In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to open the year with a small gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.1% to 8,723.5 points.
Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are starting the year positively:
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4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)
The 4DMedical share price is up a further 15% to $4.51. Investors have been fighting to get hold of this respiratory imaging technology company's shares in recent weeks. This has been driven by the announcement of a commercial arrangement for the clinical use of its CT:VQ platform with United States-based Cleveland Clinic. CT:VQ is a CAT scan-based ventilation-perfusion software. Commenting on the contract win, 4DMedical's CEO, Andreas Fouras, said: "In just over three months since FDA clearance, we've established CT:VQ at three of America's leading academic medical centres: Stanford, University of Miami, and Cleveland Clinic. This rapid adoption by elite institutions demonstrates the compelling clinical and operational advantages of CT:VQ over traditional nuclear VQ imaging."
Elsight Ltd (ASX: ELS)
The Elsight share price is up 11% to $3.43. This morning, the uncrewed systems connectivity platform provider released an update on its strategic development program with a leading defence prime contractor. Elsight revealed that it has moved its Aura platform out of the development phase and has commenced the delivery of the initial batch of units ordered under the first phase of the program. The company's CEO, Yoav Amitai, said: "Completing the development phase of Aura and moving into delivery is an important execution milestone for this program. In parallel, we are investing deliberately in the U.S. market, both through senior hires and through close engagement with government and OEM partners."
Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)
The Judo Capital share price is up 5% to $1.81. This follows the release of an update from the small business lender. Judo Capital revealed that its unaudited closing balance for gross loans and advances (GLAs) at 31 December was approximately $13.4 billion. Judo's CEO, Chris Bayliss, said: "We are pleased to have delivered strong loan growth in the first half of FY26, in line with our expectations. Our relationship-led value proposition continues to resonate with SME customers, and we are seeing good momentum across our business." Management also reaffirmed its profit guidance for FY 2026.
Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC)
The Nickel Industries share price is up over 7% to 89.7 cents. This morning, this nickel producer revealed that Sphere Corp has agreed to acquire a 10% interest in the ENC HPAL project at a US$2.4 billion valuation. Sphere is a South Korean premium alloy and precision materials manufacturer for the global aerospace industry.
