Australian shares are trading lower today following heavy falls in iron ore and oil prices overnight. Meanwhile, the outcome of the US Federal Reserve's meeting tonight is also weighing on investor confidence with the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) hovering roughly 0.5% lower.
However, some companies have managed to escape unscathed, including these four…
Sirtex Medical Limited (ASX: SRX) has managed to recover 19.6% of its value to be trading at $20.96 after having plummeted more than 55% on Tuesday. While yesterday's heavy fall came after the biotech said the primary endpoint of its SIRFLOX trial had not been achieved, investors may now be weighing in on the less publicised positives of the test. You can read more about that here.
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) is one of the few shining lights in Australia's mining and energy sector today following a session of heavy falls for key commodities overnight. Investors have bid the stock 1.2% higher, likely as a result of its update regarding the proposed demerger of South32 Limited yesterday. The advantages of the demerger seem to outweigh the disadvantages whereby significant shareholder value could be unlocked should the plan receive approval.
Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC) has jumped 1.2% to be trading at $65.85. Although the company hasn't released any news which would explain the jump, it's possible that investors are targeting the stock due to its defensive nature in an increasingly uncertain economic outlook. The stock has risen nearly 35% over the last 12 months and could continue to deliver reasonable returns for years to come.
Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL) is also bubbling higher today with its shares up 1.2%. Shareholders will know how tough the last couple of years have been, but by all accounts the company appears to be back on track and ready to return to earnings growth this year. At $10.48, it's very possible that investors see fantastic value in the stock which would also explain its 28% jump since mid-October.
