Investors are enjoying a relatively calm session today with the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX:XJO) managing to gain 0.26% to 5,786 points.
The energy, materials and consumer discretionary sectors have really helped the market higher today, although the same can't be said for the healthcare and consumer staples sectors.
Four shares that have enjoyed a particularly strong day, include:
Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL)
Shares of Blackmores have climbed 3.6% today, despite no news from the company. It appears investors may be breathing a sigh of relief following yesterday's business update from Bellamy's Australia Ltd (ASX: BAL). Although Bellamy's margins are going to take a big hit, Chinese demand for Australian health products still appears to be robust. This is seen as good news for companies like Blackmores which has taken a hit recently on concerns of a slowdown.
IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)
Shares of IPH have spiked more than 5.2% to $5.42, also on no news. However, the shares have been in a fairly sustained downtrend over recent months as a result of a large number of shares being released from escrow. Some investors might now be a seeing this as an opportunity to pick up shares at a relatively large discount to their 52-week high of $9.43.
Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN)
Shares of Qantas have jumped more than 3% today, despite oil prices rallying overnight. The shares are now trading at their highest levels since August and have enjoyed quite a nice run since the airline provided a relatively positive first quarter trading update in October. Qantas' recently approved $366 million share buy-back is also likely having a positive impact on the share price and investor sentiment.
Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF)
Shares of Steadfast Group have spiked more than 6% today, despite the absence of any news from the company. In fact, the magnitude of today's move is quite surprising considering the company has not released any market sensitive announcements since mid-November last year. The insurance broker did, however, deliver a strong uptick in earnings in FY16 and provided a positive outlook which has seen the shares climb more than 61% over the last 12 months.
