I think that 2020 has taught us some very interesting investing lessons so far.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has been on an incredible journey this year. Between the start of the year and the February 2020 peak the ASX 200 rose 7%. From that peak the ASX then dropped 36.5% to 23 March 2020. From that low it’s risen 35.2%. What a ride.

I believe there are a number investing lessons already this year:

Volatility can strike at any time

At the start of the year it seemed as though everything was lining up for a great year. Brexit uncertainty was passing. The trade war between the US and China seemed to be settling down. Australia’s property market seemed to be in a good position.

Who would have thought that the market would have dropped 35% by March 2020?

Sometimes there are uncertain events in investing that can suddenly pop up out of nowhere. That’s why I think it’s a good idea to always have a bit of cash on the side to take advantage of those opportunities.

Be greedy when others are fearful

This is certainly not a new lesson for some people, investing legend Warren Buffett has been telling us that for a long time.

But for many Australian investors, this is the first time that they’re seeing Australia in a recession. Plenty of people are fearful about what the economic effects of the coronavirus will be.

Share prices don’t magically drop on their own. There has to be genuine fear for a particular reason, such as a global pandemic. When you look at the share price graphs, it’s these selloffs that present the lowest share prices. So, you just have to be brave and greedy at times like this (or to be more precise, in March). You don’t know whether the market will drop 10%, 20%, 30% or more.

Investing is for the long-term

What’s happening in 2020 is some of the most challenging global circumstances in a century.

But it will pass. And governments and central banks have provided enormous support. 

The world moved on from the GFC. It recovered from the Spanish Flu. The earnings in FY20 and probably FY21 will be affected. But by FY22 things could be back to normal.

We need to be investing for the long-term with our hard-earned money. There will be future bumps along the way, we just need to be brave, stay invested and keep investing.

More reading

• Chief analyst expects Australian share market to continue rising, says ASX 200 could approach 6,600 in the weeks ahead
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX 200 shares to buy today
• Flight Centre share price and other ASX 200 travel shares look set to continue rising
• Will ASX 200 shares hit a record high in June?
• ASX 200 jumps 2.5%: Big four banks surge higher, CSL announces an acquisition

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 What 2020 has taught us about investing appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/30mOcyH

The MyFiziq Ltd (ASX: MYQ) share price is zooming higher today after the company announced the launch of a new revenue stream.

About MyFiziq

MyFiziq is a technology company that uses pictures from a smartphone to create a representation of a person in the form of a 3D avatar.

The company leverages computer vision, machine learning and patented algorithms to process images and deliver 97% accurate body measurements, with a repeatability of 98%.

Using the gyroscope, front camera, camera burst mode, speaker, screen and light sensors in a smartphone, MyFiziq is able to generate a set of front and side pictures in a single user experience – without the need of another person.

Partners embed MyFiziq’s technology into their new or existing apps and then customise the experience to satisfy their branding requirements. These partners operate in several industries, including health and fitness, insurance, and medical.

What did MyFiziq announce?

This morning, MyFiziq announced that its integration within the Evolt Active application has been launched on the Apple app store.

MyFiziq’s partnership with Evolt360 Technologies was announced in April last year. The partnership sees the Evolt Active application offer in-app body scanning using the MyFiziq technology.

For some background, Evolt is a technology-driven health and wellness company focused on connected and digital health. The company has an FDA-approved intelligent body scanning device that is purchased and supported by leading names, including F45, Anytime Fitness, KPMG, and HCF. The device costs between $12,000 and $20,000 each and the scans it performs are made available to consumers for between $30 and $50.

The next step for Evolt is enabling its 500,000+ active user base to track changes in their body dimension more regularly and in the privacy of their own home. This has been made possible by MyFiziq’s technology, which has now been integrated into Evolt’s iOS application.

According to MyFiziq CEO Vlado Bosanac, Evolt has committed to targeting an initial 100,000 active users onto the joint offering in the first 12 months. In return for the integration of its technology, MyFiziq will receive $2.99 per month per user.

If the initial target user numbers are achieved, MyFiziq will meet an initial break-even position based on current monthly burn.

Commenting on today’s update, Mr Bosanac said:

“The application has been through rigorous testing in readiness for this launch. I am pleased to say the application is performing well on all fronts. The look and feel of the application is a credit to both teams. We are looking forward to supporting Evolt with its launch, users, downloads, and usage.”

After surging as much as 21.82% in early morning trade, the MyFiziq share price is currently sitting 5.46% higher for the day at 29 cents per share. This takes the company’s market capitalisation to around $32 million.

More reading

• NIB Holdings and 1 other ASX share which I would consider buying for growth and income
• What 2020 has taught us about investing
• 3 safe and strong ASX 50 shares to buy right now
• Can the Boral share price continue to rise?
• Chief analyst expects Australian share market to continue rising, says ASX 200 could approach 6,600 in the weeks ahead

Motley Fool contributor Cathryn Goh has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 Why the MyFiziq share price raced 22% higher today appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/30oq1ji

The S&P/ASX 50 index is home to 50 of the largest and most liquid shares listed on the ASX by float-adjusted market capitalisation.

While this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the best shares to invest in, there are a number on this index that I believe would be safe and strong options for investors.

Three that tick a lot of boxes for me are listed below:

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The first ASX 50 share I would consider buying is BHP. I believe it is the highest quality option in the resources sector due to its diverse, low cost, and world class operations. In addition to this, with the prices of many of the key commodities it produces remaining favourable, I believe BHP is well-positioned to deliver strong results in both FY 2020 and FY 2021. In light of this, I think the risk/reward on offer with its shares at the current level is compelling.

Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH)

Another  ASX 50 share which I would consider buying is Cochlear. It is a hearing solutions company which specialises in cochlear implantable devices. Given that its products are among the best in their class, I believe Cochlear is well-positioned for growth over the long term due to an expected increase in demand as populations age. The WHO estimates that there will be 1.5 billion people over the aged of 65 by 2050. This will be almost triple the number of over 65s globally 2010.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

A final ASX 50 share to consider is Transurban. It is a toll road operator with a number of key roads in Australia and North America. Its performance is likely to underwhelm in the immediate term due to a collapse in traffic during the pandemic. However, with things now normalising, I believe it could be a great time to consider a long term and patient investment.

More reading

• Are the Rio Tinto, Fortescue and BHP share prices a buy right now?
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: ASX bulls crash through 6,000 points
• 3 high quality ASX dividend shares you can buy today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 3 quality ASX 200 shares to buy and hold until at least 2030

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 Cochlear Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Cochlear 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 3 safe and strong ASX 50 shares to buy right now appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

from Motley Fool Australia https://ift.tt/30zjtyH