The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned from the Easter break in fine form. In late morning trade the benchmark index is up 1.1% to 6,902.3 points.
Four ASX shares that are climbing more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are surging higher:
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Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT)
The Afterpay share price is up 8% to $114.18. This appears to have been driven by strong gains in the US tech sector on Thursday and Monday night. This has led to the famous Nasdaq index climbing by an impressive 5% since this time last week. At the time of writing, the S&P ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) is up 3.7%.
Codan Limited (ASX: CDA)
The Codan share price has climbed 5.5% to $16.74. Investors have been buying the technology company's shares following the release of a positive broker note out of Macquarie. This morning the broker responded to its acquisition of Zetron for US$45 million by retaining its outperform rating and lifting its price target to $17.00. It also notes the recent release of a key new metal detector, which could be a boost to sales.
Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd (ASX: CWY)
The Cleanaway share price has surged 9.5% higher to $2.41. This morning the waste management company announced an agreement to acquire Suez R&R Australia for $2.52 billion. The acquisition of the recycling and recovery business is expected to provide additional scale and scope to create further operating leverage and multiple avenues to accelerate growth. It is also forecast to be significantly accretive to earnings post synergies.
Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB)
The Webjet share price has rebounded almost 4% to $5.48. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of Goldman Sachs this morning. While the broker notes that its latest capital raising dilutes shareholders again, it also removes some uncertainties. In light of this, it has retained its buy rating and trimmed its price target slightly to $7.00.
