Despite its recent blip, the S&P/ASX 100 index has managed to carve out a gain of almost 14% since the start of the year excluding dividends.
A number of blue-chip shares have performed exceptionally well during this period, helping to lift the index higher.
The top 10 performers in 2019 are highlighted below:
The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price has been the best performer on the ASX 100 with a gain of 85% in 2019. This strong gain has been driven by a sharp rise in the iron ore price due to supply issues in both Australia and Brazil.
The Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price has been an impressive performer in 2019 with a gain of 77.2%. The catalyst for this was a stellar half year result driven by the outperformance of its funds and a strong increase in funds under management.
The DuluxGroup Limited (ASX: DLX) share price has raced 48.2% higher since the start of the year thanks to a $3.8 billion takeover approach from Japan's Nippon Paint. The DuluxGroup board has backed the deal, saying that they "have unanimously concluded that the transaction with Nippon is in the best interests of our shareholders."
The Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) share price has risen a sizeable 43% since the start of the year. This has been driven by asset divestments and better-than-expected earnings and operational performance updates.
The Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price has zoomed 41.5% higher since the turn of the year. The cloud-based business and accounting software provider has caught the eye thanks to a strong full year result which saw the company report a 32% lift in annualised monthly recurring revenue (AMRR) to NZ$638.2 million.
The Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) share price has continued its remarkable run and raced 40.5% higher in 2019. Investors have been fighting to get hold of the design software company's shares after it delivered more explosive growth in the first half of FY 2019.
The Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC) share price has stormed 40% higher since the start of the year. This has been driven by a stronger than expected performance by the leading property manager in FY 2019.
The A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price has been a strong performer once again, rising 38.2% this year. Investors have been buying the infant formula and fresh milk company's shares after it reported further strong profit growth thanks largely to increasing demand in China.
The Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR) share price isn't far behind with a gain of 38% since the turn of the year. Its shares have been pushing higher after the property group defied the housing market downturn and issued bullish profit guidance.
The Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY) share price is the tenth-best performing blue chip this year with a 31.5% gain. This strong gain was driven by the waste management company's impressive half year result which saw it report a 52.6% lift in underlying net profit after tax to $67 million.
