Why these 4 ASX shares are getting smashed today

BHP Billiton Limited (ASX:BHP) and iSelect Ltd (ASX:ISU) are among today's market fallers.

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The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is a sea of red today having fallen to its lowest level in two-and-a-half-years. The sell off is now in its seventh day in what some economists expect to be another tough week for investors.

While the ASX 200 itself is down 1.5%, these four ASX shares are copping the market's wrath in an even bigger way…

3P Learning Ltd (ASX: 3PL) has fallen 17.1% to $1.63 per share after the company announced the resignation of its Managing Director and CEO, Tim Power. Power owns a considerable amount of shares in the business and has done a remarkable job of leading the company over the last 10 years, and investors are clearly sceptical of what his departure could mean for the business' prospects.

iSelect Ltd (ASX: ISU) fell even more mercilessly, its shares sliding 39.1% to just 67 cents. They hit an all-time low of 64.5 cents earlier. The massive sell off comes as a result of an earnings downgrade with the company expecting to achieve earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of between $15 million and $18 million for the full 2016 financial year. You can read the catalysts behind the downgrade, here.

BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) shares crashed to their lowest level in more than a decade today and are currently trading 5.4% lower at $15.46. BHP Billiton's shares have endured a horrendous start to 2016, sparked by falling oil prices and its exposure to China. Both iron ore and oil prices fell further during the latest session, with further declines expected over the coming months.

Spotless Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SPO) shares have shed another 5.6% today, giving them a total decline of 14.8% since the beginning of the year. There has been a lot of negative press related to companies spun-off from private equity recently following the collapse of Dick Smith Holdings Ltd (ASX: DSH). Given the major earnings downgrade from Spotless Group (which was also spun-off from private equity) late in 2015, it's possible that investors are fearing the company could face similar issues down the track.

Motley Fool contributor Ryan Newman has no position in any stocks mentioned. Unless otherwise noted, the author does not have a position in any stocks mentioned by the author in the comments below. You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ASXvalueinvest. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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