Although a disappointing decline this afternoon means the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) finished the week with a weekly decline of almost 0.2%, it has been a very eventful week for the local market with a number of positives.
Amongst the highlights this week have been:
The a2 Milk Company Ltd (Australia) (ASX: A2M) share price continued its strong run and gained a further 7% this week. Although there was no news out of the company, investors appear to believe the dairy company will upgrade its full-year guidance at next month's annual general meeting.
The Big Un Ltd (ASX: BIG) share price finished the week with a gain of over 11% thanks partly to newly announced partnerships with GoFundraise and HotCopper Holdings Ltd (ASX: HOT). The video technology company's shares are up 1,000% over the last 12 months.
The Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL) share price was one of the best performers this week following the release of its first-quarter update. Although the initial reaction was subdued, a couple of broker notes on Friday have taken its shares over 9% higher for the week.
The Catapult Group International Ltd (ASX: CAT) share price finished the week 10% higher thanks to a solid first-quarter update. Catapult delivered a 23% increase in group cash receipts to $27.8 million during the quarter, leading to a net operating cash flow of $8.3 million.
The G8 Education Ltd (ASX: GEM) share price reached a 52-week high of $4.71 this week. The key driver of this share price rise was a broker note out of Ord Minnett. Its analysts retained their buy rating on the childcare centre operator and increased the price target on its shares to $5.10.
The Praemium Ltd (ASX: PPS) share price had a strong week and rose 8% to reach a multi-year high of 62 cents. Investors have been fighting to get hold of shares after the investment platform provider achieved record platform inflows and funds under administration for the recent quarter.
The Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) share price rose around 8% to hit a 52-week high of $5.74 this week. Investors appear to have been pleased with the trading update it provided at its annual general meeting. As of October 22, total normalised group revenue is up 4% on the prior corresponding period.
