Australian shares have lost some of their momentum from earlier in the session, although the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) is still sitting comfortably in the black, trading 0.5% higher at 5663 points.
While the gains have been relatively well spread, these four ASX stocks are performing particularly well.
G8 Education Ltd (ASX: GEM) continued its marvellous recovery, gaining another 3.6% during today's session. The once high-flying childcare operator hit a low of just $2.86 last week (down from $5.63 10 months ago) and has since regained 19.6% to trade at $3.42 as investors pile their funds back into the business. Indeed, the company offers a compelling 6.7% fully franked dividend yield, although some investors are questioning whether those payments can be maintained.
QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) gained 2% after the general insurer announced the sale of its mortgage and lender services business in North America. The total cash consideration for the sale is expected to be $90 million which is roughly $120 million below its book value, but investors are clearly happy that the insurer is making progress with its balance sheet clean up.
Bradken Limited (ASX: BKN) rose another 3.6%, compounding yesterday's nearly 17% gain. In a market sensitive announcement made on Wednesday, the mining services business confirmed it was not aware of any reason behind the stock's sharp decline over the last year (other than those reasons already disclosed to the market). It also reiterated its full-year earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) guidance of $136-138 million.
1-Page Ltd (ASX: 1PG), the company striving to revolutionise the way employers hire new talent, hit a new all-time high of $2.43 earlier in the session. It has since retreated to $2.375 (an intra-day gain of 5.6%) as investors grow increasingly confident about the company's future. Indeed, it has proven its ability to win big-name clients and is growing its customer base strongly.
