Author: openjargon

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares are jumping higher today, rebounding from multi-year lows. 

At the time of writing on Tuesday afternoon, Xero shares are 7.2% higher at $75.54 a piece. The uptick is welcome news for investors after the stock crashed 33% over the year to date. It’s now down 61% since the share price reached an all-time high in June last year.

WiseTech shares are also jumping 4.5% higher at the time of writing, to $38.17 a piece. WiseTech shares have also crashed 44.3% during 2026 so far, and they’re 53% lower over the past 12 months.

Why have the ASX tech shares crashed in 2026?

It’s been a bloodbath for ASX tech shares over the past nine months. 

Both Xero and WiseTech have faced several major headwinds, sending their share prices crashing. Even robust financial results didn’t stop investors from selling up their stock.

The share price drops were part of a sector-side sell off of technology stocks following rising concerns that AI could disrupt traditional software models. Many investors were worried that AI tools might replace or reduce demand for subscription-based software. 

At the same time, a sharp increase in the value of some ASX tech shares (Xero and WiseTech shares included) in 2025 also sparked concerns that the companies were overvalued and overdue a price correction. 

What is driving Xero and WiseTech shares higher today?

There isn’t any price-sensitive news out of either ASX tech company today to explain the latest uptick.

This implies it’s due to broad-based improved sentiment around the outlook for tech stocks.

After a heavy sell-off in early 2026, Xero and WiseTech shares are currently trading at a discount. It looks like some investors are now taking advantage of the low entry point and starting to buy back into high-quality growth stocks.

Is there more upside ahead?

Analysts seem to think we could see a lot more upside from the two ASX tech shares this year.

TradingView data shows that analysts are very bullish about Xero shares. Out of 14 analysts, 13 have a buy or strong buy rating, and they tip a potential upside of up to 210% to $233.56 a piece over the next 12 months.

It’s a very similar case for WiseTech shares, too. Bullish analysts mostly have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock (14 out of 16), and they tip a potential upside of up to 224% to $123.49, at the time of writing.

Hopefully, today’s share price increase signals the beginning of a rebound for Xero and WiseTech shares. 

The post Xero, WiseTech shares jump higher today: Is this the beginning of a rebound? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is now the perfect time to buy ASX growth shares?
• 3 ASX tech stocks that belong in every long-term portfolio
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX 200 shares this April
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 5 ASX 200 shares including WiseTech and Xero plumbing new 52-week-plus lows on Monday

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

S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares are 1% higher at 8,741 points on Tuesday.

Today, 307 ASX shares are rising, 48 are steady, and 145 are falling.

Among the fallers are these four companies that have hit 52-week low share prices today.

Are they a buy, hold, or sell?

Let’s ask the experts.

Fletcher Building Ltd (ASX: FBU)

The Fletcher Building share price fell to a 52-week low of $2.42 on Tuesday.

This ASX industrials share is down 21% in the year to date (YTD), and down 17% over the past 12 months.

On The Bull this week, Blake Halligan from Catapult Wealth revealed a sell rating on the building materials and services provider.

He said the 1H FY26 report “highlighted ongoing pressure”, with net debt remaining elevated and the company cutting capital expenditure.

Halligan said:

Earnings before interest and tax from continuing operations before significant items was $NZ145 million, which was marginally below expectations. The company has announced the sale of its construction division for $NZ315.6 million.

However, broader conditions in New Zealand remain subdued, and a meaningful earnings recovery isn’t expected until calendar year 2027. With limited catalysts and no dividend support, better opportunities present elsewhere.

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) 

The Guzman Y Gomez share price sank to a record low of $15.48 in earlier trading.

The ASX consumer discretionary share has fallen 26% YTD and tumbled 50% over 12 months.

Morgans has a buy rating on the stock but recently slashed its 12-month price target from $32.30 to $24.

The broker said:

If it was just about Australia, GYG would be doing just fine right now. But it’s not just about Australia.

Unfortunately, the pace of network expansion in the US so far has been pedestrian and the restaurants it has opened have lost more money than expected.

GYG has a bit to prove, but we can be certain it is going to give it all it’s got to ultimately realise its growth ambitions.

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

The Endeavour share price fell to a record low of $3.28 today.

Endeavour shares have declined 10% YTD and have fallen 14% over the past 12 months.

Last week, Citi downgraded the ASX consumer staples share to a hold rating.

The broker also reduced its 12-month price target from $4.30 to $3.70.

Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS)

The Healius share price dropped to a record low of 52 cents today.

This ASX healthcare share has crashed 42% in the YTD and 63% over 12 months.

Healius is one of many ASX healthcare shares trading at multi-year lows today.

The sector is facing multiple headwinds due to currency shifts, US tariffs, and higher labour costs and other expenses.

Healius, a pathology services provider, reported improved financial metrics but continuing losses overall in its 1H FY26 report.

The company reported an underlying loss of $11 million for 1H FY26, which was an improvement on its $20.2 million loss for 1H FY25.

Morgans has a hold rating on Healius shares with a 12-month target of 80 cents.

The broker commented:

While management maintained FY26 earnings in line with consensus and operational discipline is improving, sustainable earnings leverage remains an open question and dependent on execution.

The post 4 ASX shares at 52-week lows: Buy, hold, or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Guzman Y Gomez shares just sank to new all-time lows. Time to buy?
• Buy, hold, sell: Endeavour, Magellan, and Rio Tinto shares
• 2 top ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, Guzman Y Gomez, and Pro Medicus shares
• Why I’d buy these 3 ASX income shares this week

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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.

Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has weigh heavily on global markets, driving a sharp sell-off in ASX shares this month.

But when times are tense and share prices are falling, it creates some great buying opportunities for investors to snap up ASX shares for a low price.

Here are three dirt-cheap ASX shares which have caught my eye this week. And they’re all tipped to climb another 50% to 90% over the next 12 months.

Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR)

As a fashion retail stock, Myer shares are heavily impacted by market volatility and concerns about more interest rate rises. Higher cost-of-living also means Australians are tightening their purse strings and spending less. 

The ASX company has already faced profitability and operational issues. Now it is being hit with a double whammy of distribution issues and lower consumer spending.

But Myer reported a solid first-half financial result last week, including a 21.7% increase in underlying net profit and a 32.8% hike in statutory net profit for the six months ending 24th January.

The results imply that the business has its operating costs under control and its strategic initiatives are gaining traction. At just 30 cents a piece, at the time of writing, analysts think the shares are now undervalued and oversold. The ASX shares are tipped to climb 86% to 58 cents at the time of writing.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Catapult is a global sports data and analytics company that provides real-time data to optimise athletes’ performance. The tech company reported a 16% revenue uplift in the first half of FY26 and a 19% hike in its annualised contract value (ACV). It also expects more growth through the second half of FY26

Catapult is quickly gaining traction, and its recurring subscriptions means it benefits from customer retention. That translates to a higher and more stable margin. 

The ASX shares have tumbled 28% to $3.08 for the year-to-date. But analysts are tipping a turnaround. They forecast Catapult shares will climb 94% to $5.80 over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS)

The gold explorer and producer’s shares have tumbled over 25% since Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran in late-February. 

Concerns about a resurgence of inflation and renewed potential for more interest rate hikes has overshadowed gold’s traditional safe-haven status. The price of gold has tumbled from an all-time high on the 1st of March, making the metal even less appealing to investors.

But the ASX gold miner has demonstrated strong production performance and consistent cash generation.

Analysts are bullish about the outlook for the ASX gold miner’s shares. They tip a 56% upside to $5.59 a piece, at the time of writing.

The post These 3 dirt-cheap ASX shares are tipped to climb another 50-90% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Why 4DMedical, Brainchip, Catapult, and Star Entertainment shares are falling today
• Why are Catapult shares tumbling 13% on Monday?
• Catapult Group targets bigger ACV per team

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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 Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Myer. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares are charging higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) diagnostic and therapeutic product developer closed yesterday trading for $13.04. In afternoon trade on Tuesday, shares are swapping hands for $13.54 apiece, up 3.8%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.8% at this same time.

With today’s intraday gains factored in, shares in the ASX 200 healthcare stock are now up an eye-popping 56.9% since notching a multi-year closing low of $8.63 on 16 February.

Despite that meteoric rise, Telix shares remain down 48.9% over 12 months. The stock has faced investor pushback on several fronts over the past year, including regulatory filing issues for some of its leading products with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

But with the company actively engaging with the FDA, MPC Markets’ Mark Gardner believes the market is undervaluing this $4.6 billion ASX stock (courtesy of The Bull).

Should you buy Telix shares today?

“The company’s prostate imaging agent is generating strong sales in the United States,” said Gardner, who has a buy recommendation on Telix shares.

According to Gardner:

The near-term story is about brain cancer imaging. The company recently re-submitted its drug application to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Pixclara, an imaging agent for a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer.

Telix reported on that resubmission on 16 March. While shares finished lower on the day, the ASX 200 stock is now up 23.4% since market close on 16 March.

Gardner continued:

The FDA has given it priority status, and Telix has gone through a formal meeting to address every question raised in its previous application. In our view, a re-submission isn’t a setback, but the last step before approval.

Summing up his buy recommendation on Telix shares, Gardmer said, “We believe the market isn’t pricing in the benefits of a potentially successful FDA outcome.”

What’s happening with Pixclara?

Commenting on the company’s ongoing engagement with the FDA on its brain cancer imaging agent, which could support Telix shares longer-term, Telix chief medical officer David Cade said:

We appreciate the FDA’s recognition of the critical unmet need to improve the diagnosis and management of glioma, particularly in the post-treatment setting.

Our resubmission is supported by an extensive and compelling data set – particularly so for an orphan indication. We are grateful to our global clinical collaborators, who share our commitment to ensuring patients in the US can benefit from this important patient management tool.

Telix said that it expects the FDA review of Pixclara to progress in the coming months.

The post Up 57% since February, why Telix shares could keep leaping higher in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I’d buy dirt-cheap ASX shares now and aim to hold them for a decade
• Buy, hold, sell: Northern Star, Telix, and Virgin Australia shares
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• How I’d invest $20,000 in ASX shares right now to help build long-term wealth

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

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) shares are pushing higher on Tuesday.

In afternoon trade, the Magellan share price is up 2.57% to $9.795, adding to the gains the stock has made since announcing its Barrenjoey deal earlier this month.

The buying follows a new ASX update from the fund manager, with the market reacting positively to another sign that shareholders are getting behind management’s plans.

It also suggests investors remain comfortable with how the business is positioning itself ahead of the proposed merger.

Retail investors heavily back the capital raising

The detail behind today’s move is Magellan’s share purchase plan, which drew far more demand than the company was looking for.

According to the release, the fund manager received $129.4 million in valid applications from 5,195 eligible shareholders, equal to a 17% participation rate.

That was well above the $20 million target, which meant larger applications had to be scaled back under the terms of the offer.

Applications up to $997.10, or 118 shares, were not scaled back, while larger bids were reduced on a pro-rata basis.

In total, Magellan will issue roughly 2.37 million new shares at $8.45 each, the same price used in the institutional placement completed earlier this month.

Management said the result showed strong support from retail investors, with the new capital to be used in line with the strategy previously outlined to shareholders.

The new shares are due to be issued on 1 April, start trading on the ASX on 2 April, and will rank equally with existing shares.

Why investors are paying attention

The capital raising is part of the funding package linked to Magellan’s proposed merger with Barrenjoey.

The deal would bring together Magellan’s established funds management business with Barrenjoey’s growing investment banking and institutional operations.

Management has said the combination is aimed at building a broader financial services group with more earnings sources, stronger client relationships, and balance sheet flexibility.

Today’s strong response to the share purchase plan suggests existing investors are willing to support that direction.

The pricing also helps explain the demand. With the new shares issued at $8.45, successful applicants are getting stock at a sizeable discount to the current $9.795 share price.

What to watch next

The next key step is the shareholder vote on the proposed Barrenjoey transaction at Magellan’s scheduled April meeting.

Investors are also likely to focus on how the company puts the newly raised funds to work alongside the $130 million institutional placement.

The shareholder vote should determine whether the company can move ahead with the next stage of its merger plans.

The post Why Magellan shares are rising again after its $20 million raise was swamped appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Challenger, Magellan, Northern Star, and West African Resources shares are storming higher
• Magellan Financial Group shares in focus after $20m share plan hits target
• Buy, hold, sell: Endeavour, Magellan, and Rio Tinto shares
• Why is the Magellan share price down 6% today?
• Buy, hold, sell: Life360, Magellan, and QBE shares

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.

Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) recently announced a major resource upgrade at its flagship Telfer gold mine, and it’s garnered the interest of the analyst team at Canaccord Genuity, which believes the stock is undervalued at the current price.

So what exactly did Greatland announce?

Huge gold boost

In an update released this week, the company said it had increased the gold resource at Telfer to eight million ounces, which was a 150% increase.

The company said it had done significant new “growth and infill drilling” since the previous resource update, which was on 31 December, 2024.

Greatland said about 134,000m of new drilling underpinned the new resource, and another 100,000m of drilling was planned in the second half of the company’s FY26 drilling program.

The new mineral resource estimate also included a maiden resource for the West Dome Underground Project, where 600,000 ounces of gold had been delineated.

Taking the Telfer and Havieron deposits together, the mineral resource estimate stood at 14.9 million ounces of gold.

Greatland Managing Director Shaun Day said regarding the new mineral resource estimate:

Telfer and Havieron’s combined resource of 550Mt @ 0.84g/t Au & 0.12% Cu for 14.9Moz Au & 645Kt Cu has the potential to underpin a multi-decade, world class mining hub. Our investment in significantly increased drilling has delivered substantial organic growth, with the overall Telfer resource growing by 150% to 8.0Moz, and the higher confidence Measured and Indicated component by 163% to 3.8Moz. “The growth includes a high-grade maiden resource at the West Dome Underground project, which shows significant potential for a new mining front at Telfer and remains the focus of ongoing drilling.

Lots to like in the new data

The Canaccord analyst team were also impressed by the West Dome Underground results, saying, “we continue to view West Dome Underground as a potentially rapid, low-capex pathway to a second high-grade underground mine at Telfer, with the opportunity to leverage existing infrastructure that historically has supported mining rates greater than 5Mtpa”.

Canaccord added:

We note we do not currently model any production from West Dome Underground, but highlight the rapidly evolving prospectivity of the area. With a second development drive underway, existing latent infrastructure to leverage, as well as GGP’s commitment to a prefeasibility study, we see West Dome Underground as an exciting growth opportunity for GGP, which could in the medium term bolster the production profile at Telfer.

After running the ruler over the mineral resource upgrade, Canaccord increased its price target for Greatland shares from $14 to $15.45, compared with $10.86 currently.

Greatland is currently valued at $7.29 billion.

The post After a major resource upgrade, how undervalued are Greatland shares looking? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why AMP, Greatland Resources, Minerals 260, and Woodside shares are pushing higher today
• Why is this ASX gold stock storming 10% higher today?
• Greatland Resources delivers major resource upgrade at Telfer
• ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

There are moments in the market where a high-quality company quietly falls out of favour.

Not because its long-term story has disappeared, but because short-term issues start to dominate the narrative.

That is how I see CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) right now.

After falling more than 40% over the past year, this is no longer a biotechnology stock riding momentum. It is one that is being questioned. And for me, that is exactly when it becomes interesting.

A weaker period, but not a broken business

There is no denying that CSL has had a difficult stretch.

Its latest half-year result showed softer performance, with underlying profit declining and revenue slightly lower, impacted by policy changes, restructuring costs, and impairments.

On the surface, that explains why the share price has struggled.

But when I look a bit deeper, I do not see a business in decline. I see one going through a reset.

Management has been very clear that it is not satisfied with recent performance and is actively implementing changes to improve growth and efficiency.

That matters. Because I think this is less about structural weakness and more about execution, transition, and short-term disruption.

The turnaround is already underway

What stands out to me most is that CSL is not standing still.

The company is progressing a transformation program focused on simplifying operations, reducing costs, and investing in future growth. It has already achieved a significant portion of its targeted cost savings and expects meaningful efficiency gains over the coming years.

At the same time, it is continuing to invest in its pipeline.

For example, its licensing agreement with Eli Lilly and Co (NYSE: LLY) for clazakizumab highlights ongoing efforts to develop new therapies and expand its product offering.

This is what I would expect from a global healthcare leader.

It is addressing current challenges while still positioning itself for long-term growth.

Why the risk-reward looks attractive for CSL shares

When a stock falls 40% or more, expectations tend to reset.

That can create an interesting setup.

If things continue to deteriorate, the downside may be more limited if expectations are already low. But if the business stabilises and begins to improve, the upside can be significant.

CSL still operates in areas like plasma therapies, vaccines, and specialty pharmaceuticals. These are not short-term trends. They are long-term healthcare needs.

The company is also guiding for a stronger second half, supported by key therapies and newly launched products.

That tells me the growth story has not disappeared.

It has just become less linear.

This is where patience comes in

I do not expect CSL and its shares to bounce back overnight.

Turnarounds take time. Execution matters. And there may still be volatility ahead.

But when I look out over the next five to ten years, I think the current share price starts to look far more interesting than it did a year ago.

This is a business with global scale, deep expertise, and products that address serious medical needs.

Those characteristics do not disappear because of one difficult year.

Foolish takeaway

I think CSL shares are entering a phase where long-term investors should start paying close attention.

The past year has been disappointing. There is no getting around that. But with the share price down more than 40%, a transformation program underway, and growth expected to improve, I believe the risk-reward has shifted.

For me, this is exactly the type of situation where it can make sense to start leaning in.

The post Is it time to get greedy with CSL shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I’d buy dirt-cheap ASX shares now and aim to hold them for a decade
• Is it too late to start investing in ASX shares in your 40s?
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX 200 shares this April
• How I’d aim to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio starting at zero
• Building an ASX share portfolio from scratch? Here’s my game plan

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

Guzman Y Gomez (ASX: GYG) shares are sinking today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) Mexican fast food restaurant chain closed yesterday trading for $16.00. In early afternoon trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for $15.86 apiece, down 0.9%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.6% at this same time.

Today’s underperformance is par for the course for the struggling restaurant owner and operator.

Indeed, now down 50.8% in 12 months, Guzman Y Gomez shares just fell to new all-time lows (should the price at time of writing be maintained until close).

Even stockholders who managed to take part in the initial public offering (IPO) on 20 June 2024 are in the red now. IPO investors were able to buy shares for $22.00 each. This saw them book a one-day gain of 36.4%, with the ASX 200 stock ending its first day of trading at $30.00 a share.

But after then rising to $43.35 a share by 6 December 2024, it’s been mostly a downhill ride for stockholders since then.

Taking just a little bit of the sting from those losses, the ASX 200 stock paid two fully franked dividends over the past year, totalling 20 cents a share.

So, with shares having halved in a year, and down by 63.4% since the December 2024 record closing high, is the Mexican restaurant chain finally selling for a bargain?

Are Guzman Y Gomez shares now on sale?

Catapult Wealth’s Blake Halligan recently ran his slide rule over the company (courtesy of The Bull).

“GYG is a Mexican themed restaurant chain,” Halligan said.

Pointing to the past year’s painful share price decline, he noted, “GYG shares have fallen from $31 on March 31, 2025 to trade at $16.81 on March 26, 2026.”

Despite that big retrace, and the company’s relatively strong H1 FY 2026 performance in its Australian market, Halligan has a sell recommendation on Guzman Y Gomez shares.

“Although network sales grew 18% to $682 million in the first half of fiscal year 2026, several metrics signal caution,” he said.

According to Halligan:

Segment underlying EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation] in the United States posted a loss of $8.3 million. The stock continues to trade on high price/earnings multiples.

The ASX 200 fast food stock released its half year results on 20 February. And with investors apparently more concerned over potential headwinds in the US markets than the growth posted in Australia, Guzman Y Gomez shares closed down 13.9% on the day the results were posted.

Summing up his sell recommendation, Halligan concluded, “In our view, execution risks are rising and margins are under pressure. Investors may find better opportunities by re-allocating funds to alternative investments.”

The post Guzman Y Gomez shares just sank to new all-time lows. Time to buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 top ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, Guzman Y Gomez, and Pro Medicus shares
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• A rare buying opportunity for this ASX 200 stock as it rebounds from a historic low
• 4 ASX All Ords shares at 52-week lows: Buy, hold, or sell?

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 having a better day on Tuesday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.9% to 8,537.9 points.

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

Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

The Challenger share price is up 3.5% to $8.41. This morning, the annuities company welcomed APRA’s announcement on the final changes to capital standard settings for providers of longevity products. It believes these are “an important step in developing Australia’s retirement income market and will support greater take up of lifetime income products as an increasing number of Australians retire every year.” Challenger is working through the details of the changes and plans to provide an update at its investor day event in May.

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

The Magellan share price is up over 2% to $9.76. This morning, the fund manager announced that it raised $20 million from its share purchase plan (SPP). The company advised that the SPP was significantly oversubscribed. It received valid applications totalling $129.4 million from 5,195 eligible shareholders. Approximately 2,366,548 new Magellan shares will be issued at $8.45 per share. The new shares will hit the ASX boards on 2 April.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star share price is up 4.5% to $20.39. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of UBS. This morning, the broker upgraded Northern Star’s shares to a buy rating (from sell) with a trimmed price target of $24.70 (from $28.00). UBS made the move on valuation grounds following a significant share price decline since the release of a disappointing operational update. While the broker feels that near-term market estimates are still optimistic, it sees value in Northern Star’s shares at current levels.

West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF)

The West African Resources share price is up 4% to $3.18. This morning, the gold miner released its FY 2026 guidance. It is targeting up to 490,000 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) under US$1,900 per ounce. It also laid out its plans for the next 10 years, which will see it aim to average production of 533,000 ounces per annum. West African’s executive chair and CEO, Richard Hyde, commented: “WAF’s updated 10-year production outlook forecasts the production of 5.3 million ounces of gold over the next decade, with production peaking in 2030 at 596,000 ounces. Our unhedged Mineral Resources now stand at 13.6 million ounces of gold, while Ore Reserves total 7.0 million ounces.”

The post Why Challenger, Magellan, Northern Star, and West African Resources shares are storming higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Magellan shares are rising again after its $20 million raise was swamped
• Down 38% in March, should you buy the dip on Northern Star shares?
• Challenger shares in focus as APRA unveils new capital rules
• Guess which ASX 200 gold stock is lifting off today on record breaking news
• Magellan Financial Group shares in focus after $20m share plan hits target

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 recommended Challenger. 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 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) shares are up 0.4% while the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 0.7% on Tuesday.

ASX 200 energy shares have skyrocketed 14% over the past month due to a huge spike in oil and gas prices caused by the conflict in Iran.

The conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies are shipped.

Some Middle East oil and gas producers have been forced to cease production as storage tanks fill up and tankers in the Strait sit still.

After Yemen joined the fighting over the weekend, passage of oil and gas via the Red Sea and the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb is also at risk.

The world is grappling with the ensuing oil shock, which has sent Brent Crude 39% higher over 30 days to US$107.70 per barrel today.

Gas prices are also substantially higher. European gas prices are up 24%, UK gas is up 21%, and German gas is up 23% over 30 days.

The thermal coal price is also 12% higher over the month as power plants switch from gas to coal.

In the latest developments, US President Donald Trump threatened to hit Iran’s electricity plants, oil facilities, and desalination plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.

Trading Economics analysts said the threat overshadowed Trump’s earlier comments that negotiations with Iran were progressing well.

The analysts said:

Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen also entered the conflict by targeting Israel over the weekend, while Tehran is reportedly urging militant groups to prepare for a renewed campaign to disrupt Red Sea shipping.

Such developments risk further tightening energy flows from the Middle East, as two of the main strategic waterways in the world for trade and energy supplies could potentially be cut off.

With ASX 200 energy shares on fire right now, here are four stocks that the experts rate a buy.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) 

The Santos share price is $8.01, down 0.3% today and up 11.4% over the past month.

Last week, UBS commenced coverage with a buy rating on Santos shares.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $8.80 on this ASX 200 energy share.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

The Karoon Energy share price is steady on Tuesday at $2.14.

Karoon Energy shares have soared 20.2% over the past month.

Earlier this month, Jarden reiterated its buy rating on this ASX 200 energy share.

The broker lifted its 12-month target from $1.57 to $2.47.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

The Whitehaven share price is $9.62, down 2.2% today and up 21.2% over the month.

Last week, UBS reiterated its buy rating and lifted its price target on this ASX 200 coal share significantly.

UBS moved its 12-month target from $7.90 to $10.10.

Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA)

The Viva Energy share price is $2.59, up 2.4% on Tuesday and up 42% over the past month.

Last week, RBC Capital upgraded this ASX 200 energy share to a buy rating.

The broker also lifted its 12-month price target from $1.90 to $2.50.

The post 4 ASX 200 energy shares rated buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why New Hope, Yancoal and Whitehaven shares are storming higher on Friday

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.