Author: openjargon

Many Australians love the idea of retiring at 55 with $120,000 of annual passive income. Investing in ASX shares could be the best option to achieve that.

For some people, retiring early sounds good because it could mean enjoying more of life, stopping before the body can’t do the physical work anymore, or simply getting away from the desk.

Whatever the reason for wanting $120,000 per year of passive income, unlocking that level of dividends is enticing.

Use compounding to build wealth

One of the best things that investors can utilise to get to retirement is the power of compounding.

Albert Einstein once supposedly said about compounding:

Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn’t, pays it.

Compounding allows our ASX share investments to grow in value over time without us needing any more money ourselves to increase that value.

By regularly putting additional money into the stock market, investors can see the value of their portfolio increase.

I’ll run through two examples of how it could work.

If someone is 25 and can invest $1,000 per month, they’d be able to invest $12,000 per year. Assuming the portfolio returns an average of 10% per year, that portfolio would grow to be worth $1.97 million after 30 years.

With the second example, let’s imagine someone is 30 and has more earning power, allowing them to invest $2,000 per month. If the portfolio were to return 10% per year, it would grow to $2.36 million after 25 years.

Which ASX shares I’d buy for passive income to retire

If we go with those two examples above, a $1.97 million portfolio would require a portfolio dividend yield of approximately 6.1% to make $120,000 of annual passive income. Meanwhile, a $2.36 million portfolio would require a dividend yield of 5.1%.

I’m going to highlight some ASX shares with a lower-to-medium dividend yield and some with a higher dividend yield.

Some of the stocks with a dividend yield of around 5% (or a little less) that I like include Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF), Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP), L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF), Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL), APA Group (ASX: APA), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) and WCM Quality Global Growth Fund (ASX: WCMQ).

The ASX shares that have a higher dividend yield that I’m a big fan of with a higher dividend yield include WCM Global Growth Ltd (ASX: WQG), MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF), Future Generation Australia Ltd (ASX: FGX), Future Generation Global Ltd (ASX: FGG) and Hearts and Minds Investments Ltd (ASX: HM1).

The post How much do I need to retire on $120,000 a year at 55? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Would I buy Telstra shares with $5,000 as they near a 52-week low?
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• How much passive income can I earn off my $800,000 superannuation balance?

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Future Generation Australia, Future Generation Global, Hearts And Minds Investments, L1 Long Short Fund, Mff Capital Investments, Rural Funds Group, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, Wcm Global Growth, and Wcm Quality Global Growth Fund. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group, Mff Capital Investments, Rural Funds Group, Telstra Group, and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It was a disappointing mid-week session for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Wednesday. After starting out strong this morning, investors got spooked around midday, turning what had been a healthy lead for the ASX 200 into a loss.

That may have been a result of today’s inflation figures. Either way, the index ended up closing 0.4% lower at 9,127.8 points.

This tantalising hump day for the ASX followed a more robust night of trading over on the American markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) continued to push higher, gaining another 0.3%.

Over on the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC), the mood was even more upbeat, with the index rising 0.66%.

But let us return to the local markets now and dive a little deeper into what was happening amongst the various ASX sectors this Wednesday.

Winners and losers

Despite the market’s choke today, we still had a few sectors that pushed higher.

But first, the standout losers this hump day were tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was hit hard, crashing 3.47%

Energy shares had a day to forget as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) plunging 1.52%.

Communications stocks were also on the nose. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) took a 1.38% dive today.

As were healthcare shares, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)’s 1.21% tanking.

Industrial stocks fared a little better. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) still lost 0.6%, though.

Financial shares were right behind that, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) dipping 0.57%.

Our final losers today were mining stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) slid 0.01% lower.

Let’s get to the winners now. Leading the pack were consumer staples shares, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)’s 1.83% surge.

Gold stocks were also a safe haven. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) had lifted 0.83% by the closing bell.

Utilities shares didn’t miss out, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) jumping 0.53%.

We can say the same for real estate investment trusts (REITs). The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) jumped up 0.35% this session.

Finally, consumer discretionary shares managed to stick a landing, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 0.07% crawl higher.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today’s top stock was retailer Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV). Lovisa shares were hot property today, rocketing up 12.73% to close at $27.62.

This big leap came after the company reported its latest earnings, which seemed to have exceeded expectations.

Here’s how the other winners pulled up at the kerb:

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)	$27.62	12.73%
Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR)	$2.76	9.96%
Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU)	$6.71	9.46%
Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC)	$1.05	7.18%
Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)	$11.24	6.24%
Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)	$24.15	6.01%
Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX)	$6.83	5.75%
Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)	$12.57	5.10%
Alkane Resources Ltd (ASX: ALK)	$1.98	5.04%
Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)	$23.42	4.75%

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 dividend shares that just hiked their payouts
• Higher for longer? Why the ASX 200 just turned negative
• Inflation falls again, but could the RBA still raise interest rates?
• This ASX gold producer could jump by 20%, according to UBS
• ASX 200 closes in on record territory as BHP and Woolworths surge

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Electro Optic Systems and Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Eagers Automotive Ltd, Lovisa, and Nine Entertainment. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It’s always an interesting insight into the health of the ASX when earnings season arrives. Of course, everyone likes to look at revenues, profits and the countless other metrics that companies present. But my favourite thing to analyse in an ASX 200 share’s earnings report is the dividend section.

In my view, there is no litmus test of a company’s financial health quite like a dividend. Companies that are in financial strife simply cannot afford to increase their payouts consistently over time. And that can be fudged by accounting tricks. Today let’s go over three ASX dividend shares that aren’t in that boat, and have just revealed pay rises for their investors.

3 ASX 200 dividend shares that just boosted shareholder income

First up, we have Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW). Woolworths is a blue chip ASX 200 dividend share that has always been given a look from the typical ASX income investor. The view this year was a good one. Woolworths announced this morning that its shareholders can look forward to a final dividend of 52 cents per share, fully franked.

This new dividend is worth a 15.56% increase over the final dividend of 45 cents per share that investors banked in 2025. Woolworths is currently (at the time of writing) trading on a trailing dividend yield of 2.23%.

Next, let’s talk about gold miner Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU). Perseus’ earnings were exceptionally well-received this morning. The company posted big rises in revenues, profits and cash flow, thanks to the marked increase in gold prices over FY2026. That filtered down into this ASX 200 dividend share’s next payout.

Perseus revealed a final dividend of 9 cents per share for 2026, unfranked. That’s a whopping 80% increase over the final dividend of 5 cents per share from 2025. At current pricing, Perseus Mining stock has a dividend yield of 1.04%.

Finally, we can’t not mention WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC). WiseTech shares are in freefall today after the ASX 200 tech share reported its own earnings. You can read more about that here. Despite this, there were plenty of green numbers in the company’s report. Those included a 79% rise in revenues and a 56% surge in underlying earnings.

That helped Wisetech declare a final, fully franked dividend worth 88 US cents per share. That’s up a healthy 14.29% from the 77 US cents per share investors bagged in 2025. Right now, the Wisetech share price has a dividend yield of 0.51%.

The post 3 ASX 200 dividend shares that just hiked their payouts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• South32, Woolworths, BHP shares reach 52-week high: Buy, sell or hold?
• Why I’d buy the dip on DroneShield and WiseTech shares
• Everything you need to know about the Woolworths dividend
• Why Woolworths, Domino’s and DroneShield shares are turning heads on Wednesday
• Why are WiseTech shares crashing 8.5% today?

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

The AIC Mines Ltd (ASX: A1M) share price is in focus after the company delivered a strong set of FY26 results, with revenue rising 29% to $245.2 million and net profit after tax surging 177% to $41.5 million.

What did AIC Mines report?

• Sales revenue: $245.2 million, up 29% from FY25
• EBITDA: $108.1 million, up 71% from FY25
• Net profit after tax: $41.5 million, up 177% from FY25
• Operating cash flow: $107 million, up 110%
• Basic earnings per share: 5.27 cents (FY25: 2.60 cents)
• No dividend declared

What else do investors need to know?

AIC Mines maintained solid safety standards, with its Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate improving from 12.0 to 5.7. The company produced 13,064 tonnes of copper and 6,621 ounces of gold in concentrate at its Eloise operation, achieving cost guidance for the third year in a row.

Development of the Jericho mine delivered 2,451 metres during the year, helping set up future growth by adding more ore sources and supporting the planned expansion of Eloise’s processing plant. The business finished FY26 with $41.7 million in cash and a strengthened balance sheet, with an enlarged US$50 million Trafigura debt facility, $20 million of which remains undrawn.

What did AIC Mines management say?

Managing Director and CEO Aaron Colleran commented:

FY26 has been a transformative year with robust operational and financial results driven by solid execution at Eloise and strong advancement of the Jericho development. The new processing plant expansion is on schedule, and we’re well positioned for our next phase of growth.

What’s next for AIC Mines?

Looking ahead, AIC Mines will focus on commissioning the upgraded Eloise processing plant in late 2026. This expansion is expected to lift production and improve economies of scale, with the aim of producing over 25,000 tonnes of copper annually by FY29. The company also plans to continue mine development at Jericho and pursue further growth opportunities in its exploration pipeline.

AIC Mines share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, AIC Mines shares have risen 176%, significantly outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

View Original Announcement

The post AIC Mines net profit soars 177% as plant expansion powers growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 dividend shares that just hiked their payouts
• Higher for longer? Why the ASX 200 just turned negative
• ASX Limited FY26 final dividend: DRP participation and underwriting revealed
• Future Generation Global earnings: Profit and revenue drop, dividend rises
• Capricorn Metals completes Big Springs divestment, sharpens gold focus

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

It was shaping up to be such a happy hump day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). After closing at 9,164.6 points yesterday, the ASX 200 opened higher this morning, starting trade at above 9,180 points, and climbing to 9,220.6 points by mid-morning. That was just a whisker away from the index’s all-time high of 9.296.7 points.

Well-received earnings reports from ASX shares like Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU), as well as the galloping BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price, were all pulling their weight to lift the ASX 200 to that height. But alas, it wasn’t to last. Just before lunchtime, the index took a dramatic turn for the worse. It fell below the breakeven line just after midday, and is now firmly in negative territory, down 0.2% at the time of writing at just under 9,150 points.

So what has gone so wrong for the ASX 200 this Wednesday?

Well, it starts and stops with inflation. Specifically, the latest economic data out from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), covering the month of July.

As my Fool colleague Aaron went through earlier, the ABS revealed that inflation ran at 1% over July, giving the Australian economy an annual inflation rate of 3.5% for the preceding 12 months. Although that was down from 3.8% in June, it is still well above the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)’s target band of 203%.

Core inflation, which is the metric that the RBA prefers to use to measure price increases, was at 0.5% in July and 3.6% for the 12 months. That was higher than the 0.3% that most economists reportedly expected.

Why does higher inflation mean lower ASX 200 share prices?

Given that the ASX 200 began its downward turn almost immediately after these numbers were released today, it is clear that this is scaring investors. But why? Well, the obvious conclusion is that the market now expects inflation to remain higher for longer, and that means potentially higher interest rates sooner.

We all know that interest rates have severe impacts on the economy. Rate hikes are infamous for taking a larger chink of income from anyone with a mortgage. But they are also bad news for share prices. Higher rates increase the attractiveness of safe investments outside the share market. Think savings accounts, term deposits, and government bonds. If these investments, which are already offering investors safe yields of 5% or even higher, become even more attractive, many investors will pull money out of the share market and put it into these assets.

Further, investors often use ‘risk-free’ rates to put a value on ASX shares. This risk-free rate is usually a derivative of the cash rate. So it is this double-edged sword that cuts into share prices when interest rates rise. Investors know this, and given the higher-than-expected inflation number out today, are adjusting their expectations accordingly.

That’s probably why the ASX 200 took such a sharp turn for the worse during intra-day trading. Let’s see what happens tomorrow.

The post Higher for longer? Why the ASX 200 just turned negative appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Inflation falls again, but could the RBA still raise interest rates?
• ASX 200 closes in on record territory as BHP and Woolworths surge
• Will CBA shares ever get back to the top of the ASX 200?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX) share price is in focus today after the company announced details on its final FY26 dividend, including a 31.06% participation rate in its Dividend Reinvestment Plan and partial underwriting arrangements.

What did ASX Limited report?

• FY26 final dividend of 104.7 cents per share, payable 21 September 2026
• Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) applies to final dividend
• 31.06% of shareholders opted into the DRP, equating to $63.56 million out of a $204.6 million total dividend
• DRP shares to be issued at a 2.5% discount to average market price over nine days
• Barrenjoey Markets Pty Limited to underwrite 18.94% of dividend, lifting DRP coverage to 50% ($102.3 million)

What else do investors need to know?

ASX Limited’s new DRP shares will be issued at a discount, giving investors a small benefit for choosing to reinvest their dividends. Barrenjoey Markets will underwrite the portion of the DRP not taken up by shareholders, ensuring half of the FY26 final dividend is reinvested into new ASX shares.

The underwriting agreement includes several conditions that could see it terminated, mostly relating to regulatory, legal, or significant adverse events. ASX will pay Barrenjoey a brokerage fee of $150,000 and capped costs for this arrangement.

What’s next for ASX Limited?

Investors can expect the FY26 final dividend to be paid on 21 September 2026, with new DRP shares issued shortly after. The company’s approach, combining shareholder participation and partial underwriting, aims to balance capital management and shareholder preferences.

ASX Limited continues to prioritise transparent shareholder returns, with the DRP offering a flexible way for investors to increase their holdings in the company.

View Original Announcement

The post ASX Limited FY26 final dividend: DRP participation and underwriting revealed appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX Ltd FY26 results: revenue up 13%, technology upgrades, dividend declared
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• 3 ASX All Ords shares to sell this week: Experts

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Future Generation Global Ltd (ASX: FGG) share price is in focus after the company reported a significant year-on-year profit and revenue drop, with net profit down 69% to $8.6 million and revenue sliding 64% to $15.3 million for the half-year ended 30 June 2026.

What did Future Generation Global report?

• Revenue from ordinary activities fell 64.3% to $15.29 million
• Net profit after tax dropped 68.6% to $8.59 million
• Fully franked interim dividend of 4.2 cents per share declared (up from 4.0c last year)
• Net tangible assets (NTA) before tax of $1.62 per share at 30 June 2026 (down from $1.74 at Dec 2025)
• -Total shareholder return (TSR) of 16.5% for the half year, including franking credits

What else do investors need to know?

Future Generation Global’s investment portfolio delivered a 2.4% return over the half, lagging the MSCI AC World Index (AUD), which returned 7.4%. The company points to a highly concentrated global share market, with much of the index growth driven by a handful of large technology and AI companies.

FGG’s diversified portfolio focuses on small to mid-cap global equities and continues its social impact commitment, with $6.9 million set for donation in 2026 to youth mental health non-profits. Since inception, the company has donated $57.4 million to these causes, enabled by pro bono investment management.

What’s next for Future Generation Global?

Looking ahead, FGG’s board has raised the interim dividend and maintains a strong profits reserve, with around 7.9 years of dividend cover based on current reserves. The investment team believes the diversified, active fund manager approach will help navigate ongoing global market volatility.

The company will also deliver its eleventh annual donation later this year, reinforcing its commitment to social impact while seeking to grow shareholder returns.

Future Generation Global share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Future Generation Global shares have risen 6%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Future Generation Global earnings: Profit and revenue drop, dividend rises appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) shares are in focus after the company finalised the divestment of its Big Springs Gold Project, securing upfront consideration of $13.7 million and future potential milestone payments.

What did Capricorn Metals report?

• Received upfront consideration of A$13.7 million—A$8.5 million in cash and a 6.2% equity stake in Sentinel Metals Ltd, valued at approximately A$5.2 million
• Eligible for up to A$12.5 million in deferred milestone payments, dependent on exploration or price milestones at Big Springs
• Ongoing indirect exposure to Big Springs through the Sentinel shareholding
• Transaction ensures continued focus on Capricorn’s core WA projects, Karlawinda and Mt Gibson

What else do investors need to know?

Capricorn Metals acquired the Big Springs project through its 2025 merger with Warriedar Resources, but now identifies it as non-core. The sale to Sentinel Metals allows Capricorn to sharpen its strategic focus on its Western Australian gold operations.

By retaining both upfront shares and milestone entitlements in Sentinel, Capricorn maintains potential upside should the Big Springs project deliver resource growth or become more valuable. The staged payments are triggered by resource milestones or significant increases in Sentinel’s share price.

Longreach Capital and Corrs Chambers Westgarth acted as advisers on the transaction, supporting Capricorn through the sales process.

What did Capricorn Metals management say?

Executive Chairman Mark Clark said:

The Big Springs project was acquired as part of the Warriedar Resources merger in 2025. The project is non-core to Capricorn so its sale ensures the Company’s continued focus on Karlawinda and Mt Gibson in WA. However the transaction sees Capricorn retain continued exposure to exploration success by Sentinel at Big Springs through deferred milestone payments and an equity investment in Sentinel.

What’s next for Capricorn Metals?

With Big Springs handed over, Capricorn Metals plans to direct resources toward its cornerstone gold assets at Karlawinda and Mt Gibson in Western Australia. The company now enjoys improved balance sheet flexibility and clear operational priorities.

Future cash flows could benefit from the deferred milestone payments if Sentinel makes exploration breakthroughs or successful divestments at Big Springs. Investors will be watching for any developments at those projects as well as updates from Capricorn’s core portfolio.

Capricorn Metals share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Capricorn Metals shares have risen 77%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Capricorn Metals completes Big Springs divestment, sharpens gold focus appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 8 ASX mining shares hitting 52-week highs today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has rallied higher over the past month as inflation concerns ease and investor confidence returns to the share market.

The rotation into ASX 200 shares has pushed some huge players to an all-time high. Here’s how South32 Ltd (ASX: S32), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are tracking today. And what brokers expect next.

Buy South32 shares

The ASX miner announced a substantial jump in its ore reserve estimate at its Sierra Gorda mine yesterday. The update extends the mine’s reserve life by another five years, to 2045.

The Sierra Gorda copper mine, in which South32 holds a 45% stake, is a large, open pit operation in northern Chile. This major jump in ore reserves and resources comes after significant drilling to better define the orebody, providing more certainty over future production.

The share price is also in focus ahead of the company’s FY26 financial results, which it is due to post to the ASX tomorrow.

At the time of writing, the shares have risen slightly, by around 0.5% to $5.14 a piece. Today’s rise might be small but it has pushed South32 shares to a fresh four-year high.

South32 shares are now up around 45% for the year-to-date and are 77% higher than 12 months ago.

At the time of writing, brokers are positive about the stock. But after the latest rally, some forecasts imply a downside ahead. Market Index data shows the majority have a hold rating but the $4.94 average target price now implies a downside of around 4%.

Sell Woolworths shares

ASX consumer staples stock Woolworths is turning heads today after it posted its full-year FY26 results to the market this morning.

The supermarket giant reported a 3.6% year-on-year boost in sales to $71.54 billion. And EBITDA (before significant items) increased by 6.7% to $6.09 billion. On the bottom line, Woolworths achieved a NPAT (before significant items) of $1.60 billion, up 15.4%.

The bumper results meant management were able to increase the final fully-franked dividend by 15.6% from last year’s final payout of 52 cents per share.

Investors were clearly pleased with the result.

At the time of writing, the shares are up around 4% for the day so far and are changing hands at a multi-year high of $40.50 a piece.

The shares are now up around 38% for the year-to-date and are 21% higher than 12 months ago.

But after the latest rally, market experts are warning that the shares are now overpricing and trading above fair value.

Market Index data shows sentiment is split between a hold and sell rating. But the $37.13 average target price now implies a potential 8% downside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

Hold BHP shares

Mining giant BHP has had an exceptional rally over the past 12 months. Copper prices have significantly boosted the miner’s profits at the same time that iron ore has remained reasonably resilient.

The latest rally was also supported by the miner’s record FY26 earnings results, which it posted to the ASX last week. 

The group posted a strong operational performance across all its key segments and an impressive 27% increase in its underlying EBITDA. 

Investors were clearly thrilled with the results and many rushed to snap up the stock.

At the time of writing, BHP shares are up around 0.5% and trading at a fresh all-time high of $68.02 a piece. That’s a 49% increase for the year-to-date and 60% above trading levels this time last year.

But after a strong rally, it looks like BHP shares have now reached a ceiling. In fact, some think that the stock is now trading above fair value and could be due a correction.

Market Index data shows that the majority of brokers have a hold rating on BHP shares. But the $61.78 average target price now implies a 9% downside ahead, at the time of writing.

The post South32, Woolworths, BHP shares reach 52-week high: Buy, sell or hold? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Everything you need to know about the Woolworths dividend
• ASX 200 closes in on record territory as BHP and Woolworths surge
• Why Woolworths, Domino’s and DroneShield shares are turning heads on Wednesday
• How many Woolworths shares do I need to earn $10,000 per year in passive income?

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has positions in BHP Group. 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 BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) share price is in focus as the company unveils new $175 million debt facilities and expects to recognise a $29 million liability in its European segment following a revenue recognition review.

What did Corporate Travel Management report?

• Secured new $175 million debt facilities with PEP Credit, replacing existing $75 million facility
• Maintains $65 million bank guarantee and transaction facilities from existing lenders
• Estimates annualised cash interest costs will be around $20 million in FY27 and FY28
• Will recognise a $29 million liability in the European segment due to revenue recognition review
• Impairment charge of $89 million expected for the ANZ segment

What else do investors need to know?

Corporate Travel Management’s FY25 and 1H26 financial statements will be released by 28 August 2026, with the company expecting its FY26 full year results to follow soon after. The company has completed reviews into its air margin accounting in Europe and asset impairments for key segments, providing shareholders with clarity on historical financial issues.

CTM continues to enjoy strong support from lenders, securing both traditional and new financing options to manage its ongoing obligations, including remediation payments to key UK clients. The new funding enhances liquidity and ensures operational stability as the company completes its outstanding statutory reporting.

CTM has appointed Barrenjoey and Morgans Financial Limited to assist with investor engagement during this period of transition.

What did Corporate Travel Management management say?

Managing Director and Group CEO Ana Pedersen said:

These financing arrangements are an important step forward for CTM and provide greater certainty as we complete our outstanding financial reporting. We have made substantial progress resolving the historical matters identified through our reviews, allowing us to move forward with greater clarity and focus for our clients, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders.

What’s next for Corporate Travel Management?

The company is focused on completing its FY25 and 1H26 financial statements and expects to provide FY26 results soon after. Meeting the conditions of the new debt facilities—such as issuing audited accounts without a going concern qualification—remains a key priority.

CTM is working to finalise contract negotiations in the UK and address remediation obligations. The new funding arrangements and ongoing lender support put CTM on a firmer financial footing as it looks to rebuild confidence and support stakeholders into FY27 and beyond.

View Original Announcement

The post Corporate Travel Management secures new funding and updates on FY25 and FY26 earnings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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 Corporate Travel Management. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Corporate Travel Management. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.