The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a good finish to the week. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.45% to 8,902.7 points.
Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher on Friday are listed below. Here’s why they are ending the week in the red:
Australian Ethical Investment Ltd (ASX: AEF)
The Australian Ethical share price is down 1.5% to $4.91. Investors have been selling this fund manager’s shares after it released a trading update. Australian Ethical revealed that its funds under management (FUM) dropped 1% in the December quarter to $14.08 billion. This was driven by positive retail and wholesale net flows, which were offset by negative investment performance and institutional outflows during the period. The company’s managing director, John McMurdo, said: “Despite challenging investment market conditions, it’s been a pleasing first half of the year.”
Northern Minerals Ltd (ASX: NTU)
The Northern Minerals share price is down 5.5% to 3.5 cents. This is despite the heavy rare earths company releasing an update on preliminary laboratory metallurgical test work. Northern Minerals’ managing director and CEO, Shane Hartwig, said: “Achieving the positive preliminary metallurgical results for the Wolverine â Dazzler blend test work marks an important milestone in the Company’s development of Dazzler as a potential additional source of heavy rare earth feed material for Browns Range.”
PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)
The PLS share price is down over 4% to $4.62. This may have been driven by profit taking from some investors following very strong gains over the past 12 months. Earlier this week, Morgans put a hold rating and $4.55 price target on the lithium miner’s shares. It said: “We upgrade our recommendation to Hold, reflecting improving lithium market fundamentals that will materially strengthen PLS’ earnings and cash flow generation.” The broker sees more value in Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) and other ASX lithium shares at current levels. You can read about its Mineral Resources recommendation here.
Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)
The Woodside share price is down 1.5% to $23.68. Investors have been selling Woodside and other ASX energy shares on Friday. This was in response to a sharp pullback in oil prices overnight due to easing US-Iran tensions. Both Brent and WTI crude oil prices were down over 4% during Thursday night’s session.
The post Why Australian Ethical, Northern Minerals, PLS, and Woodside shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Should you invest $1,000 in Australian Ethical Investment right now?
Before you buy Australian Ethical Investment 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 Australian Ethical Investment 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 1 Jan 2026
.custom-cta-button p {
margin-bottom: 0 !important;
}
More reading
- Brokers issue new price targets on soaring ASX 200 mining shares
- 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
- Why ASX 200 lithium stocks like Liontown and Mineral Resources are making waves today
- After 5 days of straight gains, is oil setting up for its next move?
- 5 ASX 200 mining stocks including Mineral Resources and BHP shares smashing new 52-week highs today
Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Australian Ethical Investment. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Australian Ethical Investment. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
Leave a Reply