The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has defied weakness on Wall Street and is pushing higher on Thursday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.3% to 8,846.6 points.
Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are climbing:
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BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)
The BHP Group share price is up 3% to $49.69. Investors have been buying this mining giant's shares following a broad rally in resources stocks. It seems that many investors believe that strong commodity prices are going to lead to a solid half year results in February. BHP's shares are now up 25% over the past 12 months.
BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL)
The BlueScope share price is up 4.5% to $31.15. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Macquarie. According to the note, the broker has retained its outperform rating on the steel producer's shares with an improved price target of $34.05. In addition, investors may be picking up shares to gain exposure to the special dividend it announced on Wednesday. BlueScope will be returning $1.00 per share or a total of $438 million to shareholders from surplus cash. BlueScope's managing director and CEO, Mark Vassella, said: "With a clear line of sight to the completion of our current significant capital investment program, BlueScope is positioned to not only return to the robust cash generation it has been known for, but to strengthen it further with the enhanced earnings of the business."
Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)
The Catalyst Metals share price is up 4% to $7.99. Investors have been buying this gold miner's shares following the release of a strong quarterly update. Catalyst Metals produced 28,176 ounces of gold with an average all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of A$2,565 per ounce. Looking ahead, the company has retained its FY 2026 guidance of 100,000 ounces to 110,000 ounces of gold production at an AISC of A$2,200 to A$2,650 per ounce.
Ryman Healthcare Ltd (ASX: RYM)
The Ryman Healthcare share price is up 2.5% to $2.59. This follows the release of the retirement living company's third quarter trading update. Ryman Healthcare revealed that total sales were broadly flat on the second quarter with a shift in mix across product types. However, occupancy continued to grow in Ryman Healthcare's recently opened aged care centres and remained strong in mature care centres at 96%.
