After a strong start the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has faded and in afternoon trade is down 0.1% to 6,008 points. If it finishes this way it will mean four consecutive days of declines.
Despite this, four shares have been able to post notably strong gains today. Here's why:
The A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price has climbed 3% to $7.76. Yesterday the fast-growing dairy company was given a boost after analysts at Macquarie tipped its shares to reached $8.29. The broker has retained its outperform rating on a2 Milk's shares following its decision to launch into the north east of the United States. I agree with Macquarie and believe a2 Milk is a buy.
The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price is up 5% to $49.15 following the release of a positive broker note out of UBS. According to the note, the broker has upgraded the travel agent to a buy rating with a $53.60 price target. Its analysts are confident that Flight Centre can achieve its three-to-five-year pre-tax profit targets.
The OceanaGold Corporation (ASX: OGC) share price has stormed almost 5% higher to $3.38 despite the majority of the gold miners sinking into the red. After the market closed on Thursday OceanaGold announced record full-year production of 574,606 ounces at an unaudited all-in sustaining cost of US$617 per ounce. This was a 38% lift in production and a 13% reduction in costs.
The Speedcast International Ltd (ASX: SDA) share price is almost 3% higher to $5.46. This morning the remote communication and IT solutions provider announced that it has been selected by Noble Corporation to provide new IT communications equipment and fully-managed connectivity services to its global drilling fleet. No financial details were given, but this does appear to be a big win for the company.
