In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week deep in the red. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.6% to 7,089.1 points.
Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here's why they are pushing higher:
Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO)
The Core Lithium share price has jumped 10% to $1.07. A number of lithium shares are among the best performers on the ASX today. This could potentially be due to comments out of EV maker Rivian. Overnight, it spoke about the difficulties in sourcing raw materials and revealed that it will be following Tesla's lead by switching to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry for its standard-level vehicles.
Nickel Mines Ltd (ASX: NIC)
The Nickel Mines share price is up 2.5% to $1.25. This morning the nickel producer revealed that it has cancelled its share purchase plan at the last minute after its shares sank well below the impending issue price of $1.37. This could mean that some shareholders that were taking part in the share purchase plan have been buying shares on-market today instead.
SG Fleet Group Ltd (ASX: SGF)
The SG Fleet share price is up 3% to $2.48. This morning the team at Morgan Stanley retained its overweight rating and $3.40 price target on the company's shares. It believes recent share price weakness has created a buying opportunity for investors. Especially given its impressive performance during the first half.
Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)
The Whitehaven Coal share price is up 3% to $4.07. Yesterday Whitehaven Coal was named as one of three coal miners that Goldman Sachs rates as buys at present. Although the broker expects coal prices to pullback meaningfully from current levels, it has still made a notable upgrade to its price forecasts for the year. Goldman has a buy rating and $4.70 price target on its shares.
