The ASX has started the day in positive territory with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.6% at midday.
Today's gains follow a strong lead from Wall Street where US stocks rallied, leaving the Dow Jones and the S&P 500 both up over 1% at the close. While US company earnings results were mixed, a speech by Federal Reserve chair, Janet Yellen boosted investors' confidence.
Adding to the positive lead from Wall Street has been initial public offer (IPO) action including the announcement of advisers to the $4 billion Medibank IPO.
Here are the top five best performing stocks in the index at lunchtime today:
- Southern Cross Media Group Ltd (ASX: SXL) has jumped 4.5% to $1.38
- NRW Holdings Limited (ASX: NWH) has rallied 3.6% to $1.16
- Carsales.com Limited (ASX: CRZ) has gained 3.2% to $10.76
- Ozforex Group Ltd (ASX: OFX) has climbed 2.7% to $3.00
- Seven Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SVW) has added 2.5% to $8.32
These are the five worst performing stocks at lunchtime today:
- Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) has declined 2.5% to $2.36
- Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) has fallen 2.4% to 60.5 cents
- Sigma Pharmaceutical Limited (ASX: SIP) has lost 2.1% to 71 cents
- Karoon Gas Australia Limited (ASX: KAR) has slipped 1.8% to $2.71
- Acrux Limited (ASX: ACR) is down 1.8% to $1.65