The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was out of form on Wednesday and sank deep into the red. The benchmark index ended the day 1.65% lower at 7,091.3 points.
Four ASX shares that didn't let that hold them back are listed below. Here's why they were climbing today:
Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)
The Appen share price rose 13% to $3.16. Traders have been buying Appen's shares amid increasing interest in the artificial intelligence space. Though, given its abject performance over the last 12 months, it remains unclear if Appen will be able to fend off increasing competition from other data services providers.
Audio Pixels Holdings Ltd (ASX: AKP)
The Audio Pixels share price was up 20% to $14.65. Investors have been buying this digital speaker developer's shares following the demonstration of its technology at its annual general meeting. Though, it is worth noting that the technology wasn't actually present and was streamed to attendees.
De Grey Mining Limited (ASX: DEG)
The De Grey Mining share price rose over 2% to $1.34. This appears to have been driven by increased demand for safe haven assets and a positive broker note out of UBS. In respect to the latter, the broker has upgraded the gold developer's shares to a buy rating with a $1.80 price target.
Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)
The Paladin Energy share price was up 2% to 54.5 cents. Investors were buying this uranium developer's shares after it downplayed reports that the Namibian government is seeking to take minority stakes in mines in the southern African country. Paladin has the globally significant Langer Heinrich Mine in Namibia.
