At lunch on Thursday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record another impressive gain. The benchmark index is currently up 2.4% to 5,912.3 points.
Here's what has been happening on the market today:
Blackmores shares climb higher.
The Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL) share price is climbing higher today after completing the institutional component of its capital raising. Blackmores raised $92 million through institutional investors at $72.50. This was an 8% discount to its last close price. These funds will be used to strengthen its balance sheet and liquidity position, support its activities in the Asia market, and invest in its efficiency program. Blackmores also revealed that it is on track to achieve its guidance in FY 2020.
WiseTech Global earnout update.
The WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) share price is trading lower on Thursday after providing an update on its acquisition earnouts. The logistics solutions company has renegotiated the earnout arrangements for a number of acquisitions in order to remove significant contingent cash obligations and drive the growth of its CargoWise platform. Part of the renegotiations has seen the company replace significant cash payments with shares. These shares were issued today and could have been sold by some recipients, weighing on its share price.
Bank shares charge higher again.
It has been another fantastic day of trade for the big four banks. Investors have continued to pile into the banking sector on Thursday and are driving their shares notably higher. The Australia and New Zealand Banking Grp Ltd (ASX: ANZ) share price is the best performer with a gain of over 6.5%. The worst performer in the big four is the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price with a 4% gain.
Best and worst ASX 200 performers.
The best performer on the ASX 200 on Thursday has been the Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA) share price with an 18% gain. This follows the release of a positive update from the aerial imagery technology and location data company this morning. The worst performer has been the Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) share price with a 4% decline. This morning analysts at Macquarie and Morgans both downgraded the energy producer's shares to neutral/hold ratings.
