The S&P / ASX200 is (ASX: XJO) is o.2% higher in trade today with strength in technology shares being offset by weakness across some of the blue-chip miners on the back of falling commodity prices. Overseas, the tech-heavy NASDAQ index in the U.S. closed 2% higher overnight in a move that has helped lift some local shares today. So let's take a look at what might be behind some of the price action.
The Clydesdale & Yorkshire Bank (CYBG PLC/IDR UNRESTR) (ASX: CYB) share price is up 6% to $3.68 today despite the regional UK bank and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) spin off releasing no news to the market. Its shares have been volatile recently as investors worry over whether or not the UK will agree a "Brexit deal" with the European Union before a March 2019 deadline. In the event of no deal the UK banking system could come under a lot of pressure.
The Afterpay Touch Group Ltd (ASX: APT) share price is up 2.8% to $12.27 today despite the buy-now-pay-later company releasing no specific news to the market. However, one of the US's most influential shopping celebrities in Kim Kardashian has been promoting Afterpay to her 59 million Twitter followers and 120 million Instagram followers. This sort of free promotion could really help the group in its attempt to win market share in the US.
The Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price is up 7.8% to $13.70 today despite the language translation and AI business releasing no specific news to the market. On November 15 the group upgraded its profit guidance for full year EBITDA to come in between $62 million to $65 million in a result that would represent another strong year of growth. Appen's shares are climbing today on the back of a positive session for tech players in the US overnight.
The Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price is up 4.1% to $48.44 today, although the group has still lost around 30% of its value since hitting highs around $69 in August 2018. The group is guiding for underlying profit before tax growth of around 7% to between $140 million to $150 million for the six-month period ending December 31, 2018. Flight Centre shares could be good value given its management team and track record of growth based on a global strategy.
