The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a poor session on Thursday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.7% to 8,872.9 points.
Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here's why they are rising:
Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)
The Appen share price is up 27% to $1.38. Investors have been buying the artificial intelligence data services company's shares following the release of a strong quarterly update. Appen reported revenue of $73.4 million. This was a 10% lift on the prior corresponding period and a 33% increase on the third quarter of FY 2025. Appen's CEO, Ryan Kolln, said: "Q4 was a strong finish to the year for both our China and Global businesses. Appen China exited the quarter with an annualised revenue run-rate growing to over $135 million – a pleasing result, providing strong momentum heading into FY26."
Imricor Medical Systems Inc (ASX: IMR)
The Imricor Medical Systems share price is up 11% to $2.11. The catalyst for this has been news that the medical device company has received US FDA approval for its NorthStar Mapping System. NorthStar is the first and only MRI-native 3D mapping and guidance system to receive FDA clearance. Imricor's chair and CEO, Steve Wedan, said: "At Imricor, we have been building a comprehensive suite of uniquely MRI-compatible devices for two decades. These devices, which include both consumable products and capital equipment, enable doctors to harness the superior soft tissue imaging of MRI to precisely guide minimally invasive procedures in a 100% radiation-free setting."
Sunrise Energy Metals Ltd (ASX: SRL)
The Sunrise Energy Metals share price is up 2.5% to $10.36. This follows the release of the company's quarterly update this morning. Management took this opportunity to remind investors about the progress it is making. It highlights that its Syerston scandium deposit is currently the world's largest and highest-grade source of mineable scandium on a granted mining lease adjacent to excellent infrastructure.
Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)
The Whitehaven Coal share price is up 2.5% to $9.42. This morning, this coal miner released its quarterly update and revealed a 21% quarter on quarter increase in managed ROM production to 11Mt. Also increasing strongly were its equity sales, which rose 18% to 7Mt. Management also advised that it is on track to deliver $60 million to $80 million of annualised cost savings by 30 June 2026.
