It was a volatile and pessimistic Tuesday session for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Tuesday. After briefly opening ahead in the early hours of trading today, the ASX 200 quickly fell into negative territory. Despite playing jump rope with the breakeven line for some of the day, investors kept their feet cold until the closing bell, recording a 0.31% loss for the day.

That leaves the index at 8,803.9 points.

This tough Tuesday for ASX investors comes despite a much bubblier night of trading over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) remained in fine form, gaining 0.29%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did even better, rising 1.12%.

Let’s return to tour local markets now and take stock of how the various ASX sectors fared amid today’s trading conditions.

Winners and losers

Despite the market’s falls, there were a few sectors that put on weight this Tuesday.

But first, it was gold stocks that were first in the firing line. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) was smashed this session, crashing down 4.28%.

Broader mining shares were hit hard as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) plunging 2.64%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) also had a day to forget. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) tanked 1.34% today.

Energy stocks were on the nose too, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)’s 1.28% dive.

Utilities shares didn’t escape the storm either. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) cratered 0.55% this Tuesday.

Industrial stocks suffered a similar fate, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) dipping 0.45%.

Healthcare shares were unlucky too. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) sank 0.11% today.

Our last losers were consumer staples stocks, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)’s 0.03% slip.

Turning to the winners now, it was tech shares that were the stars of today’s show. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) soared up 2.01% this session.

Communications stocks also ran hot, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) surging 1.58%.

Financial shares got a reprieve as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) jumped 1.25%.

Finally, consumer discretionary stocks had a nice Tuesday, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 0.69% rise.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today’s top index stock was financial share Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL). Netwealth stock flew 6.73% higher this session to close at $24.43 a share. 

This came after the company revealed its outlook for FY26, as well as some other developments.

Here’s how the other winning stocks landed their planes: 

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)	$24.43	6.73%
WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)	$37.37	5.65%
NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)	$13.80	3.60%
ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)	$18.72	3.14%
Car Group Ltd (ASX: CAR)	$26.83	2.99%
AUB Group Ltd (ASX: AUB)	$28.49	2.59%
REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)	$147.28	2.51%
Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ)	$6.31	2.44%
Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)	$36.13	2.38%
Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)	$34.31	2.27%

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• ASX 200 slips again: Why the market can’t follow Wall Street higher
• WiseTech shares surge 10% as Richard White steps back from chair role
• Qube Holdings: Supreme Court approves takeover scheme
• Summerset Group delivers Q2 update

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ARB Corporation, Netwealth Group, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation, Aub Group, and CAR Group Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Although the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) isn’t quite at the all-time highs of over 9,200 points we were seeing earlier this year, Australian shares are arguably still relatively elevated. Whilst this has been welcome for long-term investors, it does make it difficult to find ASX dividend shares trading at healthy dividend yields today.

Just take a look at the most popular dividend stocks on the ASX. Whether it’s Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) or Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), none of these blue-chip ASX dividend stocks is currently offering yields over 4%. That would have been almost unthinkable a few years ago, but here we are.

However, all is not lost. There are still a few ASX 200 dividend shares offering yields of over 4% right now. Let’s discuss two of them.

Two ASX dividend shares offering yields over 4% today

Thankfully, not all of the ASX bank stocks have followed CBA. First up, we have CommBank’s big four stablemate Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC). Like the rest of its peers in the banking space, Westpac has long enjoyed a reputation as a solid income provider, thanks to the leading role in the Australian financial landscape that it has occupied for decades. Luckily for income investors, it still offers a generous dividend yield above 4%. 

At recent pricing, this ASX dividend share was trading on a yield of 4.3%. That comes with full franking credits attached, too. Sure, you might be able to secure an even higher yield from one of Westpac’s term deposits right now. But if you are after a fully-franked yield above 4%, this bank is well worth a look.

Next up, let’s check out Transurban Group (ASX: TCL). This toll-road operator is also a regular guest in your typical ASX income portfolio, thanks to its defensive earnings base and solid track record of dividend payouts. There’s a lot to like about Transurban as a dividend investment. It has generous government contracts that allow it to raise many of its tolls by at least the rate of inflation every quarter. Road traffic is also somewhat inelastic, giving Transurban protection against recessions and other economic shocks.

At the time of writing, Transurban shares are trading at just over $14.50 each. That gives this ASX dividend share a trailing yield of 4.75%. Keep in mind that this company rarely attaches meaningful levels of franking credits to its dividend, though.

The post 2 ASX dividend shares with yields over 4% right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• This is the ASX bank stock I would buy today for franked dividend income
• How to get started with a portfolio delivering $500 a week in passive income

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

VanEck Gold Miners AUD ETF (ASX: GDX) has risen 80% in two years and is paying a 15% dividend yield this season.

On Tuesday, GDX ETF is trading at $96.56 per unit, down 3.4%.

On 27 July, GDX will pay an extraordinarily high annual distribution of $17.99 per unit.

That’s the biggest distribution GDX has paid since inception in 2015.

For comparison, the FY25 distribution was 63 cents per unit.

When the distribution was announced, GDX was trading at $114.80, which meant the payment equated to a 15.6% dividend yield.

The unit price has now fallen by the approximate size of the dividend, as expected, since going ex-dividend on 2 July.

This total return is very impressive, but one expert reckons it’s time to sell this ASX ETF.

Why expert says sell this ASX ETF

On The Bull this week, Remo Greco from Sanlam Private Wealth explained his sell rating on GDX ETF.

A soaring gold price in the past few years has contributed to the strong performance of GDX.

The ETF has risen from $59.36 on January 6, 2025 to trade at $94.89 on July 2, 2026.

We are bearish about the outlook for gold in response to a stronger US dollar and potentially rising interest rates.

Even at weaker levels, we can’t justify the gold price.

We would be inclined to take a profit in GDX at these levels.

Gold price bull run

The gold price has soared since early 2024, but the pace of growth was slower over FY26 at 18%.

The gold price bull run came about due to the freezing of Russia’s foreign-currency reserves after the Ukraine invasion in 2022.

This prompted central banks worldwide to diversify their reserves away from the US and into the safe-haven metal.

Concern over new US policies and US debt levels, along with geopolitical uncertainty, then started to weigh on the US currency.

This further encouraged central banks, and then investors, to buy gold.

Large inflows into gold ETFs, especially in 1H FY26, sent the gold price to a record US$5,608 per ounce before a 21% dive in January.

Despite the correction to about US$4,405 per ounce, experts said gold miners were still going to make heaps of money.

And did they ever. That’s one reason why GDX is paying a massive dividend this season.

The gold price fell further over 2H FY26, and is US$4,126 per ounce today.

More about GDX ETF

GDX ETF seeks to mirror the performance of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (AUD) Index.

ASX GDX invests in 105 gold mining shares, with 44% in Canada, 24% in the US, 9% in Australia, and 6% in Brazil.

The ASX gold shares in the GDX portfolio include Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN), Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU), Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD), Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP), Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM), and Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS).

GDX ETF has total net assets of $1.3 billion.

The post Up 80% in 2 years with a 15% dividend yield, expert says sell this ASX ETF now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

After a huge run over the past year, Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares are starting to lose some heat.

At the time of writing, the EOS share price is down 2.42% to $9.67.

That takes its fall over the past month to almost 12%, leaving investors to wonder whether this is just a pause after a massive rally.

It is not as if the stock has gone cold completely. EOS shares are still up around 270% over the past year, although they are now only slightly higher in 2026 with a gain of about 2%.

With the company still winning defence contracts and brokers still seeing upside, this pullback is worth a closer look.

The big run is cooling off

The recent weakness looks more like the market taking a breather after the stock’s big rally.

After climbing so far, some investors may be happy to take a profit while they wait for the next update.

The company has been supported by a series of contract wins, higher defence spending, and growing demand for counter-drone and remote weapon systems (RWS).

There has also been plenty for the market to take in.

Earlier this month, EOS announced new sales orders worth about $38 million. The larger one was for a US$16 million Naval 400 RWS, which will be supplied to a new customer in the Middle East.

MARSS, its command-and-control business, also received an 8-million-pound order for a new counter-drone command and training centre.

Before that, EOS announced a much larger US$124 million deal for its Slinger counter-drone RWS.

That deal came from Generation 5 Holding in the UAE and includes systems, cannons, spares, training, and other supplies.

Delivery is expected across 2027 and 2028, subject to customer and export approvals.

Brokers are still upbeat

The recent pullback hasn’t stopped brokers from seeing more upside in EOS shares.

Bell Potter recently kept its buy rating on EOS and lifted its price target to $12.50. Based on the current share price of $9.67, that suggests potential upside of about 29%.

Ord Minnett is also backing the stock, recently lifting its target to $11.45. That points to a possible upside of about 18% from today’s level.

The upbeat broker view seems to come down to the order book, counter-drone demand, and the laser weapon joint venture in the UAE.

That venture is focused on developing and manufacturing 100-kilowatt and 200 to 300-kilowatt laser weapon products.

Can EOS shares bounce back?

After a 12% pullback, I would not be writing this one off.

EOS shares have declined recently, but the stock hasn’t lost the key things that drove the rally in the first place.

The company is still winning work, brokers are still positive, and the all-time high of $12.58 sits just above Bell Potter’s $12.50 target.

If EOS lands another decent contract, I think the share price can have another crack at that high.

The post Down 12% in a month: Is the EOS share price ready to explode? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 13 ASX 200 shares that doubled in value in FY26
• ASX shares vs. property in FY26: Which investment outperformed?
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• Up 275% in a year! Why this ASX defence stock refuses to cool down
• 5 best-performing ASX 200 shares of FY26

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX shares have had a choppy start to the year. Inflation concerns, geopolitical uncertainty, and interest rate changes have all put pressure on investor sentiment.

But when markets are volatile, it’s a good time to look at the investment opportunity hiding among oversold shares.

Here are three that spring to mind.

Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR)

Pantoro is a gold producer and exploration company based in Western Australia. The company’s flagship operation is the 100%-owned Norseman Gold Project in the state’s Eastern Goldfields region, and the ASX gold producer is also exploring a portfolio of regional targets in the Kimberly region. The gold miner’s shares crashed by around 48% in March after it released its drilling results from its Norseman project and cut its production guidance following weather disruptions. The update overshadowed what were otherwise strong financial results. But subsequent updates have suggested the disruption was temporary and brokers are very bullish that Pantoro’s share price can rebound quickly. Market Index data shows that the majority of brokers have a buy rating on the shares. The $4.99 target price implies an impressive potential 115% upside at the time of writing. 

Qoria Ltd (ASX: QOR)

Qoria is a small-cap cybersecurity company that offers online safety technology for children, including school and parental controls. The company aims to become the global leader in children’s digital safety and well-being within three years. The ASX company has reached 30 million students in 32,000 schools and earns a significant annual recurring revenue from ongoing school contracts. In its half-year FY26 result, Qoria announced a 25% increase in revenue and a 68% hike in EBITDA. And brokers think the strong rate of expansion can continue. Market Index shows brokers have a consensus strong buy rating on the ASX shares and an average 58 cents target price. That implies a huge potential 138% upside at the time of writing.

Amplitude Energy Ltd (ASX: AEL)

Amplitude is an Australian energy company that supplies gas and oil to the domestic market. The company has a number of major gas supply contracts with customers, including AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) and Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG). Its gas segment accounts for the vast majority of the company’s revenue. Its share price crashed in March after the company announced that its Isabella gas discovery was not commercially viable, despite earlier encouraging drilling results. But Ampitude continues to produce and sell gas from its other existing projects, and Isabella wasn’t the only growth project in the works. Brokers see the sell-off as excessive. The majority hold a buy rating, and they tip a 99% upside to an average $2.51 target price over the next 12 months. 

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) 

The ASX 200 tech shares have been beaten down over the past year after concerns about the company’s valuation and earnings outlook. Xero was caught up in a sector-wide sell-off late last year and in early 2026 as investors rotated away from tech stocks amid concerns about AI competition. But now I think the sell-off has been way overdone. Xero benefits from an incredibly sticky subscription base and high customer retention rates. This means its revenue is relatively predictable. As a relatively small market player, it also has a lot of growth potential. Most analysts have a strong buy rating on the shares. They tip an upside of around 90% to an average target price of $141.56. 

The post Are these oversold ASX shares too good to pass up? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is back in negative territory on Tuesday, despite a stronger lead from Wall Street overnight.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is down 0.37% to 8,798 points.

That puts the benchmark index close to its intraday low of 8,790.3 points and below yesterday’s close of 8,831 points.

It’s not a heavy fall, but it is another reminder that the local market is still finding it hard to build momentum.

Here’s what is weighing on the ASX 200 today.

Wall Street rally fails to lift our local share market

The fall comes after a positive night in the United States.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJX: .DJI) lifted 0.29% to a record close of 53,055.91 points, while the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) rose 0.72% and the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) climbed 1.12%.

Normally, that sort of lead would give local shares a better platform.

However, the ASX 200 has not been able to make much of it. Instead, selling across miners, gold shares, and parts of the energy sector is offsetting gains from the banks and tech stocks.

The broader market is also mostly in the red.

At the latest check, 121 of the top 200 shares were falling, compared with 75 rising and 4 trading flat.

Miners drag on the ASX 200

Resources stocks are doing much of the damage today, with the S&P/ASX 200 Resources Index (ASX: XJR) sliding 2.3% to 7,397 points.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are down 1.08% to $59.375, while Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares are shedding 1.76% to $168.15.

Gold stocks are also under pressure with the gold price slipped to US$4,127 per ounce, down 0.91%.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are tumbling 3.17% to $21.08, while Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) shares are falling 3.57% to $12.16.

Banks and tech stocks provide some support

The major banks are helping soften the fall.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are up 1.23% to $166.69, while Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares have added 0.85% to $35.59.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares are 0.96% higher at $39.02, while ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares have lifted 0.49% to $35.17.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) shares are also stronger, rising 0.92% to $253.03.

Tech stocks are helping too, with WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares jumping 8.4% to $38.34 after the company announced Raelene Murphy had been appointed independent chair.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shares are 1.5% higher to $74.66.

The post ASX 200 slips again: Why the market can’t follow Wall Street higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Forget CBA shares, I’d buy these ASX bank stocks instead
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• Summerset Group delivers Q2 update

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Australians aged 67 years or older are eligible for a fortnightly Age Pension payment to help fund basic living expenses in retirement.

The Age Pension, which is paid by Centrelink, is an important safety net that ensures that older Australians are able to meet basic living requirements, regardless of the amount of savings, income, assets, or superannuation they own.

The catch is that it isn’t available to everyone. Your eligibility is subject to several key criteria, including your age, residency, and an income and asset test.

The problem is that while many understand that their income could affect the payment they receive, many overlook asset limits.

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about the Age Pension and the asset test.

The maximum Age Pension payment

The Age Pension is paid on a fortnightly basis up to a maximum total payment of $1,200.90 per fortnight for singles and $1,810.40 for couples combined. 

These sums include the maximum basic rate, the maximum pension supplement, and the energy supplement.

As I mentioned above, the final amount you’ll receive (if anything) is heavily dependent on Centerlink’s income and asset test. 

What is the Age Pension asset test?

Then an asset test includes any stocks, like S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares, property, or possessions you own in full, in part, or have an interest in. This includes assets held outside Australia and any debts owed to you. It generally excludes the home you live in.

Note, however, that Centrelink assesses you under both tests and applies what it calls the ‘lower rule of two’. 

This means your potential fortnightly Age Pension is calculated under both tests. The one that results in the lower payment is the amount you will actually receive.

What are the asset test limits?

In order to receive the full Age Pension, single homeowners can own assets (including superannuation) up to a value of $333,000. For single non-homeowners, this will be up to $600,000 in retirement.

But a couple has a different threshold, and it’s not double the amount of one person. From the 1st of July, a couple combined can own up to $499,000 in total if they own a property, or $766,000 if they don’t.

How are assets calculated?

In order to determine how much income you make from your assets, Centrelink uses a deeming rule. 

Deeming assumes your financial assets earn a fixed, set rate of income, regardless of what they actually earn.

This assumed income is then added to your other income to determine your Age Pension rate.

For single Australians, the first $66,800 of their financial assets has a deemed rate of 1.25%. Everything over that is deemed to earn 3.25% interest.

Couples will have a 1.25% deeming rate on their first $110,600 of combined financial assets (this includes superannuation). Anything over $110,600 is deemed to earn 3.25%.

What if I own over that threshold?

If your assets are over the limit explained above, it’s still possible to receive a part Age Pension payment

From the 1st of July, the cut-off point for single homeowners is $733,500, and $1,000,500 if you’re single and a non-homeowner. If your assets come in above the initial limits but below these thresholds, you’re still entitled to some level of payment.

Couples are also entitled to a part-payment, so long as their combined assets don’t exceed $1,102,500 for homeowners. Non-homeowners can own assets totalling up to a limit of $1,369,500.

The post What assets can I own in retirement and still qualify for the Centrelink Age Pension? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares are in the green again in Tuesday lunchtime trade.

At the time of writing, the ASX bank stock is up around 0.5% to $38.83 a piece.

Today’s increase means NAB shares have now recovered around 9% since they dropped to a 52-week low in early June.

For the year to date, NAB shares are still down around 8% and are around 1% below the levels seen this time last year.

What happened to NAB shares?

NAB shares rallied strongly to a record high of around $49.10 in late February this year. 

The increase was mainly driven by the bank’s strong earnings results, expectations of lower interest rates, and investor appetite for high-yield bank stocks.

But as quickly as NAB shares stormed higher, they softened again. By early June, the shares had shed around 27% of their value and slumped to an annual low of $35.86.

The sell-off followed concerns that major banks, including NAB, were overvalued after a strong rally. 

Meanwhile, intense mortgage competition has put pressure on the bank’s profit margins and raised concerns about future earnings.

The share price has rebounded slightly since the dip, most likely reflecting slightly improved market sentiment. However, many experts are still cautious.

Which leads to the question, what’s next?

Are the ASX 200 banking giant’s shares a buy, sell, or hold over the next 12 months?

Market Index data shows that brokers are divided about NAB shares, but the majority rate the bank stock as a hold. The average target price of $39.17 implies a potential 1% upside ahead.

Sentiment is similar on TradingView. Data shows that the majority (eight out of 16 analysts) have a hold rating on the shares. Another five rate NAB shares as a sell or strong sell, and the remaining analysts rate the stock as a buy.

But the average $37.78 target price implies a potential 3% downside ahead, at the time of writing. 

The range is huge, though. The maximum $47.50 target price implies a potential 22% upside ahead. But others think NAB shares could crash 25% to just $29 each.

Fairmont Equities’ Michael Gable said he is concerned about the outlook for NAB shares in FY27. He pointed to margin pressure, credit risk, and questions around the bank’s competitive advantage. He has a sell rating on the shares and said the stock is exposed to downside risk. 

Mark Gardner from MPC Markets said his team is bearish on NAB shares. He said they believe the bank’s near-term earnings outlook is under pressure. The broker recently said that while its dividend remains attractive, valuation support is less convincing if earnings momentum continues softening. Gardner has a sell recommendation.

Catapult Wealth’s Dylan Evans also has a sell recommendation on NAB shares. He said that changes announced in the Federal Budget, coupled with households pressured by rising interest rates, could create new headwinds for the bank.

The post Here’s what brokers tip for NAB shares over the next 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 slips again: Why the market can’t follow Wall Street higher
• ASX financials went from the best sector in FY25 to negative growth in FY26. Here’s what changed
• Better buy? NAB vs Westpac shares
• A leading analyst is forecasting growing headwinds for NAB shares. Should investors be worried?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares remained under pressure on Tuesday, falling 5.6% to $4.85 during afternoon trade.

The latest decline extends a difficult run for the lithium giant, with the stock now down around 18% over the past month.

That pullback looks painful, but it also needs some perspective. PLS shares are still up around 18% in 2026 and an extraordinary 226% over the past 12 months after emerging as one of the ASX’s standout performers during FY26.

So, why are investors suddenly hitting the sell button?

A victim of its own success

PLS was one of the biggest winners during the lithium rally, making today’s weakness partly a case of profit-taking after an exceptional run.

The company is widely regarded as the highest-beta lithium stock on the ASX. When lithium prices rally, PLS shares often outperform the broader sector thanks to its size, production scale and operating leverage.

Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. When lithium prices soften, PLS tends to fall harder than its peers as investors reduce exposure to the sector’s market leader.

That appears to be exactly what’s happening now.

Lithium prices lose momentum

Another factor weighing on sentiment is the recent weakness in China’s lithium market. Chinese lithium carbonate futures declined again overnight, extending the pullback that began in late June following a powerful rally earlier this year.

The correction appears to be driven largely by profit-taking, with traders questioning whether lithium prices had risen too far, too quickly relative to underlying market fundamentals.

Because lithium prices remain one of the biggest drivers of earnings expectations across the sector, weaker futures have flowed through to ASX-listed lithium producers, including PLS.

Underlying business remains strong

Importantly, the recent share price weakness doesn’t reflect a deterioration in PLS’s underlying business. The company’s impressive first-half FY26 result highlighted just how much its financial performance has improved.

Revenue climbed 47% to $624 million, supported by both stronger lithium prices and higher sales volumes. Underlying EBITDA surged 241% to $253 million, while EBITDA margins expanded from 17% to an impressive 41%.

Those results demonstrate the operating leverage within the business. As lithium prices improve, PLS can translate higher revenue into significantly faster earnings growth.

Its flagship Pilgangoora operation also remains one of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium mines, giving the company significant scale advantages and a competitive cost position.

What’s next for PLS shares?

The next major catalyst will be the company’s second-half FY26 results, due on 31 August. Investors will be watching closely for updates on production and shipment volumes, operating costs and management’s outlook for lithium demand and pricing.

Progress on the P2000 expansion project will also be closely scrutinised, with investors in PLS shares eager to understand how the company plans to increase production while maintaining its cost advantage.

Foolish takeaway

PLS shares have lost momentum over the past month, but much of the weakness appears linked to softer lithium prices and investors taking profits after one of the strongest rallies on the ASX.

The company’s fundamentals remain solid, supported by strong earnings growth, expanding margins and one of the world’s premier lithium assets.

However, until commodity markets regain momentum, investors should expect volatility to remain part of the ride.

The post Why are PLS shares still falling? Here’s what’s behind the sell-off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why did ASX 200 lithium stocks like PLS, Liontown and Mineral Resources shares get smashed in June?
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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) shares are pushing higher on Tuesday after the media company gave investors something new to weigh up.

At the time of writing, the Nine share price is up 1.87% to 92.7 cents.

It is only a modest gain, but shareholders will take it. Nine shares are still down 17% since the start of 2026 and 43% over the past year.

Here’s what the company announced.

NRL rights locked in

According to the release, Nine has signed an agreement for NRL and NRLW broadcast rights from 2028 through to the 2034 seasons.

Under the agreement, Channel 9 and 9Now will keep their current NRL coverage. That includes 3 live NRL games each week, the Finals Series, and Test matches played in Australia.

The NRL Grand Final and State of Origin will continue to be shown exclusively on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Nine has also secured exclusive free-to-air and free streaming rights to 33 live NRLW games, the NRLW finals, and Women’s State of Origin.

What Nine is paying

Nine said the annual cost will be $145 million in cash. This will be partly offset by $10 million in committed annual NRL advertising and other services, as well as $15 million each year in contra.

Live sport remains one of the few things that can still pull big audiences at the same time. Rugby league is also a major part of Nine’s broadcast schedule.

The company said men’s streaming and broadcast audiences have increased across all formats. Rugby league also delivered double-digit revenue growth for Nine in the 2025 season compared with 2024.

Why are Nine shares only up a little?

The Nine share price gain isn’t huge, and that probably comes down to the cost of the deal.

Investors knew Nine was chasing the NRL rights, so the agreement itself is not a major surprise. The bigger question is how much value Nine can pull from the content over the life of the deal.

That leaves the focus on what Nine can do with the rights from here.

Advertising conditions are still uneven, and Nine will need rugby league to keep driving audiences, revenue growth, and 9Now engagement to make the extra spend worthwhile.

Can Nine shares recover?

The deal doesn’t solve all of Nine’s problems, but it does take a big risk off the table.

Losing rugby league would have been a bad result. It is a major part of Nine’s free-to-air and streaming schedule, and still one of the better ways to bring in big live audiences.

Nine now has the rights locked in through to 2034, across both the men’s and women’s competitions. That should help 9Now, the broadcast business, and the way Nine sells advertising around its sports coverage.

Nonetheless, after a 43% fall over the past year, the share price still has plenty of work to do. But this is one less thing investors have to worry about.

The post Why this beaten-down ASX media stock is rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nine Entertainment. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.