In 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 1.6% to 7,373.9 points.
Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are jumping:
Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO)
The Core Lithium share price is up 11% to 27.2 cents. This is despite there being no news out of the lithium miner. However, it is worth noting that the lithium industry is on fire today. It seems that the prospect of interest rates falling next year has given this side of the market a major lift. Investors may believe lower rates will support electric vehicle sales and boost lithium demand.
Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)
The Regis Resources share price is up 9% to $2.07. This morning, this gold miner released its bi-annual exploration update. A number of growth opportunities have been found following its exploration. In addition, the gold price stormed higher overnight on the belief that there will be three interest rate cuts in the United States next year.
Spartan Resources Ltd (ASX: SPR)
The Spartan Resources share price is up 7% to 46.5 cents. This morning, this gold explorer released an updated mineral resource estimate for the Dalgaranga Gold Project. That update revealed a 43% increase in Dalgaranga Project Resource ounces, a 13% uplift in grade, and 27% more tonnes. Management stated that it believes this is "an exceptional result for our shareholders." Spartan was previously known as Gascoyne Resources.
Volpara Health Technologies Ltd (ASX: VHT)
The Volpara share price is up 40% to $1.09. This follows news that the health imaging technology company has received and accepted a takeover offer. Lunit Inc. has offered to acquire all of Volpara's stock at a price of $1.15 per share in cash. This represents a 48% premium to where its shares last traded and values its equity at $295.7 million.
