street's lead where US stocks extended their gains in light trade overnight.
There is little in the way of company or economic data to set the tone today, although the Australian dollar has fallen to a two-week low and the iron ore price is under pressure.
Banks stocks have helped the index into positive territory, while gold stocks have tumbled. Sectors are mixed with energy leading the gainers, followed by industrials. The materials and information technology sectors are lower.
Here are the top five best performing stocks in the index at midday today:
- Karoon Gas Australia Limited (ASX: KAR) has climbed 4.8% to $2.86
- Drillsearch Energy Limited (ASX: DLS) has risen 3.3% to $1.71
- Skilled Group Ltd. (ASX: SKE) has gained 3.1% to $2.83
- AWE Limited (ASX: AWE) has added 3% to $1.55
- Village Roadshow Ltd (ASX: VRL) is up 2.9% to $7.32
These are the five worst performing stocks at midday today: