In early afternoon trade the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a very strong gain. At the time of writing the benchmark index is up 1.9% to 6,036.8 points.
Four shares that are climbing more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are storming higher:
The Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) share price is up 5.5% to $9.20. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of UBS this morning. According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating and lifted the price target on this casino and resorts operator's shares to $9.90. The broker believes its attractive valuation and balance sheet make it a buy, even with the Melbourne lockdowns.
The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price is up 2% to $18.21. Investors have been buying the iron ore producer's shares after the price of the steel making ingredient surged higher overnight. According to CommSec, the benchmark iron ore price rose 4.4% to US$116.35 a tonne.
The Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) share price is storming higher again and up a further 3% to $18.82. The catalyst for this has of course been the announcement of lockdowns in Victoria. With most retailers being forced to close for six weeks in metropolitan Melbourne, more spending looks likely to go online. This bodes well for Kogan and its popular website.
The Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA) share price has jumped 5% to $2.40. The aerial imagery technology and location data company's shares are storming notably higher after a very positive night of trade on the technology-focused Nasdaq index. It isn't just Nearmap that is on the rise. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology index is up a sizeable 4% at the time of writing. One broker that thinks Nearmap is a buy is Citi. It currently has a buy rating and $2.60 price target on its shares.
