In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has given back its morning gains and dropped into the red. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.15% to 8,913.7 points.
Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back today are listed below. Here's why they are rising:
4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)
The 4DMedical share price is up 3% to $3.53. This follows news that the respiratory imaging technology has expanded its partnership with University of Chicago Medicine to include commercial deployment of CT:VQ. 4DMedical's founder CEO, Andreas Fouras, said: "University of Chicago Medicine is one of the nation's most respected AMCs and a pioneer in medical innovation. Their expansion of our partnership to include CT:VQ represents powerful validation of both the clinical value our technology delivers and the strength of our commercialisation approach."
Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)
The Appen share price is up a further 24% to $1.75. This artificial intelligence data services company's shares have been on fire this week 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."
Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC)
The Nine Entertainment share price is up 4.5% to $1.14. This morning, the media company announced a major strategic shake-up. This includes acquiring digital outdoor media platform QMS Media for $850 million. In addition, it is offloading its radio assets and transitioning its regional TV station NBN to affiliate status. Nine's CEO, Matt Stanton, said: "Today's announcements mark a critical milestone in our Nine2028 transformation. These transactions will create a more efficient, higher-growth, and digitally powered Nine Group for our consumers, advertisers, shareholders and people."
ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)
The ResMed share price is up 3.5% to $37.66. Investors have been buying this sleep disorder treatment company's shares following the release of another strong quarterly update. ResMed reported an 11% increase in revenue US$1.4 billion thanks to increased demand for its portfolio of sleep devices, masks, and accessories. And thanks to further margin expansion, ResMed posted an 18% increase in income from operations. ResMed's chairman and CEO, Mick Farrell, said: "Our second quarter results demonstrate the strength and resilience of our global business as we continue advancing our mission to help people sleep better, breathe better, and live longer and healthier lives in the comfort of their own home."
