• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    Ten happy friends leaping in the air outdoors.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) experienced a bumpy but overall positive session this Wednesday, recording its first green day of the trading week thus far.

    After two rough days of trading to kick off the week, investors were given a reprieve today, despite the ASX 200 spending some time in red territory. By the time trading wrapped up, the index had lifted a decent 0.24% to close at 8,808.4 points.

    This happy hump day for Australian investors follows a more pessimistic night over on the American markets.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) couldn’t quite hold water, closing down 0.089%.

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared much worse though, dropping a hefty 2.21%.

    But let’s get back to the happier local markets now and dive a little deeper into what was happening amongst the different ASX sectors this Wednesday.

    Winners and losers

    As you would expect, the green sectors handily outnumbered the red ones today.

    But first, the hardest-hit corner of the markets was gold stocks. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) continued to see selling pressure, tanking 2.68%.

    Energy shares didn’t have a pleasant time either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) diving 1.04%.

    Continuing the commodities theme, mining stocks followed energy shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) saw its value cut by 0.63% this hump day.

    That’s it for the losers, though, so let’s get to the good stuff. Leading the greens today were tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) shook off its early-week malaise today, evidenced by its 5.21% surge.

    Healthcare stocks were showing much vitality this session as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) soared up 2.14%.

    Consumer staples shares enjoyed another strong session too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) jumping 0.7%.

    Real estate investment trusts (REITs) didn’t miss out either. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) had galloped up 0.67% by the closing bell.

    Consumer discretionary stocks came next, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 0.57% spike.

    Industrial shares were right behind that. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) lifted 0.56% this Wednesday.

    Financial stocks also put on a decent show, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) adding 0.27% to its total.

    Utilities shares were in a similar boat. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) advanced 0.2% today.

    Finally, communications stocks barely squeaked home, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)’s 0.01% bump.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Embattled stock WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) was our winner this Wednesday. WiseTech shares rebounded with a vengeance today, rocketing 14.26% higher to finish at $32.86 a share.

    As we discussed earlier this session, this seemed to be a response to the company’s statement about the allegations facing co-founder Richard White.

    Here’s how the rest of today’s winners pulled up at the kerb:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) $32.86 14.26%
    Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV) $11.52 8.58%
    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) $70.31 8.17%
    Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) $15.73 8.04%
    IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) $7.93 5.45%
    FireFly Metals Ltd (ASX: FFM) $1.82 5.22%
    Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) $7.59 4.69%
    Reliance Worldwide Corporation Ltd (ASX: RWC) $3.71 4.49%
    Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) $12.90 4.20%
    Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA) $43.86 4.08%

    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.

    Should you invest $1,000 in WiseTech Global right now?

    Before you buy WiseTech Global shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and WiseTech Global wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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 Telix Pharmaceuticals, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Buying Woodside shares? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get today

    Oil worker using a smartphone in front of an oil rig.

    Although not quite as popular as some blue chips, namely the ASX bank shares, ASX investors do tend to consider energy shares as a dividend income investment. Perhaps none more so than Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares.

    Woodside is, by far, the largest energy stock on the ASX, boasting a market capitalisation (at least at the time of writing) of about $53.35 billion. It is an oil and gas heavyweight in the energy space, thanks in part to its acquisition of BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)’s petroleum assets a few years ago.

    Oil stocks like Woodside do often have the potential of offering high levels of dividend income, at least over parts of the economic cycle. After all, oil prices are highly volatile (as we’ve all experienced over the past few months), and as such, energy stocks’ profits, and ability to fund dividends, tend to fluctuate accordingly.

    But let’s get into what kind of yield investors can expect from Woodside shares in mid-2026.

    Woodside shares: What kind of dividend yield is on offer today?

    At the time of writing, Woodside shares are trading at $28.22 each, down a hefty 1.5% for the day thus far. At this price, the ASX 200 energy stock is trading on a trailing dividend yield of 5.87%.

    5.87% is obviously a pretty fat yield. It stems from the last two dividend payments Woodside has doled out to its shareholders. The first of those was the interim payment of 81.82 cents per share (from 53 US cents) that was distributed in September last year. The second was this March’s final dividend, worth 83.49 cents per share (59 US cents).

    Together, this 12-month total of $1.65 per share gives Woodise that trailing yield of 5.87% at the current share price.

    Both of these dividends came with full franking credits attached as well. That means this 5.87% yield grosses up to an impressive 8.39% with the value of those credits included.

    However, all dividend stocks are inherently unreliable income payers, and Woodside is particularly so for the reasons discussed above. To illustrate, the company’s $1.65 dividend total over the past 12 months pales in comparison to the $3.75 or so investors enjoyed for the 2022 financial year.

    As such, I think Woodside is a worthy candidate for inclusion in any well-balanced and diversified portfolio that prioritises maximising dividend income. However, investors should never take this company’s dividend yield as an indication of what they might receive going forward. When the oil market stars align, Woodside has shown it can be a generous investment. But when times are tough, expect the taps to turn down.

    The post Buying Woodside shares? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Woodside Energy Group Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Woodside Energy Group Ltd shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Woodside Energy Group Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Down 62%, should I buy Cochlear shares now?

    An older woman tries to listen by cupping her ear.

    Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) shares are pushing higher today.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) hearing solutions company closed yesterday trading for $112.78. In early afternoon trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hands for $114.44 apiece, up 1.5%.

    For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.3% at this same time.

    Unfortunately for longer-term stockholders, today’s outperformance is not par for the course for Cochlear shares, which have plunged 61.5% over the last 12 months.

    And while Cochlear did pay two partly franked dividends over this time, the stock’s 3.8% trailing dividend yield won’t do much to ease those capital losses.

    But with the ASX 200 stock down more than 60% in a year, is now the time for brave investors to pounce on a potential long-term bargain?

    The bearish case for Cochlear shares

    Peak Asset Management’s Niv Dagan recently analysed the outlook for the ASX 200 hearings solutions company (courtesy of The Bull).

    Commenting on the more recent selling pressure, he noted:

    In April, the hearing implants maker materially reduced its fiscal year 2026 underlying net profit guidance to between $290 million and $330 million from between $435 million from $460 million in February.

    The downgrade was a response to weaker than expected demand in developed markets amid Middle East uncertainty, lower margins and foreign exchange headwinds.

    And Dagan expects Cochlear shares are likely to face ongoing headwinds over the medium term. Summarising his sell recommendation on the ASX 200 stock, he concluded:

    Hospital capacity constraints amid softer consumer sentiment and reduced referral activity are weighing on implant volumes, while cost base restructuring is likely to impact earnings in the near term.

    A more upbeat outlook for the ASX 200 stock

    Bell Potter Securities’ Christopher Watt also recently ran his slide rule over the beleaguered hearing solutions company.

    And he sounded a more optimistic note on Cochlear’s outlook.

    “The long-term opportunity for this hearing implants maker remains compelling, supported by a large addressable market, strong brand position and an attractive product pipeline,” Watt said.

    But Watt isn’t ready to pull the trigger just yet, issuing a hold recommendation on Cochlear shares.

    According to Watt:

    However, near term trading conditions have softened in response to weaker referral activity in the US, hospital capacity constraints in Europe and reimbursement changes in China. Until there’s clearer evidence that volumes are stabilising, a more balanced stance is appropriate.

    The long-term growth story and product pipeline remain intact.

    Cochlear shares have enjoyed a strong rebound over the past month, up 17.8% since 25 May.

    The post Down 62%, should I buy Cochlear shares now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Cochlear right now?

    Before you buy Cochlear shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Cochlear wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Cochlear. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • QBE shares soar to fresh multi-year high: Here’s what brokers expect next

    One man in a classic navy blue business suit lies atop a wheelie office chair while his colleague, also in a navy business suit, grabs him by the legs and propels him forward with both of them smiling widely as though larking about in the office.

    QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) shares have climbed around another 1% higher in Wednesday lunchtime trade. At the time of writing, the shares are changing hands at $24.57 a piece. At one point, the share price reached as high as $24.60.

    Today’s increase follows a strong share price rally so far in 2026, and marks the highest trading price in nearly 16 years.

    The financial shares are now over 24% higher for the year to date, and around 5% higher than 12 months ago.

    What has driven QBE shares higher?

    QBE shares have been climbing higher on the back of support from a stronger insurance earnings backdrop and higher premiums.

    Last month, the company posted its first-quarter FY26 update, revealing an 11% year-on-year increase in gross written premium (GWP), or 7% on a constant currency basis. 

    The insurer reported total funds under management of $36.1 billion at the end of the quarter.

    The company also maintained its FY26 outlook, pointing to mid-single-digit gross written premium growth and a group combined operating ratio of around 92.5%.

    It looks like many investors were pleased with the update and are continuing to jump on board.

    Do brokers rate the insurance stock as a buy, sell, or hold?

    Experts are bullish on the outlook for QBE shares over the next 12 months. But it looks like, after the latest rally, a lot of the positive sentiment is already reflected in the share price. 

    Market Index shows that the majority of brokers have a buy rating on QBE shares. But the $24.58 average target price implies just a tiny 0.1% upside at the time of writing.

    TradingView data shows more diversity in analysts’ sentiment. Of 11 analysts, seven have a buy or strong buy rating, two have a hold rating, and two rate the shares as a sell.

    The average $24.81 target price implies a slightly higher 1% upside at the time of writing. However, some think QBE shares could climb up to 10% higher to $26.91 over the next 12 months.

    Investment firm Market Partners is positive about the outlook for QBE shares. It recently noted that QBE has been working hard to simplify its business over the past 5 to 10 years, including a number of acquisitions, and it’s now paying off. The experts said QBE is an emerging turnaround story. 

    On the flip side, UBS raised concerns last month about the outlook for QBE shares. It said that there’s potential for a softer insurance pricing backdrop heading into 2027, particularly if premium rate growth loses pace more quickly than expected. 

    Meanwhile, Macquarie has a hold rating on QBE shares with a $25.10 price target. 

    The post QBE shares soar to fresh multi-year high: Here’s what brokers expect next appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in QBE Insurance right now?

    Before you buy QBE Insurance shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and QBE Insurance wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why Benz Mining, Collins Foods, WiseTech, and Xero shares are shooting higher today

    Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.

    In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a small gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up slightly to 8,792 points.

    Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are racing higher:

    Benz Mining Corp (ASX: BNZ)

    The Benz Mining share price is up 25% to $2.65. Investors have been buying the gold explorer’s shares after it announced a maiden exploration target for its 100%-owned Glenburgh Gold Project in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. Benz Mining’s CEO, Mark Lynch-Staunton, commented: “This initial Exploration Target frames the scale and quality of Glenburgh on a project-wide basis for the first time. Importantly, this is not a loose conceptual target – approximately 80% of the Exploration Target is drill-defined, assay-supported and wireframed, providing a strong technical foundation for resource conversion. […] Glenburgh has the scale and geological architecture to become a major Australian gold project, with the potential to evolve into a world-class gold system.”

    Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

    The Collins Foods share price is up 1.5% to $8.24. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Citi this morning. According to the note, the broker has upgraded the quick service restaurant operator’s shares to a buy rating with a $10.30 price target. This implies potential upside of 25% for investors over the next 12 months. Citi made the move on valuation grounds following a sizeable decline from its highs.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    The WiseTech share price is up 15% to $33.00. Investors appear to be buying the logistics software company’s shares after WiseTech responded to recent media reports involving founder Richard White. It stated: “The media reports that the alleged investigation relates to Richard White in a personal capacity. There is no suggestion in this media commentary of an investigation into WiseTech. The Company is not aware of any investigation as outlined in the article. The Executive Chair has provided assurance to the Board that he is not aware of any such investigation and also confirmed that he emphatically and unequivocally denies any involvement in or with human trafficking.”

    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

    The Xero share price is up almost 9% to $70.69. This may also have been driven by a broker note out of Citi. This morning, the broker reaffirmed its buy rating and $113.60 price target on the cloud accounting platform provider’s shares. This implies potential upside of approximately 60% for investors over the next 12 months.

    The post Why Benz Mining, Collins Foods, WiseTech, and Xero shares are shooting higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Benz Mining Corp right now?

    Before you buy Benz Mining Corp shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Benz Mining Corp wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Collins Foods, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Collins Foods. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • US chip stocks were smashed overnight. So why are ASX tech shares rising?

    the australian flag lies alongside the united states flag on a flat surface.

    ASX investors were handed a rough lead from Wall Street overnight after US chip stocks were heavily sold down.

    The sell-off was centred on some of the biggest names in the artificial intelligence (AI) trade, with investors taking profits after a very strong run.

    Overnight, the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fell 2.2%, while the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (NASDAQ: SOX) dropped 7.9%.

    Some of the bigger falls came from the names that have been riding the AI boom.

    Micron Technology Inc (NASDAQ: MU) dropped 13% to US$1,051.77, Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) fell 4.1% to US$200.04, while Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ: QCOM) and Marvell Technology Inc (NASDAQ: MRVL) lost 8% and 9.4%, respectively.

    While this might sound like a warning sign for ASX tech shares, the local market has gone the other way today.

    At the time of writing, several large ASX tech shares are trading higher, despite the weak US lead.

    So, why are ASX tech shares rising?

    ASX tech shares move higher

    The main reason is that ASX tech shares aren’t really chip stocks.

    The overnight selling was focused on US companies closely tied to semiconductors, memory chips, and AI infrastructure.

    And that is not quite the same as our local tech sector.

    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) is an accounting software business. WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) provides logistics software, while Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) sells medical imaging software.

    So, while the US sell-off is clearly worth watching, it doesn’t directly change the outlook for most ASX tech names.

    There also appears to be some bargain hunting going on.

    A number of local tech shares have already been hit hard in 2026, with Xero and WiseTech both under heavy pressure recently.

    At the time of writing, Xero shares are up 7.1% to $69.63, while WiseTech shares are up 13.42% to $32.62.

    Pro Medicus shares are 2.1% higher at $176.75, and NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) shares are up 2.20% to $14.85.

    What should ASX investors watch now?

    The key thing to watch is whether the selling stays in US chip stocks or starts spreading across the broader US tech sector.

    If investors keep taking money out of the AI trade, ASX growth shares could still feel some pressure, especially those trading on higher valuations.

    But for now, the local market is holding up reasonably well.

    And that is likely because many ASX tech shares have already had a difficult run in 2026.

    Xero and WiseTech, in particular, are both still well below where they were a year ago, despite today’s bounce.

    The post US chip stocks were smashed overnight. So why are ASX tech shares rising? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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 Marvell Technology, Micron Technology, Nvidia, Qualcomm, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia and Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why Aurelia Metals, Beach Energy, IAG, and Rio Tinto shares are falling today

    A man with his back to the camera holds his hands to his head as he looks to a jagged red line trending sharply downward.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a better day on Wednesday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.2% to 8,806 points.

    Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are falling:

    Aurelia Metals Ltd (ASX: AMI)

    The Aurelia Metals share price is down 5% to 29.5 cents. This morning, this gold miner announced that it has achieved financial close on a $150 million senior secured financing package. It notes that this strengthens its balance sheet and increases liquidity. The company’s chief financial officer, Martin Cummings, said: “This refinancing is the culmination of a deliberate strategy and comprehensive process to secure a highly competitive financing package with a flexible structure. The facilities strengthen Aurelia’s balance sheet, increase liquidity and provide long-term support for the Company’s rehabilitation bonding requirements. The strong level of interest received throughout the process enabled us to assemble a high-quality syndicate of global financial institutions that are well positioned to support Aurelia’s next phase of growth.”

    Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

    The Beach Energy share price is down 7.5% to 87 cents. This is likely to have been driven by a broker note out of Morgans this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded the energy producer’s shares to a sell rating (from hold) with an 81 cents price target (from $1.10). It said: “We mark-to-market our second half estimates for weaker spot gas prices, while also trimming our Waitsia output forecasts for FY26-28 on continuing struggles. After downgrading our Q4 estimates for daily production rates, we see potential for BPT to fall just short of its FY27 group production guidance. While BPT’s share price has already been under pressure, its earnings outlook has declined at a faster rate, with its forward EV/EBITDA actually rising.”

    Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

    The IAG share price is down 4% to $7.95. This could also have been driven by a broker note. This morning, Macquarie downgraded the insurance giant’s shares to a neutral rating (from outperform) with a reduced price target of $8.50 (from $9.00). It made the move on the belief that AI could disrupt insurance providers.

    Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

    The Rio Tinto share price is down 2% to $172.37. Investors have been selling the mining giant’s shares following a sizeable pullback in the copper price overnight. This led to significant weakness in the miner’s NYSE listed shares on Wall Street on Tuesday night.

    The post Why Aurelia Metals, Beach Energy, IAG, and Rio Tinto shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Aurelia Metals right now?

    Before you buy Aurelia Metals shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Aurelia Metals wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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.

  • Metrics Master Income Trust announces June 2026 monthly payout

    Man holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

    The Metrics Master Income Trust (ASX: MXT) share price is on watch today as the fund announced a monthly unfranked distribution of 1.36 cents per unit for June 2026.

    What did Metrics Master Income Trust report?

    • Monthly distribution declared: 1.36 cents per unit (unfranked)
    • Ex-date: 30 June 2026; Record date: 1 July 2026; Payment date: 8 July 2026
    • Distribution relates to the period ending 30 June 2026
    • Distribution Reinvestment Plan (DRP) available, with elections due by 2 July 2026
    • DRP discount: Nil (0%)

    What else do investors need to know?

    The distribution is fully unfranked, which means investors may want to consider the potential tax implications. Holders who wish to reinvest their distributions can participate in the fund’s DRP, with no discount being offered. Those who do not elect to participate will receive their payments in cash.

    The DRP price will be calculated as set out in the fund’s constitution, and new DRP units will rank equally with existing units. Investors have until 5:00 pm (AEST) on 2 July 2026 to lodge their DRP election.

    What’s next for Metrics Master Income Trust?

    Metrics Master Income Trust continues its regular monthly payout approach, aiming to provide consistent income to its unitholders. Investors should keep an eye on future announcements for any changes to distribution rates or franking status.

    The fund’s ongoing distributions remain a key focus, and the trust’s team will likely update the market regarding its investment performance and outlook in subsequent reports.

    Metrics Master Income Trust share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Metrics Master Income Trust shares have declined 5%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 3% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Metrics Master Income Trust announces June 2026 monthly payout appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Metrics Master Income Trust right now?

    Before you buy Metrics Master Income Trust shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Metrics Master Income Trust wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • Why is ASX 200 jumping on the latest inflation data?

    Man looking at his grocery receipt, symbolising inflation.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) investors appear relieved by May’s inflation print, reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) at 11:30am AEST.

    In the minutes that followed that release, the ASX 200 jumped 0.2%.

    Here’s what we know.

    ASX 200 gains on mixed inflation print

    The ABS reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 4.0% in the 12 months to May 2026. That’s down from the 4.2% reading reported for the 12 months to April last month, likely lifting ASX 200 investor sentiment.

    Housing continues to be the biggest driver of rising costs, with housing up 6.5%. Food and non-alcoholic beverages prices increased by 3.3%, with annual transport costs also up 3.3%.

    One bright spot was fuel prices.

    Rachael McCririck, ABS head of prices statistics, noted:

    On a monthly basis, Automotive fuel prices fell 11.9% in May, after falling by 7.0% in April. These monthly falls include the impacts of the halving of the fuel excise on 1 April and lower world oil prices in recent weeks.

    But ASX 200 investors aren’t out of the woods yet when it comes to further potential interest rate hikes from the RBA.

    Trimmed mean inflation, which takes out certain volatile items (like fuel) and is the RBA’s preferred gauge, increased to 3.6% in the 12 months to May 2026. That’s up from 3.4% in the 12 months to April. And it’s also higher than consensus economist forecasts of a 3.5% increase in trimmed mean inflation.

    What are the experts saying on RBA interest rates and the latest inflation print?

    As you’re likely aware, a primary concern for ASX 200 investors and mortgage holders alike is how the RBA will respond to the ongoing elevated inflation levels in Australia.

    The RBA’s next interest rate setting meeting takes place on 11 August.

    According to Josh Gilbert, lead analyst for APAC at eToro:

    The board will be watching closely, having finally hit pause after three consecutive hikes since February. Last week, it was clear that the central bank wants to step back and assess how earlier tightening is filtering through, rather than keep its foot to the floor.

    The problem is that inflation is still too high, while the labour market is showing clearer signs of softening. That leaves the RBA walking a narrow path between doing enough to bring inflation back to target and doing too much damage to households and the jobs market.

    VanEck head of investments and capital markets, Russel Chesler, added (quoted by the Australian Financial Review):

    The RBA now faces an increasingly uncomfortable trade-off. We do not expect today’s rise in trimmed mean inflation to be enough to force another hike in August 2026, but the case for easing has become harder to make.

    GDP growth is weakening, unemployment has risen to 4.5%, households are running down savings buffers, and spending is already outpacing disposable income.

    The post Why is ASX 200 jumping on the latest inflation data? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

  • ASX tech giants bounce back from heavy losses

    Two men laughing while bouncing on bouncy balls.

    After a brutal start to the week, heavyweight ASX tech stocks have staged a sharp rebound on Wednesday.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) jumped 11% to $31.91, while Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) climbed 7% to $69.65. The recovery offered some relief after heavy selling pressure across both stocks.

    Despite the bounce, the damage over the past year remains severe for the ASX tech giants. WiseTech is still down around 70% over 12 months, while Xero has fallen roughly 64%. Over the same period, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has gained about 3.7%.

    So is the worst over, or just a pause in a broader downtrend?

    WiseTech Global: Sentiment-driven sell-off

    WiseTech’s recent volatility has been driven less by operational weakness and more by sentiment and headline risk.

    The logistics software leader has been caught in a wave of investor concern surrounding governance issues and ongoing scrutiny linked to founder Richard White. That uncertainty has weighed heavily on sentiment, triggering sharp share price de-ratings.

    Yet the latest rebound of the ASX tech stock suggests some investors believe the sell-off may have gone too far.

    Fundamentally, WiseTech remains a dominant player in global logistics software through its CargoWise platform. The system is deeply embedded in the operations of freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics providers around the world.

    That level of integration creates strong switching costs. Once customers adopt CargoWise into core workflows, replacing it becomes costly, disruptive, and operationally risky.

    This structural moat is why many long-term investors still see underlying value in the business, even as short-term sentiment remains fragile.

    Today’s 11% bounce may reflect bargain hunting after an extended period of forced selling rather than a fundamental shift in outlook. However, it does suggest that at least some market participants believe the risk-reward balance is starting to improve.

    Xero: Caught in the growth stock unwind

    Xero’s recovery has a different driver.

    Unlike WiseTech, Xero’s challenges have been less about company-specific issues and more about sector-wide pressure on growth and technology stocks.

    Over the past year, investors have aggressively de-rated software companies as interest rate expectations, valuation concerns, and risk appetite all shifted.

    The ASX tech stock has not been immune. Despite continued revenue growth, customer base expansion, and strong recurring subscription income, Xero’s share price has been heavily compressed.

    That recurring revenue model remains one of Xero’s key strengths. Subscription-based income provides visibility and stability, which is highly valued in software businesses over the long term.

    However, in the current environment, the market has been more focused on valuation contraction than underlying growth.

    The recent 7% rebound suggests that sentiment may be stabilising, at least in the short term, as investors reassess whether the sell-off has overshot fundamentals.

    What happens next?

    Both ASX tech stocks now sit at an interesting crossroads.

    WiseTech is grappling with rebuilding investor confidence after governance-related uncertainty, while Xero is navigating a broader reassessment of software valuations.

    In both cases, the recent rally may reflect a shift in sentiment rather than a full reversal of trend.

    The post ASX tech giants bounce back from heavy losses appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in WiseTech Global right now?

    Before you buy WiseTech Global shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and WiseTech Global wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 16 June 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.