Author: openjargon

Knowing which ASX 200 shares to avoid can be just as important as knowing which ones to buy when aiming to maximise portfolio returns.

So, with that in mind, let’s see which shares analysts are tipping as sells this week, courtesy of The Bull.

Here’s what they are bearish on:

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

The team at Alto Capital thinks that CBA is an ASX 200 share to sell this week.

Due to the banking giant’s current valuation, it thinks investors should consider taking profits. It explains:

Australia’s largest retail bank enjoys a dominant position across mortgages, deposits and consumer banking. The company recently reported a record first half cash net profit after tax in 2026 of $5.445 billion, supported by lending growth and strong deposit volumes. Recently, the share price had re-rated significantly and traded at a premium to domestic peers and global banking counterparts. With much of the operational strength already reflected in the valuation, the risk-reward balance favours taking profits at current levels.

JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH)

Over at Fairmont Equities, its analysts think that retail giant JB Hi-Fi could be an ASX share to sell now.

The equities firm believes that higher fuel prices and interest rates could weigh on the performance of discretionary retail stocks. It said:

With interest rates possibly rising again on top of higher fuel prices, we would be cautious about discretionary retail stocks. Households are under increasing pressure from higher cost of living expenses, which could result in consumers cutting discretionary spending. This consumer electronics giant faces the challenge of sustaining revenue and earnings in a potentially softer economy. From a charting perspective, the share price remains in a downtrend. The shares have fallen from $121 on August 20, 2025 to trade at $78.10 on April 30, 2026. We would be inclined to cash in some gains at this stage of the cycle.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

Fairmont Equities has also named big four bank Westpac as an ASX 200 share to sell this week.

It thinks that a recent trading update shows that economic conditions could be getting challenging. As a result, it would not be surprised to see Westpac shares take a tumble. Fairmont Equities said:

We had previously been bullish on the banks when they were trending higher from high levels of momentum. However, they are stalling at current levels. A recent trading update by WBC indicated economic conditions could be getting tougher in response to rising interest rates, inflation and potential fuel shocks. In our view, challenging economic conditions are likely to impact lending activity and credit quality. Even a robust dividend yield may not be enough to prevent a further slide in WBC’s share price.

The post Warning! Experts name 3 ASX 200 shares to sell appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why the ASX 200 is charging higher today
• Why JB Hi-Fi, Magellan, Lottery Corp, and Woodside shares are falling today
• Interest rates are back at 15-year highs. Here’s what CBA expects now
• Warning: JB Hi-Fi shares tumble as investors look past sales growth
• JB Hi-Fi Q3 FY26 sales update: Australia & NZ drive growth

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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is pushing higher on Wednesday as investors move back into the major banks.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is up 0.91% to 8,759 points.

That follows a 0.19% fall on Tuesday and puts the benchmark index back on firmer ground heading into the afternoon.

The move is being led by the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ), with all 4 major banks trading strongly higher.

There is also support coming from parts of the S&P/ASX 200 Resources Index (ASX: XJR), although the gains are not spread evenly across the market.

Here’s what investors are looking at today.

Banks do the heavy lifting

The major lenders are doing most of the work today, helped by their large weighting in the ASX 200.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are up 2.65% to $177.44, while Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) is jumping 3.75% to $39.04.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) is also higher, rising 3.09% to $40.16. ANZ Group Holdings Ltd(ASX: ANZ) is up 3.17% to $37.09.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) is also helping the sector, with its shares up 1.39% to $240.28.

The buying comes after the market pulled back on Tuesday following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) latest rate hike. The cash rate now sits at 4.35%, but investors appear to be looking past the immediate shock today.

While a higher interest rate backdrop generally supports bank margins, it can also put more pressure on borrowers and the stock market.

Miners add more support

The resources sector is also helping the ASX 200 hold its gains.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are up 1.69% to $55.65, while Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) is 0.66% higher at $171.81.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) is also in the green, rising 1.62% to $20.35.

Gold is another supportive factor today, with the precious yellow metal up 2.03% to US$4,648.63 an ounce. That helps explain some of the buying across gold and mining names, although not every resource stock is joining the move.

On the other side, Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) is down 2.35% to $31.94 as oil prices weaken.

Not every major stock is rising

There are still several large names holding the index back.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) is down 0.33% to $123.96, while Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is 0.83% lower. Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) is also weaker, falling 0.78%.

The index is having a strong day, but the buying is still concentrated in banks and a few miners.

It is still a solid gain, but the strength is not showing up evenly across the market.

The post Why the ASX 200 is charging higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Warning! Experts name 3 ASX 200 shares to sell
• Why JB Hi-Fi, Magellan, Lottery Corp, and Woodside shares are falling today
• Why is this $10 billion ASX stock racing 12% higher today?
• Interest rates are back at 15-year highs. Here’s what CBA expects now
• Which ASX 200 stock is lifting after a hostile takeover 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 CSL and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group, Telstra Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and CSL. 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 having a strong session on Wednesday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.85% to 8,754.5 points.

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

JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH)

The JB Hi-Fi share price is down over 7% to $72.12. This follows the release of a sales update from the retail giant this morning. The company revealed that JB Hi-Fi Australia total sales rose 4% and The Good Guys sales lifted 2.5% for the third quarter. However, while this was strong, comments from CEO Nick Wells appear to have spooked investors. He said: “As we enter the important end of financial year trading period, in the technology categories we are seeing significant supplier component related cost increases and stock availability shortages, along with heightened competitive activity.”

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

The Magellan share price is down 6% to $9.03. This fund manager’s shares have come under pressure this week after announcing sweeping changes to its global fund. This includes management fees being cut from 1.35% to 0.89% per annum and performance fees being removed. In addition, management of the Magellan Global Fund and Magellan Global Fund Hedged will change to Vinva Investment Management. Magellan’s CEO, Sophia Rahmani, said: “We have carefully considered this decision and are prioritising client outcomes whilst at the same time positioning Magellan for long-term growth, with an attractive core global equities offering.”

Lottery Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLC)

The Lottery Corporation share price is down 5.5% to $5.26. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of Morgan Stanley this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded the lotteries company’s shares to an equal-weight rating with a $5.70 price target. Morgan Stanley made the move partly on the belief that second-half trading has been softer than expected due to weaker jackpot activity.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside Energy share price is down 2% to $32.02. Investors have been selling Woodside shares following a pullback in oil prices. This has been triggered by optimism that the US and Iran could be close to signing a peace deal. It isn’t just Woodside that is falling today. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy index is down 1.7% at the time of writing.

The post Why JB Hi-Fi, Magellan, Lottery Corp, and Woodside shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Warning: JB Hi-Fi shares tumble as investors look past sales growth
• JB Hi-Fi Q3 FY26 sales update: Australia & NZ drive growth
• Why Appen, Gentrack, Magellan, and Regis Resources shares are falling today
• Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on JB Hi-Fi and Westpac shares
• Why Magellan shares are getting smashed today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended The Lottery Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) shares are sliding today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy stock closed yesterday trading for $2.45. In early afternoon trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hands for $2.39 apiece, down 2.5%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 1.0% at this same time.

Taking a step back, Viva Energy shares remain up 33.5% over the past 12-months, racing ahead of the 7.5% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

And that’s not including the 6.7 cents a share in fully franked dividends the energy company paid to eligible stockholders over this time. Viva Energy trades on a 2.8% fully franked trailing dividend yield.

But with investor concerns remaining over the 15 April fire at Viva Energy’s Geelong refinery in Victoria – one of just two remaining in Australia – and with shares still down 5.5% since then, is this ASX 200 stock now a buy, hold or sell?

Should you buy Viva Energy shares today?

Baker Young’s Toby Grimm recently analysed the outlook for this $4 billion ASX energy share (courtesy of The Bull).

According to Grimm:

Energy market dislocation highlights the strategic importance of Viva Energy’s refining operations, particularly in light of the recently enhanced Federal government subsidy framework.

As for the refinery fire, Grimm noted, “While the recent fire at the Geelong facility is a setback, the financial impact appears manageable and unlikely to offset the benefit of elevated refining margins.”

Connecting the dots, Grimm issued a hold recommendation on Viva Energy shares.

He concluded:

Higher fuel prices may weigh on convenience retail performance, which had shown signs of a recovery. Over time, refining margins are expected to normalise, but the stock appears well supported in the near term.

What’s the latest from the ASX 200 energy stock?

In an update on the Geelong refinery fire released on 4 May, Viva Energy revealed that the coming weeks will see it produce diesel and jet fuel at around 80% of capacity. And petrol production will be limited to around 60% capacity while the refinery’s Residue Catalytic Cracking Unit (RCCU) remains offline.

Viva Energy said it expects the required repair work to restart the RCCU to take around six weeks. In June, the company is aiming to ramp production back up to more than 90% of capacity following the restart of the RCCU.

As for any potential impact on Viva Energy shares from the Iran war, the company noted:

The Geelong refinery does not typically source Middle Eastern crude, with current crude sourced predominantly from North and South America, South-East Asia, and Australia. These crude supply flows have not been impacted, and the Geelong refinery has firm crude supply through to July with high confidence that this supply can continue.

The post Viva Energy shares: Buy, hold or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Brent crude oil price rips to 4-year high amid missile strikes in Strait of Hormuz
• Buy, hold, sell: Deep Yellow, IGO, and Viva Energy shares
• Why Viva Energy, Transurban and NAB shares are turning heads on Monday
• Viva Energy updates investors on Geelong Refinery operations
• ASX 200 energy shares lead and market finally cracks 8-day losing streak

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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is back on form and charging higher. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.85% to 8,754.3 points.

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

DigiCo Infrastructure REIT (ASX: DGT)

The DigiCo Infrastructure REIT share price is up 22% to $2.89. This morning, the data centre company announced a binding agreement to sell its CHI1 facility in Chicago for US$750 million. This represents a 5% premium to its November 2024 purchase price. The sale is expected to complete in the first quarter of FY 2027. This will take its pro forma net debt to approximately $0.5 billion, while gearing is expected to drop from 36% to 17%. Management intends to redeploy capital into the SYD1 development in Sydney, which it describes as its most compelling growth opportunity. It may also look at returning funds to shareholders.

HMC Capital Ltd (ASX: HMC)

The HMC Capital share price is up 15% to $2.90. This follows the release of a business update from the investment company today. Management advised that fund management earnings are maintaining their growth trajectory and tracking to guidance. As a result, it has reaffirmed its pre-tax operating earnings per share guidance of greater than 40 cents per share. It has also reaffirmed its dividend guidance of 12 cents per share. That represents a 4.1% dividend yield at current prices.

Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT)

The Infratil share price is up 12% to $11.77. This follows news that its 49.7%-owned data centre business, CDC, has signed Australia’s largest-ever data centre contract. It has agreed a 555MW deal with a US investment grade customer, taking total CDC contracted capacity to over 1 gigawatt. When fully deployed, management estimates that CDC’s total contracted capacity would deliver annualised EBITDA of approximately NZ$2 billion. Infratil’s CEO, Jason Boyes, said: “Today’s announcement underscores Australasia’s opportunity to attract global computing capacity, supported by regional stability, competitive build costs and access to renewable energy.”

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

The Qantas Airways share price is up over 2% to $8.59. This appears to have been driven by a pullback in oil prices after Donald Trump signalled that progress is being made with a US-Iran peace deal. This would be good news for Qantas, especially given how fuel is the company’s largest expense.

The post Why DigiCo, HMC Capital, Infratil, and Qantas shares are taking off today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is this $10 billion ASX stock racing 12% higher today?
• Why this ASX data centre stock is rocketing over 20% today
• DigiCo Infrastructure REIT slashes debt after Chicago asset sale
• Infratil shares: CDC inks Australia’s largest data centre contract
• Should I buy CBA and Qantas shares this month?

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 positions in and has recommended HMC Capital. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended HMC Capital. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX stock Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT) surged 12.7% to $11.83 in Wednesday afternoon trade. The surge came after a major announcement from its data centre business CDC.

The ASX stock is now up around 23% year to date, comfortably outperforming the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which is essentially flat over the same period.

So what’s driving the sharp move higher?

Largest data centre deal

The catalyst for the soaring share price is a landmark contract signed by CDC Data Centres. The company has secured what is being described as Australia’s largest-ever data centre deal.

ASX stock Infratil is an infrastructure investment company with assets spanning renewable energy, healthcare, airports and digital infrastructure. One of its most important holdings is CDC, a rapidly growing operator of hyperscale data centres across Australia.

CDC sits at the centre of rising demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence infrastructure and sovereign data storage. It builds and operates large-scale, highly secure facilities that underpin the digital services used by governments, enterprises and global technology firms.

The $555MW mega-deal explained

The latest contract is a major milestone for CDC and the ASX stock. CDC has signed a 555MW long-term agreement with a US investment-grade customer. The deal includes a 30-year contract for 555MW of new capacity, with options to extend for a further 20 years. With this agreement,

CDC’s total contracted capacity now exceeds 1 gigawatt. That’s more than double its previous contracted base.

Importantly, the scale of this deal highlights CDC’s dominant position in the market. The 555MW alone represents roughly 40% of Australia’s total expected data centre operating capacity in 2025, underlining just how significant this expansion is for the industry.

The capacity is already under development and scheduled to come online across FY28 and FY29. That means it fits within existing construction plans and does not require a major change in capital strategy.

Strong financial position and growth runway

CDC’s balance sheet remains robust, with about $3.9 billion in cash and undrawn facilities as of 31 March. Earlier this year, shareholders including ASX stock Infratil contributed a further $500 million in equity. However, the latest contract does not require additional funding beyond current plans.

The earnings outlook also remains strong. CDC has maintained FY27 EBITDAF guidance of A$680 million to A$720 million, with FY28 EBITDAF expected to exceed A$1 billion. Beyond this contract, CDC continues to scale aggressively, with a development pipeline of around 1.6GW through to 2034.

The business has also strengthened its funding position. Moody’s Investors Service assigned CDC’s Australian operations a Baa2 (Stable) credit rating, improving access to global debt markets.

Foolish Takeaway

The market reaction reflects the scale and quality of this contract. A long-duration agreement with a major international customer provides strong revenue visibility. It also reinforces CDC’s position as a leading player in Australia’s data infrastructure boom.

For Infratil, it strengthens one of its key growth engines. It also helps explain why the ASX stock is extending its strong run in 2026.

The post Why is this $10 billion ASX stock racing 12% higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why DigiCo, HMC Capital, Infratil, and Qantas shares are taking off today
• Which ASX 200 stock is lifting after a hostile takeover update?
• GPT Group delivers March quarter update
• BWP Group launches $228 million entitlement offer
• REA Group is on the rise. Is a comeback underway?

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.

BWP Group (ASX: BWP) shares are not moving on Wednesday after the property group requested a trading halt.

The BWP share price is frozen at $3.94, where it last traded before the halt. That leaves the stock up about 8% over the past month, after a stronger run into May.

BWP is best known as a major landlord to Bunnings. It owns and manages a portfolio of large-format retail properties across Australia.

The trading halt follows a capital raising announcement released before market open.

Here’s what investors are looking at today.

BWP launches $228 million cap raising

BWP has announced a fully underwritten accelerated non-renounceable pro rata entitlement offer to raise about $228 million.

Eligible securityholders can subscribe for 1 new security for every 12 existing BWP securities. The offer price has been set at $3.77 per new security, which is below the last closing price of $3.94 on 5 May.

BWP said the offer price represents a 4.3% discount to that closing price. It also represents a 4% discount to the theoretical ex-rights price of $3.93.

The group said around 60 million new securities will be issued under the offer.

The retail component is due to open later this month.

BWP expects normal trading to resume on Thursday, 7 May, after the institutional offer results are announced.

Why the group is raising money

BWP said the proceeds will support future capital deployment across its portfolio, including a pipeline of about $163 million in committed capital projects.

These include repurposing developments, asset expansions, and upgrades across older properties.

Assuming the committed capital spend goes ahead, BWP expects pro forma gearing to sit at 20.3%. That would be at the low end of its 20% to 30% target range.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), BWP’s largest securityholder, has also committed to take up its full entitlement. Wesfarmers holds a 23.4% stake and is expected to contribute about $53 million in total.

Distribution guidance held steady

BWP also reaffirmed its FY26 distribution guidance of 19.41 cents per security.

New securities issued under the offer will rank equally with existing securities. They will also be entitled to the second-half FY26 distribution, which is expected to be 9.83 cents per security.

That should help ease some concern around dilution from the cap raising. Still, investors will want to see how the market prices the stock once trading resumes tomorrow.

Keep in mind, a discounted raising can still put pressure on a share price, even if the money is being directed towards growth projects.

The post Why this Bunnings landlord is frozen on the ASX today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• BWP Group launches $228 million entitlement offer

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 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.

The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) is down 1.2% today, but that’s not holding back this surging ASX gold stock.

The rocketing junior gold miner in question is Caprice Resources Ltd (ASX: CRS).

Caprice Resources shares closed yesterday trading for 7.5 cents. In earlier trade on Wednesday, shares were trading for 12.25 cents apiece, up 63.3%. After some likely profit taking, at the time of writing, shares are changing hands for 11.5 cents each, up 53.3%.

That puts shares in this ASX gold stock up an impressive 130% since this time last year.

Here’s what’s piquing investor interest today.

ASX gold stock surges on strong drilling results

Caprice Resources shares are off to the races today after the miner announced “exceptional” shallow gold mineralisation from ongoing drilling at its Island Gold Project, located in Western Australia.

The ASX gold stock said the latest reverse circulation (RC) drill results have defined a new high-grade zone just 120 metres parallel to the project’s primary Vadrians lode.

The miner reported top results from one hole that intersected 22 metres at 66.2 grams of gold per tonne, including 8 metres at 181 g/t gold from 42 metres downhole. That marks the highest-grade intercept so far at the Island Gold Project.

Caprice Resources said it has sent the holes drilled directly beneath this top intercept for fast-track assays. The ASX gold stock is currently awaiting those results, which it noted could represent potential extensions to this “bonanza grade mineralisation”.

The miner is planning to kick off follow-up drilling in the area next week as it continues apace with its 50,000 metres drilling program, aimed at defining a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) at Island Gold.

What did Caprice Resources management say?

Commenting on the strong intercepts boosting the ASX gold stock today, Caprice Resources managing director Luke Cox said, “Intercepting 22 metres at 66.2 g/t gold, including 8 metres at 181 g/t gold, from just 42 metres downhole in the hanging wall parallel to Vadrians is an exceptional result by any measure.”

Cox added:

The combination of grade, thickness, shallow depth, and proximity to the main Vadrians mineralisation reinforces our view that Island is evolving into a multi-lode system with significant scale potential.

Looking ahead, Cox concluded:

With follow-up RC and diamond drilling already underway, including testing of northern strike extensions, depth extensions, and additional targets across the Island corridor, we are in an exciting phase of discovery and growth.

The ongoing 50,000 metre drill program is systematically unlocking this potential and building scale across this yet-to-be contained system.

Stay tuned!

The post Guess which ASX gold stock is rocketing 63% today on ‘bonanza grade’ results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why JB Hi-Fi, Magellan, Lottery Corp, and Woodside shares are falling today
• Viva Energy shares: Buy, hold or sell?
• Why DigiCo, HMC Capital, Infratil, and Qantas shares are taking off today
• Why is this $10 billion ASX stock racing 12% higher today?
• Why this Bunnings landlord is frozen on the ASX today

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.

Unless you emerged from under a rock this morning, you’re likely aware of the latest Reserve Bank of Australia interest rate hike.

On Tuesday afternoon, many ASX shares came under pressure after the RBA announced its third consecutive rate hike in 2026.

Having boosted the official cash rate by 0.25% to the new 4.35%, Australia’s official interest rate is now back at its post pandemic 2024 highs. Indeed, you’d have to go back to November 2011 to find higher rates.

With inflation showing signs of picking back up even before the onset of the Middle East conflict sent global energy prices soaring, the RBA is looking to get ahead of the curve.

The board noted:

There are early signs that many firms experiencing cost pressures are looking to increase prices of their goods and services. Short-term measures of inflation expectations have also risen.

So, does this mean ASX investors should expect a fourth interest rate increase when the BA meets again on 16 June?

Probably not, according to the economists at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

Here’s why.

Why CBA expects the RBA to now sit tight on interest rates

CBA head of Australian economics Belinda Allen said that following on Tuesday’s cash rate increase, the RBA now has some time to sit back and see what happens with inflation and the economy from here.

Allen noted that the RBA’s post meeting guidance reinforced this view.

According to Allen:

The RBA press conference reiterated that the board now has space to monitor the economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East, and this reaffirms our view that the RBA will now be on hold for the remainder of 2026.

However, Allen said that the added inflationary pressures from the Middle East conflict will likely see inflation remain above the RBA’s 2% to 3% target range for some time, so another interest rate increase in 2026 isn’t entirely off the table.

CBA also expects Australia’s economic growth will slow.

Allen said:

A further rate hike cannot be ruled out, depending on the data. Economic outcomes will dictate the path of policy. The key things to watch are federal and state budget outcomes, wage decisions, consumer spending and the June quarter inflation data.

With CBA forecasting that inflation will gradually ease as higher interest rates and cost‑of‑living pressures drag on household spending, and employment growth slows, the bank’s base case sees interest rates remaining at 4.35% in 2026 before possibly easing in 2027.

“From here we do see a period of ‘on hold’ from the RBA, depending on economic outcomes and global developments,” Allen concluded.

The post Interest rates are back at 15-year highs. Here’s what CBA expects now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Emerald Resources NL (ASX: EMR) shares are pushing higher on Wednesday after the gold miner released a project update.

At the time of writing, the Emerald share price is up 2.09% to $5.85.

That gives the company a market capitalisation of about $3.8 billion.

The move offers some relief after a softer start to the year. Emerald shares are still down about 5% in 2026, but remain up around 35% over the past 12 months.

Here’s what investors are looking at today.

Final green light for Dingo Range

Emerald advised that Works Approval has been granted for its 100%-owned Dingo Range Gold Project in Western Australia.

The approval came from the Western Australian Government’s Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

This was the final regulatory approval needed for the project.

With that now in hand, Emerald said Dingo Range can move towards development once debt funding is completed.

The approval covers key infrastructure across the project. That includes the processing plant, power station, tailings storage facility, and other related infrastructure needed to support construction and operations.

Emerald has already completed and commissioned the project’s camp. This will house construction workers and operational staff once production begins.

The company said drilling programs are continuing through 2026. These are aimed at supporting mineral resource updates, testing open pit extensions, and assessing underground development potential.

What the approval means

While the update moves Dingo Range closer to development, it also gives investors a better look at what comes next.

Approvals do not guarantee a smooth build or strong production result. But they do remove a major hurdle from the development timeline.

That is enough to get some attention from investors, especially with Emerald looking to build beyond its existing gold operations.

Emerald is already a gold producer through its Okvau operations in Cambodia. The company has now poured more than 440,000 ounces of gold from its operations.

Dingo Range gives the company another potential production base, this time in Western Australia.

The project sits across the Dingo Range greenstone belt and has been a key part of Emerald’s growth plans since the Bullseye Mining takeover.

The company is also moving ahead on long lead items.

Emerald has committed to buy two 8,000kW Metso SAG mills. One is for Dingo Range and the other is for the Memot Gold Project in Cambodia.

The total cost is about $30 million, with supply expected to take up to 13 months.

Foolish takeaway

This is a positive milestone, but the main focus now is financing.

Emerald has the key approval it needs for Dingo Range, but development still depends on debt funding being completed.

That is where I would be focused.

Once the balance sheet is sorted, investors can get a better read on timing, costs, and how quickly construction can begin.

The post Why this $3.8 billion ASX gold stock is climbing today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Emerald Resources gets the green light for Dingo Range Gold Project
• Emerald Resources delivers record cash flow and project progress in March 2026 quarter
• Emerald Resources hits more high-grade gold at Dingo Range and Memot

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 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.