Author: openjargon

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares closed in the red after fresh US-Iran missile attacks and a third interest rate rise in Australia.

The US and Iran launched missile strikes against each other in the Strait of Hormuz overnight as the US tried to restore shipping.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised interest rates for a third consecutive time to 4.35% today due to rising inflation.

In a statement, the RBA said:

Inflation picked up materially in the second half of 2025, and information since the beginning of this year confirms that some of this increase reflected greater capacity pressures.

In addition, the conflict in the Middle East has resulted in sharply higher fuel and related commodity prices, which are already adding to inflation.

There are early signs that many firms experiencing cost pressures are looking to increase prices of their goods and services.

The Brent crude oil price hit a four-year high earlier today as the market becomes increasingly pessimistic that the war will end soon.

Economists are warning that oil shocks have a long-tail economic impact, and the RBA appears acutely aware of the upside risk to CPI.

Today, four of the 11 market sectors finished in the red, with energy in the lead, up 0.92%, while financials lagged, down 0.56%.

Scores of ASX 200 shares hit fresh 52-week lows today.

They included former market darling CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and retail stalwart Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares.

Let’s take a look.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The CSL share price hit a 9-year low of $122.48 today.

The ASX 200 healthcare giant has lost half its value over the past 12 months.

Company issues have compounded the impact of a broader ASX 200 healthcare sector rout due to many global headwinds.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

The Wesfarmers share price reached a 52-week low of $71.31 today.

The market’s largest ASX 200 consumer discretionary share is down 9% over 12 months.

Consumer sentiment is crumbling in Australia today.

Last month, the consumer sentiment index recorded its biggest fall since the beginning of the pandemic five years ago.

Amcor Ltd (ASX: AMC)

The Amcor share price hit a 12-year low of $51.42 today, and is down 28% over 12 months.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

The Endeavour share price fell to a record low of $3.13 today, and is down 22% over 12 months.

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

The Harvey Norman share price hit a 52-week low of $4.39 today.

Stock in the ASX 200 furniture retailer has tumbled 15% over 12 months.

Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN)

The Ansell share price dropped to a 2-year low of $25.35 today, and is down 18% over 12 months.

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

The Super Retail share price hit a 3-year low of $11.47 on Tuesday, and is down 12% over 12 months.

Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB)

Austal shares fell to a 52-week low of $4.01 today.

The ASX 200 industrial share has fallen 21% over 12 months.

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

The ARB Corporation share price hit a 52-week low of $17.89 today, and is down 43% over 12 months.

Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK)

The Nick Scali share price hit a 52-week low of $14.03, and has cooled 18% over 12 months.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

The Temple & Webster share price hit a 2-and-a-half-year low of $5.29 today.

This ASX 200 retail share has lost 69% of its market capitalisation in 12 months.

Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING)

The Inghams share price descended to a 52-week low of $1.71 today.

The ASX 200 consumer staples share has fallen 51% over 12 months.

Centuria Office REIT (ASX: COF)

Centuria shares dipped to a 52-week low of 92 cents today.

The ASX 200 real estate investment trust (REIT) has decreased 26% over 12 months.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

Accent shares hit a 13-year low of 51 cents, and are down 72% over 12 months.

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

The Adairs share price hit a 52-week low of $1.25, and is down 51% over 12 months.

The post CSL and Wesfarmers among scores of ASX shares hitting fresh 52-week lows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Down over 50%: Are CSL and Cochlear strong buys in May?
• Down 21%: Why Dan Murphy’s owner could be an ASX 200 stock to buy
• 3 top ASX shares to build a simple, balanced portfolio in 2026
• How much could the Wesfarmers share price rise in the next year?
• 2 ASX shares tipped to grow 50% or more in the next 12 months

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 ARB Corporation, Adairs, CSL, Super Retail Group, Temple & Webster Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Adairs, Amcor Plc, Harvey Norman, and Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation, Accent Group, Ansell, CSL, Nick Scali, Temple & Webster Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

If you are hunting for some new portfolio additions, then it could pay to hear what Morgans is saying about the three ASX shares in this article.

Does the broker rate them as buys, holds, or sells? Let’s dig deeper into things:

Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS)

Morgans is feeling positive about this copper miner and has named it as a buy this week with a 70 cents price target.

Although its production was softer than expected during the third quarter, the broker was pleased with its cost performance and cash flow generation. It said:

Copper production missed on lower Tritton grades but this was offset by a solid cost performance and strong cash flow (+72% qoq), materially strengthening the balance sheet and funding flexibility. Tritton is set up for a stronger 4Q26, while Constellation, Golden Plateau and the Peel acquisition underpin a longer-term production and mine life extension story. Maintain BUY rating with an unchanged A$0.70ps Target Price.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

This banking giant delivered a decent half-year result according to Morgans. However, it isn’t enough for a positive rating. Instead, the broker has upgraded ANZ’s shares to a trim rating (between sell and hold) with an improved price target of $31.85. It said:

1H26 revenues were flat on an underlying basis, but cost decline and credit impairment charges were better than expected. Target price increased 4% to $31.85/sh, given 3-6% earnings upgrades and decision to recommence neutralising the DRP. Upgraded from SELL to TRIM, given potential TSR at current prices of c.-6%.

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

Morgans was pleased to see this diversified food company retain its guidance for FY 2026 despite cost pressures from the Middle East conflict.

In addition, it highlights that management has lifted its medium-term earnings target and provided a five-year plan.

As a result, it has retained its accumulate rating with a $6.50 price target. The broker said:

We attended BGA’s Investor Day. Despite the cost pressures associated with the conflict in the Middle East, BGA reiterated its FY26 EBITDA guidance. It also upgraded its FY28 EBITDA target and provided an FY31 EBITDA target for its next 5-year strategy. BGA’s targets underpin solid earnings growth profile across the forecast period, whilst maintaining a strong balance sheet.

Our FY26 forecasts remain unchanged, while in FY27 and FY28, we have reduced NPAT for higher D&A associated with BGA’s capital growth projects. We maintain an Accumulate rating with a new price target of A$6.50. BGA remains well placed given its portfolio of iconic household brands, its focus on developing higher margin products with functional health benefits, its expansion into growth channels both domestically and overseas and network optimisation plans.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Aeris, ANZ, and Bega Cheese shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 4 ASX copper shares to buy now: experts
• Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2027 for ANZ shares
• NextDC shares pull back after a funding update. Here’s what you need to know
• What happened with ASX 200 banks stocks NAB and CBA in April?
• 3 ASX dividend stocks with 4% yields to buy for a winning income portfolio

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.

A strong trading update would normally be enough to get investors interested, but that is not how the market is treating Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI) today.

The youth fashion retailer released its FY26 trading update before market open on Tuesday, and the numbers were mostly positive.

Despite this, the share price has gone backwards. At the time of writing, Universal shares are down 3.10% to $7.035.

That leaves the stock down about 12% in 2026, despite the company reporting higher sales and an FY26 earnings guidance above last year’s result.

Here’s what investors are looking at today.

Retail sales keep moving higher

Universal reported group retail sales growth of 14% for the first 43 weeks of FY26.

Its core Universal brand lifted total sales by 11.8%, with like-for-like sales up 8.5%.

Perfect Stranger was the strongest performer, with total sales jumping 39.8% and like-for-like sales rising 12.9%. CTC retail sales also grew 14.5%, although like-for-like sales were more modest at 3.8%.

The second-half update also looked solid. Universal said its core brand achieved 8.1% like-for-like sales growth in the first 17 weeks of the second half, while Perfect Stranger delivered 10% growth.

Management also pointed to positive in-store momentum. Online sales have been softer, but the company linked that to reduced discounting and fewer promotional activities.

What management expects for FY26

The company also outlined its expectations for FY26.

Universal expects group sales of $368 million to $375 million, compared with $333.3 million in FY25. Underlying EBITA is expected to land between $61.5 million and $64.5 million, up from $54.6 million last year.

At the mid-point, that implies sales growth of 11.5% and underlying EBITA growth of 15.4%.

The update showed the business is still growing, and management said it has not seen a material shift in sales trends across the group.

But, CTC weighs on the update

The weaker point in the announcement was CTC wholesale.

Universal said deterioration in the CTC wholesale channel continued in the second half, with the closure of key third-party customer stores and reduced intercompany sales weighing on the division.

Management now sees the wholesale channel as structural and unlikely to improve soon. The channel represents less than 5% of group sales, excluding intercompany eliminations.

That said, the company will recognise a $24 million non-cash impairment against CTC intangible assets. This will be excluded from underlying earnings, but it still takes some shine off the update.

Foolish Takeaway

I can see why the market is not giving this a clean pass today.

The retail numbers look good, Perfect Stranger is still growing quickly, and guidance has moved higher. But the CTC impairment gives investors a reason to hit the sell button, especially with the share price already down this year.

From my side, I would want to see whether management can get CTC back on track.

The post Why this ASX retail stock is falling after a solid trading update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ASX mining shares are underperforming on Tuesday with the S&P/ASX 300 Metal & Mining Index (ASX: XMM) down 0.7%.

Meanwhile, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is also lower after the Reserve Bank lifted interest rates again today.

ASX 200 shares are down 0.6%, with materials the weakest of the 11 market sectors today.

While key commodity prices are rising today, investors are worried about the impact of higher fuel prices on miners’ earnings.

US and Iran launch new missile strikes

Fresh fighting between the US and Iran broke out overnight, with missile strikes launched in the Strait of Hormuz.

The new military action sent the Brent crude oil price to US$114 per barrel, its highest level since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

At the time of writing, the copper price is US$5.84 per pound, up 0.85%.

Trading Economics analysts said escalating US-Iran tensions are raising concerns about demand for industrial metals like copper.

The analysts said:

A major downside risk for industrial metals is an extended shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, which could intensify the energy shock and prompt central banks to adopt a more hawkish policy stance, which may dampen manufacturing output and reduce demand for industrial commodities.

On the supply side, copper stocks in warehouses monitored by the LME are still close to their highest levels since 2013, adding to the bearish outlook.

Big picture for copper

The Iran war is a short-term headwind that threatens to disrupt global industrial production due to fuel supply constraints and higher prices.

However, the bigger picture is that a multi-decade green energy transition is underway, and copper’s role in electrification will continue to drive longer term demand, as nations continue to build all the new infrastructure they need for renewable energy generation.

Copper is used in wiring, electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, solar energy systems, telecommunications, and electronic products.

The US added copper to its Critical Minerals List in November last year.

The copper price reached a record high of US$6.60 per pound in January. The red metal traded above US$6 per pound again last month.

With this backdrop in mind, here are four ASX copper shares that are buy-rated by the experts.

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)

The Sandfire Resources share price is $16.61, down 0.8% today and up 65% over 12 months.

Macquarie reiterated its buy rating on the market’s largest pure-play ASX copper share last week.

The broker has a 12-month share price target of $19.30, implying 17% upside ahead.

The ASX copper share traded at an all-time high of $21.75 in January.

Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP)

The Develop Global share price is $5.31, down 1.7% today and up 66% over 12 months.

Bell Potter reiterated its buy rating on Develop Global shares this week.

The broker said:

Pioneer Dome’s importance lies in its ability to provide timely liquidity for the Group, supporting de-leveraging and
financing of Sulphur Springs construction.

The resulting financial flexibility would allow DVP to act nimbly on any forthcoming organic and inorganic opportunities.

Bell Potter kept its 12-month share price target at $6.60, suggesting a potential 25% upside ahead.

The ASX copper share traded at a 52-week high of $6.03 in February.

Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC)

The Capstone Copper share price is $11.16, down 3.9% today and up 50% over 12 months.

Morgans is buy-rated on Capstone Copper shares but reduced its price target from $16 to $15.40 last month.

This still implies a potential 38% upside ahead.

The ASX copper share reached a record high of $17.83 in January.

Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS)

The Aeris Resources share price is 37 cents, down 5.9% today and up 104% over 12 months.

Morgans reiterated its buy rating on Aeris Resources shares this week after reviewing the miner’s 3Q FY26 report.

The broker expects the ASX copper share to return to its 52-week high of 70 cents within a year.

This implies a potential capital gain of nearly 90% ahead.

Aeris Resources last traded at 70 cents apiece in January.

Morgans said:

Copper production missed on lower Tritton grades but this was offset by a solid cost performance and strong cash flow (+72% qoq), materially strengthening the balance sheet and funding flexibility.

Tritton is set up for a stronger 4Q26, while Constellation, Golden Plateau and the Peel acquisition underpin a longer-term production and mine life extension story.

Aeris Resources is in the process of acquiring Peel Mining Ltd (ASX: PEX) to access its South Cobar Copper Project.

Peel Mining announced court approvals today with a shareholder vote scheduled for Monday 15 June.

The post 4 ASX copper shares to buy now: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Forget BHP shares, this ASX mining stock could rise 20%+
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• 3 ASX mining stocks Macquarie thinks are worth buying right now
• Forget Rio Tinto shares and buy this ASX copper miner
• 5 ASX mining shares to buy: experts

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 positions in and 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.

Gentrack Group Ltd (ASX: GTK) shares are having a day to forget on Tuesday.

In afternoon trade, the ASX tech share is down 35% to $3.17.

Why are investors selling this ASX tech share?

Investors have been rushing to the exits today after the utilities software provider released a trading update.

According to the release, the company is expecting FY 2026 revenue to be between NZ$229 million and NZ$238 million.

This is lower than its previous guidance and compares to revenue of NZ$230.2 million in FY 2025.

Management advised that this softer performance reflects weaker non-recurring (NRR) revenues, which will be lower than in FY 2025, which is offsetting recurring revenue growth. The latter is expected to grow by more than 10% to around NZ$174 million.

But perhaps the main reason this ASX tech share is falling today is its earnings guidance.

The company advised that it has taken the strategic decision to prioritise growth and global leadership over short term earnings.

It advised that it is continuing to invest in international expansion and product development. Furthermore, for new customer wins and upgrades, it is transitioning its business model to drive higher recurring revenue and lower costs for customer onboarding.

This ultimately means that full year EBITDA is expected to be between NZ$13.5 million and NZ$20 million. This will be down 28% to 51% on FY 2025’s EBITDA of NZ$27.8 million.

Looking ahead, management remains positive on its outlook. It believes that strong recurring revenue growth will lead to EBITDA margins improving in line with its medium-term target of 15% to 20%.

Share buyback

The ASX tech share revealed that it intends to undertake an on-market share buyback following the release of its half-year results this month.

This would see Gentrack acquire shares up to a value of NZ$20 million but not more than 5% of Gentrack’s shares on issue, across a period of up to 12-months.

The company’s chair, Andy Green stated:

The Board’s current view is that a share buyback would be appropriate and accretive to shareholders, noting that the programme is supported by a strong balance sheet and would not undermine the company’s ability to continue to fund organic and inorganic growth.

The post Guess which ASX tech share is crashing 35% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Some share price falls make me nervous. Others make me interested.

That is how I am looking at two of the ASX’s biggest healthcare names right now. CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) are both down more than 50% since this time last year, which is a remarkable fall for two companies that have historically been viewed as high-quality blue chips.

There are good reasons for the weakness. Both businesses have disappointed the market, and investors are clearly questioning how quickly earnings can recover.

Even so, I think patient investors could look back on this period as a rare buying opportunity.

CSL shares

CSL has gone from being one of the market’s most dependable compounders to one of its biggest disappointments.

The share price has been hit by concerns around earnings growth, margin pressure, and whether the company can return to the kind of performance investors became used to over many years.

I understand the frustration. When a business has traded at a premium for a long time, even a modest downgrade in confidence can lead to a large fall in the share price. In CSL’s case, the reset has been much more than modest.

But I do not think the long-term investment case has disappeared.

CSL remains a global leader in plasma therapies, vaccines, and specialty medicines. These are not short-term fashion categories. They are healthcare markets supported by real patient need, scientific expertise, and scale.

The plasma business, in particular, still has attractive long-term characteristics in my opinion. Demand for immunoglobulins and other plasma-derived therapies continues to grow globally, and CSL has spent years building the collection, manufacturing, and distribution infrastructure needed to compete at scale.

That kind of position is not easy to replicate.

The issue is timing. Investors may need to wait for margins, earnings confidence, and sentiment to improve. But after such a large share price fall, I think the market is now offering a much more reasonable entry point than it did in the past.

For long-term investors, I would see CSL shares as a strong buy candidate in May.

Cochlear shares

Cochlear has also had a brutal fall. Its latest trading update disappointed the market, with softer demand, weaker earnings expectations, and evidence that the recovery will take time.

That is painful, especially for a company that has often been priced for steady growth.

But I think there is an important distinction to make here. A bad year does not necessarily mean a broken business.

Cochlear remains one of the world’s leading companies in implantable hearing solutions. It operates in a market with deep clinical need, strong brand recognition, and long-term demographic support.

Hearing loss is not going away. In fact, ageing populations and better awareness of treatment options should support demand over time.

What has changed is the near-term earnings path. Consensus estimates suggest earnings per share will step backwards in FY26 before gradually recovering in FY27 and FY28. That means investors should not expect an instant rebound.

But at a much lower share price, I think Cochlear is starting to look more interesting.

The market has already punished the stock heavily for the downgrade. If management can stabilise performance and rebuild confidence, the upside could be meaningful over the next several years.

For me, Cochlear shares are a buy for investors who can tolerate volatility and think beyond the next result.

Foolish takeaway

So, are CSL and Cochlear strong buys in May?

I think they could be.

These are not risk-free opportunities. Both companies need to rebuild trust with investors, and earnings may take time to recover.

But I would rather be considering these healthcare blue chips after a 50%-plus fall than when they were trading at much higher valuations.

The post Down over 50%: Are CSL and Cochlear strong buys in May? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and Cochlear. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Cochlear. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.5% to 8,657.8 points on Tuesday.

The US and Iran have launched missile strikes against each other in the Strait of Hormuz as the US tries to restore shipping.

Renewed military action after four weeks of ceasefire has sent oil prices higher, with no end in sight for the war in Iran.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank has just announced a third consecutive interest rate rise, taking the cash rate to 4.35%.

Among the 11 market sectors today, energy is in the lead, up 1.3%, while materials is the laggard, down 0.9% today.

Meanwhile, three experts give us their views on three ASX 200 shares.

Let’s check them out.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

The Mineral Resources share price is $66.76, down 0.3% today and up 50% over six months.

Morgans maintained an accumulate rating on the diversified miner after reviewing its 3Q FY26 report.

The broker also increased its price target from $68 to $71.

Morgans said:

Strong 3Q26 beat against expectations led by Onslow and lithium. FY26 guidance upgraded marginally across Mining Services, Onslow, Wodgina and Mt Marion.

Diesel headwinds are emerging but remain contained.

No supply risk currently but cost inflation is apparent. Compelling outlook supported by continued deleveraging and commodity prices.

Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU)

The Iluka Resources share price is $8.10, down 2.2% today and up 30% over six months.

On The Bull this week, Michael Gable from Fairmont Equities revealed a hold rating on the mineral sands producer.

Gable explained:

ILU has traditionally been a producer of mineral sands. It’s expanding into rare earths and is expected to start processing material in 2027.

The market is also starting to take notice, and positioning into this company.

It mostly traded sideways between November 2025 and March 2026, with a major resistance level near $7. It broke above the resistance line in April, leaving buyers back in control.

We expect the share price to move higher from here.

Dyno Nobel Ltd (ASX: DNL)

The Dyno Nobel share price is $3.29, down 1.1% today and up 3% over six months.

Dyno Nobel is an industrial explosives manufacturer operating mainly in the mining and construction industries.

It was formerly the explosives arm of Incitec Pivot, an Australian chemicals group that combined fertiliser and explosives operations.

Over recent years, the group has been moving away from fertilisers to refocus on explosives services, predominantly in the mining sector.

On The Bull, Toby Grimm from Baker Young put a sell rating on Dyno Nobel shares.

Grimm explained:

Strategic execution remains a persistent concern, in our view. Dyno Nobel’s recent decision to exit fertiliser production, amid finalising the sale of its Phosphate Hill asset at a recent time of elevated fertiliser prices, highlight ongoing timing challenges.

According to our analysis, the divestment materially reduces earnings expectations and leaves the business more exposed to rising gas costs, which are likely to pressure margins within its explosives segment.

Given these risks, we see more attractive opportunities elsewhere.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Mineral Resources, Dyno Nobel, Iluka Resources shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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.

Navigator Global Investments Ltd (ASX: NGI) shares are back in demand on Tuesday after another update from the company.

At the time of writing, the Navigator share price is up 7.66% to $2.67. By comparison, the broader S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) is down 0.50% to 8,881 points.

That continues a strong run for the alternative investment manager, with the stock up around 30% over the past month.

It has also climbed about 70% over the past year, putting it among the top performers on the ASX over that period.

Here’s what investors are looking at today.

Fresh support after capital raising update

Navigator’s latest update showed strong support for the institutional part of its raising.

The company said it has completed the institutional part of its fully underwritten 1-for-8.13 accelerated non-renounceable entitlement offer.

It raised about $134 million from institutional investors, with new shares issued at $2.40 each.

That sits below where the stock is trading today, which helps explain the positive reaction.

Demand also looked solid, with eligible institutional shareholders taking up about 99% of their entitlements.

The retail offer is expected to raise another $11 million, taking the total raising to about $145 million if completed as planned.

What the money is being used for

The raising is linked to Navigator’s proposed acquisition of a portfolio of alternative asset manager interests.

The deal has a total consideration of US$195 million and involves net revenue share interests in 17 alternative asset managers connected to Stable Asset Management.

Navigator said the portfolio had US$15 billion in firm-level assets under management at March 2026. It also had US$1.8 billion in ownership-adjusted AUM and US$27 million in CY2025 net portfolio income.

The company said the deal adds scale and diversification across alternative asset managers, while also expanding its relationship with Stable.

The UBS target price lift is also helping sentiment today. The broker has raised its target by 5.6% to $3.80, which sits well above the current share price.

Foolish takeaway

Navigator has a few things working in its favour today.

The capital raise was well supported by investors, the stock is trading above the offer price, and UBS has raised its target price.

Still, I would not ignore how far the stock has already moved. A 70% gain over the past year means expectations are much higher than they were.

Instead, I would be watching whether the acquisition flows through to stronger earnings and continued growth in assets under management.

The post Why this ASX stock just jumped 7% after a 70% run appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• This ASX financial stock is jumping 6% today. Here’s what just landed

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.

At 2:30pm AEDT, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was down 0.5% at 8,651 points in the lead up to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) latest interest rate decision.

As you’re likely aware, on 3 February, at its first meeting of 2026, the RBA increased the official cash rate by 0.25% to 3.85%.

On 17 March, with surging energy prices from the then nascent Iran war already stoking inflation higher yet, Australia’s central bank hiked rates by another 0.25%.

That brought the official rate to 4.10%, which was where it stood this afternoon. Right up until the RBA announced another 0.25% increase in the case rate, bringing the official interest rate to 4.35%.

In the minutes that followed the announcement, the ASX 200 tumbled another 0.2% to 8,635 points.

Investor reaction was likely somewhat muted with market expectations of a rate rise today having hit 75%.

Here’s what we know.

ASX 200 slips on third RBA interest rate hike of 2026

The RBA noted that inflation in Australia had already “picked up materially in the second half of 2025” partially driven by greater capacity pressures.

But ASX 200 investors also have the ongoing Iran war to thank for resurgent inflation and today’s interest rate hike.

According to the RBA:

In addition, the conflict in the Middle East has resulted in sharply higher fuel and related commodity prices, which are already adding to inflation. 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.

Investors will also need to deal with the “materially heightened uncertainties” regarding the outlook for Australia’s economy and inflation.

“With the conflict in the Middle East continuing, there are plausible scenarios where inflation is higher and activity lower than envisaged under the baseline forecast.,” the RBA cautioned.

The central bank’s baseline forecast assumes that the Iran war is resolved soon and fuel prices then decline.

The RBA added that it remains focused on its mandate to deliver price stability and full employment.

Eight RBA board members voted to increase interest rates by 0.25%, while one member voted to leave the cash rate target unchanged.

Now what?

With Australia’s official interest rate now back at its 2024 peak, which was then the highest level since 2011, what can ASX 200 investors expect next?

According to eToro lead analyst for APAC Josh Gilbert:

The road ahead beyond May is also important because markets still see another hike in 2026. With the inflation impact from energy not done, especially with the Strait of Hormuz remaining effectively closed and the conflict showing little signs of ending, the upside risks for the rest of the year remain firmly on the table…

The takeaway for portfolios is that boring can be brilliant in this environment. Focus on quality balance sheets and pricing power, because companies that can pass costs through without losing volume are the ones that can hold up best with the current macro backdrop.

The post ASX 200 slides on third consecutive RBA interest rate hike 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.

ASX media stock Nine Entertainment Co. Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) is pushing higher on Tuesday, rising 2.1% to 96 cents in afternoon trade.

That’s a positive move for a stock that has struggled recently. Nine shares are still down around 14% year to date and have fallen roughly 35% over the past 12 months. The ASX media stock is significantly underperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which is up about 7% over the same period.

So, what’s behind today’s lift?

Improving momentum, revenue growth

The gain follows the release of Nine’s third-quarter update. The ASX media stock revealed improving momentum across several parts of the business, particularly in digital and streaming.

For the three months, group revenue from Total Television grew in the low single digits, while audiences rose 8% across total viewers and 10% in the key 25–54 demographic. That suggests Nine is continuing to strengthen its reach, even in a challenging advertising environment.

One of the standout performers was Nine Publishing. Digital subscription revenue jumped 15% during the quarter. It extended its run of double-digit growth into the fourth quarter. This reflects ongoing demand for premium digital content and the company’s shift toward subscription-led models.

Streaming platform Stan also delivered strong results, reporting further EBITDA growth in the second half and maintaining the positive momentum seen earlier in the year.

Completed QMS Media acquisition

Another key development was the completion of Nine’s acquisition of QMS Media. The deal marks a significant step in Nine’s push to diversify beyond traditional media and expand its presence in digital and outdoor advertising.

QMS Media reported revenue growth of around 15% in the third quarter, supported by new contract wins in major markets such as Sydney and Auckland. The business is expected to provide higher-margin revenue streams and strengthen Nine’s overall earnings mix over time.

The update also highlighted early progress in integrating QMS into Nine’s broader platform. Management of the ASX media stock is focused on unlocking synergies and expanding its cross-channel advertising capabilities.

Soft advertising market

Despite these positives, the broader advertising backdrop remains soft. Market conditions are expected to stay challenging heading into the fourth quarter. Economic uncertainty and the absence of the boost seen during last year’s federal election cycle will affect the results.

However, the ASX media stock is continuing to focus on cost control, targeting meaningful reductions in television expenses while still investing in content and technology.

The company is also exploring new revenue streams. Nine is looking at licensing content for corporate AI applications and preparing for potential regulatory changes tied to digital news monetisation.

Foolish Takeaway

Overall, Nine’s latest update suggests its strategic shift toward digital, streaming, and higher-margin segments is starting to gain traction.

While the ASX media stock still faces headwinds, today’s share price rise indicates investors are encouraged by signs of progress, particularly as Nine builds out a more diversified and digitally focused media business.

The post Why is this battered ASX media stock jumping higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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