At lunch on Thursday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned to form and is on course to record a strong gain. The benchmark index is currently up 0.9% to 6,233.4 points.
Here's what is happening on the market today:
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Big four banks push higher.
The big four banks are all on form today and helping to drive the ASX 200 higher. The best performer in the group has been the Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ) share price with a gain of almost 1.5%. Outside the big four, the Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX: BOQ) share price is up 2.5% after being upgraded by analysts at Credit Suisse. They have put an outperform rating and $7.60 price target on the regional bank's shares.
Pro Medicus shares surge higher.
The Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME) share price is surging higher today after announcing a milestone contract win in Germany. The healthcare imaging software provider has signed a seven-year deal with LMU Klinikum worth a total of A$10 million. LMU Klinikum is one of the largest university hospitals in Germany. The company's Visage 7 technology will be deployed throughout LMU Klinikum's radiology and subspecialty imaging departments.
Mining shares rise.
One area of the market that is doing a lot of the heavy lifting today is the mining sector. The likes of BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO), and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares are all recording solid gains today. The latter has been driven by a strong rise in oil prices during overnight trade.
Best and worst ASX 200 performers.
The best performer on the ASX 200 today has been the Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price with a 9% gain. This follows the release of its quarterly update and commentary around the current situation in China. The worst performer has been the IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) share price with a decline of 8%. This follows news that its largest shareholder is considering a further sell-down.
