The most recent weekly economic report from Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) reveals that its team continues to forecast the cash rate staying at the record low of 0.25% until at least the start of 2022.

Given the state of the economy, unemployment, and inflation, I suspect that this forecast will prove accurate. Which means the interest rates on offer with savings accounts and term deposits are likely to remain lower for longer.

But don’t worry, because these three ASX dividend shares could help you beat low rates:

BWP Trust (ASX: BWP)

BWP is a real estate investment trust which leases the majority of its warehouses to Bunnings. I think the hardware giant is arguably the highest quality retailer in the country and a fantastic tenant to have. Especially right now when Bunnings is delivering very strong sales growth despite the pandemic, which should make rental increases easier. At present, I estimate that BWP’s units offer investors a forward 4.9% yield.

Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR)

Another dividend share to consider buying is Dicker Data. It is a wholesale distributor of computer hardware and software which has consistently grown its earnings and dividends at a solid rate over the last few years. This has been driven by new vendor agreements and solid demand. Things are going particularly well in FY 2020. As a result, the company intends to increase its dividend by 31% to 35.5 cents per share. This represents a 5% fully franked dividend yield.

Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)

A final dividend share to consider buying this week is Telstra. I believe the telco giant’s outlook is the best it has been in a long time due to the easing NBN headwind and its T22 strategy. This strategy is simplifying its business and cutting costs materially. While a return to growth may still be a couple of years away, I’m confident its dividend cuts are over now and 16 cents per share is sustainable. This represents a very attractive fully franked 5% dividend yield.

More reading

• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX back in the green
• What is the price/earnings (p/e) ratio?
• Consider these blue chip ASX shares for strong dividend yields
• The ASX big bank stock with the best forecast dividend yield for the new year
• ASX 200 up 0.9%: Big four banks rebound, Appen hits record high

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of Westpac Banking. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Dicker Data Limited and Telstra Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The post Beat low interest rates with Telstra and these ASX dividend shares appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/3dj8LyN

At the start of each week I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

I believe it is worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Speedcast International Ltd (ASX: SDA) is now the most shorted share on the Australian share market with short interest of 13.2%. Short sellers have done very well with this one. The communications satellite technology provider is currently in the process of declaring itself bankrupt.
• Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR) has seen its short interest slide to 13%. Short sellers have been targeting the retailer amid concerns that the pandemic has accelerated the structural decline of department stores.
• Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) has seen its short interest pull back to 9.6%. Short sellers may believe that some of this retailer’s brands are going to underperform in a tough retail market.
• Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) has seen its short interest rise to 9.6%. I suspect that short sellers are targeting the online travel agent due to its current valuation. It is worth noting that although its shares have crashed lower this year, its market capitalisation is actually higher than it was in January.
• Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING) has 9.35% of its shares held short, which is up slightly week on week. Earlier this year management warned that a change in its sales mix could weigh on the poultry company’s performance in FY 2020.
• Perpetual Limited (ASX: PPT) has entered the top ten with short interest of 9.2%. This fund manager has been a poor performer in FY 2020, reporting a 14% decline in profit in the first half. This was driven by fund outflows and lower performance fees.
• Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA) has seen its short interest edge lower again to 8.9%. Short sellers continue to close their positions after the aerial imagery technology company impressed with its performance during the pandemic.
• Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV) has seen its short interest fall to 8.8%. Short sellers may be regretting this one. Last week the biopharmaceutical company’s shares rocketed a massive 21% higher.
• Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX: BOQ) has entered the top ten with 8.4% of its shares held short. Investors appear to believe the regional bank is going to have a tough 12 months.
• JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) has seen its short interest fall to 8.1%. Short sellers have been closing their positions in a hurry after the retailer revealed explosive sales growth during the second half.

More reading

• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX back in the green
• These were the best performers on the ASX 200 last week
• Short-sellers are stepping up their attack against these popular ASX shares
• Australian retail sales up 16.3% in May
• Temple & Webster shares continue to grow despite coronavirus restrictions

James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Nearmap Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Super Retail Group Limited and Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nearmap Ltd. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/37ZTYIx