Author: openjargon

On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) ended the day with the smallest of declines. The benchmark index edged 5.4 points lower to 8,791.3 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Tuesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 to tumble

The Australian share market looks set for a poor session on Tuesday following a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 39 points or 0.45% lower. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is down 0.65% and the S&P 500 is down 0.2%, but the Nasdaq is edging higher.

Navigator Global shares given buy rating

Navigator Global Investments Ltd (ASX: NGI) shares could be in the buy zone according to Morgans. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the investment company’s shares with a reduced price target of $3.13 (from $3.39). It commented: “NGI has released its June 2026 (4Q26) AUM update. We saw this as another broadly solid quarter, marked by a +6% increase in group ownership-adjusted AUM despite volatile markets, and with continued robust quarterly net flows into Lighthouse (+US$690m). We revise our NGI FY26F/FY27F EPS by +1%/-2%/-4%, with higher AUM forecasts offset by slightly lower operating margin assumptions. Our price target is reduced to A$3.13 (previously A$3.39). With >20% upside remaining to our PT, we maintain our BUY recommendation.”

Oil prices rise again

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have another good session after oil prices rose overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.5% to US$83.75 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.4% to US$89.33 a barrel. Traders have been bidding oil higher following an increase in US-Iran tensions.

Gold price eases

It could be a subdued session for ASX 200 gold shares Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) and Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) after the gold price eased overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.2% to US$4,012 an ounce. Concerns about US interest rate increases are weighing on the precious metal. 

Buy Regis Resources shares

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) shares could still be undervalued according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, in response to the gold miner’s production and cost guidance, the broker has retained its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $8.45 (from $9.45). It said: “The midpoint of FY27 production guidance is in-line with our forecast (~380koz) and FY26 actual (379koz), while noting there is upside to ~400koz. Duketon is forecast to lift production ~10% YoY, offsetting lower production at Tropicana. Overall, AISC are ~13% above our current group forecast (A$2,650/oz) as higher cost ounces are brought into the mine plan at Duketon and diesel cost inflation comes through the cost base at both operations.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday 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 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining shares outperformed in FY26.

The materials sector, dominated by miners, was the best-performer of the 11 ASX 200 market sectors.

ASX 200 materials shares gained 47% in value and delivered a total return, including dividends, of 52% in FY26.

This compares to a more subdued performance across the broader market.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares rose by just under 3%, and delivered total returns of 7% in FY26.  

The long-term outlook for mining is bright, but experts say it’s time to sell these ASX shares after an impressive run in FY26.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

Rio Tinto was among the ASX 200 large-cap shares that generated the most share price growth in FY26.

The Rio Tinto share price rose 61% in FY26 amid strong demand and rising prices for lithium and copper.

Last week, Rio Tinto released its 2Q FY26 production report.

The miner said it increased copper production by 3% and lithium production by 20% year over year.

Global iron ore sales were also 5% higher.

Rio Tinto CEO Simon Trott commented:

We are delivering growth as we drive performance across the group, with copper equivalent production up 3 per cent in the first half.

Our scale, geographical diversification and sophisticated supply chains continue to underpin our resilience and strong operational performance despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty throughout the period.

Rahul Anand from Morgan Stanley reiterated his sell rating on Rio Tinto shares after reviewing the report.

He has a 12-month price target of $149, implying about a 6% downside from here.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The Evolution Mining share price increased 51% in FY26.

Evolution benefitted from a continuing increase in the gold commodity price, however, the 18% lift was subdued compared to FY25.

Last week, the gold miner released its 2Q FY26 report.

Evolution said it produced 180,000 ounces of gold and 19,000 tonnes of copper in the June quarter.

Total FY26 production came in at 715,000 ounces of gold and 66,000 tonnes of copper.

Evolution’s all-in sustaining cost (AISC) for gold production in FY26 was AU$1,717 per ounce.

That leaves plenty of profit margin for Evolution, with the gold price currently above US$4,000 per ounce, equivalent to AU$5,725 per ounce.

Evolution reported record operating mine cash flow of $3,394 million and net mine cash flow of $2,079 million.

Managing Director and CEO, Lawrie Conway, said:

FY26 continued to build on the improved consistent performance of the past couple of years, meeting Group production and cost guidance.

We are now fully unhedged and in a net cash position with a cash balance of $1,347M.

All high-return organic growth projects remain on schedule and budget.

Jarden maintained its sell rating on Evolution Mining shares with an $8.20 target after reviewing the report.

This suggests a potential 20% downside for FY27.

The post 2 ASX mining shares to sell: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What is Morgan’s updated view on Rio Tinto and BHP shares?
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, CBA, and Rio Tinto shares
• Should you buy Rio Tinto and these ASX shares?
• How much do I need in my superannuation to earn an annual $60,000 passive income?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 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.

Investing in ASX ETFs (or exchange traded funds) is one of the simplest ways to build wealth over the long run.

You don’t need to pick individual winners, nor do you need to time the market.

ASX investors can simply buy a basket of shares in a single trade.

Here are three ASX ETFs that make long-term investing genuinely easy.

Why ASX ETFs suit long-term investors

ASX ETFs give you instant diversification, as one fund unit can hold hundreds or even thousands of companies.

If one business stumbles, the others help cushion the blow.

ETFs are also, generally speaking, cheap to own. Many of the most popular funds charge a fraction of what an active manager would.

For investors, lower fees mean more of the return stays in your pocket.

And they trade on the ASX just like any share: investors can buy or sell ETFs during market hours with a few clicks.

Here are three ASX-listed ETFs that take the guesswork out of investing.

Vanguard Australian Shares ETF (VAS)

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) is the largest ETF on the ASX.

It tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index, meaning that one trade gives you exposure to the top 300 Australian companies.

Investors instantly get the big banks, the major miners, and many more of the companies that make the ASX what it is.

Vanguard charges a management fee of just 0.07% per year.

VAS also pays regular quarterly distributions, which come primarily from franked Aussie dividends.

For a low-cost core holding, VAS is tough to beat.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV)

As opposed to VAS, the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) opens the door to the United States for ASX investors.

The ETF tracks the 500 largest US-listed companies, including companies like Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA).

So why invest in the US rather than in Australia? Well, the S&P 500 has delivered an average annual return of around 10% over the very long term.

True to form, in 2025, IVV gave Australian investors a total return of 10.13%.

However, IVV also introduces new risks, including foreign exchange risk. Currency moves between US and Australian dollars can lift or lower those returns in any given year.

But as a long-term US holding, IVV is a firm favourite, and like VAS, also carries a very low management fee of 0.04%.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (VGS)

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) casts the net even wider.

This ETF holds shares across 22 developed markets, including the US, Japan, the UK, and Europe.

In 2025, VGS delivered a total return of 13.34%, comprising 9.81% in capital growth and a 3.53% distribution yield.

The fund charges 0.18% per year.

Unlike the other two ETFs, investors in VGS benefit from international diversification, which reduces volatility and should, in theory, increase risk-adjusted returns.

For broad international diversification, VGS is a standout.

Foolish takeaway for ASX ETFs

These three ASX ETFs cover Australia, the US, and the wider world.

Together, they form a simple, low-cost foundation for a long-term portfolio.

Investors can hold all three, or start with just one, keeping in mind that VGS and IVV overlap heavily on US shares.

Past returns are also never a guarantee of future performance.

But for hands-off investors, these ASX ETFs make building wealth about as easy as it gets.

The post 3 ASX ETFs that make long-term investing easy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• VAS vs VGS: Which Vanguard ETF is winning so far this year?
• Should I target high growth or balanced strategies for my superannuation?
• Own Vanguard ASX ETFs? It’s dividend payday!
• 3 ways to get from $100,000 to $500,000 in retirement savings
• 3 amazing ASX ETFs I’d buy this month

Motley Fool contributor Mark Verhoeven 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 Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

It has been a difficult year for ASX financials stock Navigator Global Investments Ltd (ASX: NGI). 

Navigator is a holding company – one that holds interests in other companies. 

It describes itself as an alternative asset management company with diverse partnerships across investment styles, product types, and client bases. 

The Company has 29 Partner Firms (of which 17 form the NGI Stable Growth Portfolio), all of which are established alternative asset managers who operate businesses diversified across investment style, product type and client base.

Year to date, its share price has fallen approximately 20%. 

However, Morgan’s has updated its outlook following the company’s Assets Under Management Update.

What did the company report?

Last week, Navigator Global Investments announced: 

• Ownership-adjusted AUM increased by 6% to USD33.6 billion in Q4, up 21% over the last 12 months
• NGI Strategic AUM up 3% to over USD13 billion
• Total Partner Firm AUM up 7% to USD104 billion.

Speaking on the results, the company said ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, interest rate volatility and changing market conditions continue to create both opportunities and challenges for alternative investment strategies.

Looking to FY27, the company said there is a focus on continued AUM growth across LHP and NGI Strategic in Q4 provides a solid platform entering FY27, supplemented by the expected contributions from the NGI Stable Growth Portfolio.

Morgan’s updated view 

Yesterday, this ASX financials stock closed trading at $2.38 per share. 

The team at Morgans provided commentary on the company following its AUM release. 

NGI has released its June 2026 (4Q26) AUM update. We saw this as another broadly solid quarter, marked by a +6% increase in group ownership-adjusted AUM despite volatile markets, and with continued robust quarterly net flows into Lighthouse (+US$690m). 

We revise our NGI FY26F/FY27F EPS by +1%/-2%/-4%, with higher AUM forecasts offset by slightly lower operating margin assumptions. Our price target is reduced to A$3.13 (previously A$3.39). With >20% upside remaining to our PT, we maintain our BUY recommendation.

Despite lowering its price target, the updated target price from Morgans indicates a 31% upside for the ASX financials stock. 

Morgans isn’t the only broker with an optimistic view for this company. 

Recently, the team at Macquarie has a price target on the company of $3.28 along with an outperform rating. 

Macquarie said the company has a strong platform entering FY27. 

The post Broker tips more than 30% upside for this ASX financials stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• Macquarie tips three ASX finance companies to return better than 30%

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX:WTC) shares have been one of the most painful holdings on the ASX over the past year.

The logistics software company was once an undisputed market darling. Today, it is a battleground stock.

So when will WiseTech shares finally bottom out?

Let’s dig in.

Why WiseTech shares have crashed

The damage for ASX investors has been severe.

WiseTech shares are down roughly 50% in 2026 and around 70% over the past 12 months.

They remain a long way below their 52-week high of $121.31.

Curiously, the problem is not the underlying business, as demand for WiseTech’s CargoWise platform remains solid. As a result, the company is still profitable and still growing.

The real issue is governance.

Investors grew uneasy about scrutiny surrounding founder Richard White. Recent reports have emerged of an Australian Federal Police investigation into White. The allegations centre on claims that he exploited a woman’s immigration and financial situation and provided false information on a visa application.

The complaint reportedly came from a former WiseTech cleaner.

Markets can cope with bad news, but what they cannot stand is uncertainty. This uncertainty has weighed heavily on WiseTech shares.

It is also not the first time White has been caught up in scandal. He previously stepped down as CEO after a wave or reports about secret relationshps with women linked to the company. Another scandal involved allegations that he used company shares and company-related arrangements in ways that were not fully transparent.

What could help WiseTech shares bottom out?

A few things would need to fall into place.

First, the company has moved to clean up its governance. White stepped down as Chair, although he remains on the board as an Executive Director. Raelene Murphy has taken over as Independent Chair.

Bell Potter views that appointment as a positive move. The broker has retained a buy rating and $71.75 price target on WiseTech shares, arguing that the stock looks cheap on an FY27 EV/EBITDA multiple of around 15 times.

That compares to roughly 27 times for rival TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE).

Second, investors want proof in the numbers, and the FY26 full-year result in August looms as a key catalyst.

A solid result with reassuring FY27 guidance could help the shares find a floor. Resolution of the legal matters surrounding White would help, too.

Until then, expect the volatility to continue.

Foolish takeaway

So, when will WiseTech shares bottom out?

Nobody can call the exact low.

The business itself still looks strong, and brokers see substantial upside from here, but sentiment will likely stay volatile until the governance cloud lifts.

For patient investors, the coming FY26 result could be the moment WiseTech shares finally turn a corner.

The post When will WiseTech shares bottom out? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Why WiseTech shares could rocket 100%
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Motley Fool contributor Mark Verhoeven 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares rose 2.77% and delivered total returns, including dividends, of 7% in FY26.  

Here, we review three fresh buy, hold, and sell calls from expert market analysts.

Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT)

The Weebit Nano share price soared 414% in FY26 to finish at $8.35 per share.

This was a vastly different performance to many of its peers, which suffered major declines amid a broader tech sector rout. 

Weebit develops advanced semiconductor memory technology.

Mark Elzayed from Investor Pulse reckons there’s more growth ahead for this ASX tech share.

He explains his buy rating on The Bull this week:

Licensing deals with Texas Instruments and onsemi have contributed to company performance. Revenue guidance of $10 million in full year 2026 and a recent capital raising of $102 million fortifies the balance sheet for artificial intelligence and research development.

The shift towards a recurring royalty model generates long term operating leverage.

Momentum and news flow are positive, although the multi year path from licence to royalty income remains the key execution risk.

Metals X Ltd (ASX: MLX)

The Metals X share price ripped 142% to close out FY26 at $1.32.

Elzayed has a hold rating on this ASX materials share.

He explained:

The company is Australia’s largest tin producer. It has a 50 per cent equity interest in the Renison tin operation in Tasmania.

Revenue of $285 million in full year 2025 was up 30 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

However, much of this tin market tightness and consolidation now appears priced into the stock.

The stock is already reflecting a bullish structural tin thesis.

So, in our view, MLX is better suited to holding than buying at these levels.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price fell 29% in FY26 amid a savage healthcare sector downturn. 

However, the stock price of this medical imaging software provider has been recovering strongly since hitting a 52-week low of $107.75 in February.

Pro Medicus shares are up by more than 70% since hitting that floor.

The broader healthcare sector pivoted on 3 June and is also rapidly rising.

Tony Locantro from Alto Capital has a sell recommendation on this ASX 200 healthcare share.

Locantro explained:

The company recently delivered an outstanding first half result in full year 2026. Underlying earnings before interest and tax was up 29.7 per cent and revenue was up 28.4 per cent amid securing more than $A280 million in new contract wins.

Despite these exceptional fundamentals, the company’s premium valuation reflects high market expectations and leaves limited room for disappointment.

While Pro Medicus remains a best-in-class business with strong long term prospects, the current risk-reward balance supports a view to trim holdings at current levels.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Weebit Nano, Metals X, Pro Medicus shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Up 149% in a year, why this surging ASX 300 tech stock is still a good buy today
• Up 75%, are Pro Medicus shares still a good buy now?
• Why WiseTech shares could rocket 100%
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX 200 shares in July
• Buy, hold, sell: Pro Medicus, Worley, and ResMed shares

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

These pummeled ASX healthcare shares have both endured brutal share price declines over the past year.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares started the week down 0.6% to $122.61. Despite rebounding 13% over the past month, they’re still down around 51% over the past 12 months. Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) shares slipped 0.4% on Monday to $119.00, leaving them up 4% over the past month but down an even steeper 61% over the past year.

So, are these former market darlings now genuine buying opportunities or value traps?

CSL: Waiting for earnings to recover

For decades, this $59 billion ASX healthcare share earned its reputation as one of the ASX’s highest-quality companies, driven by global leadership in plasma therapies and a long history of consistent earnings growth.

That reputation has taken a hit. A series of earnings downgrades, leadership changes, and around US$5 billion of non-cash impairments tied largely to the CSL Vifor acquisition have weighed heavily on investor sentiment.

The latest disappointment came in May, when management guided FY26 revenue of approximately US$15.2 billion and NPAT of around US$3.1 billion, both below market expectations. The company also flagged another US$5 billion of non-cash impairments across FY26 and FY27.

Despite that, analysts aren’t entirely bearish. According to TradingView data, 10 of the 18 brokers covering CSL now rate the stock as a hold, while the remaining eight have buy or strong buy recommendations. The average price target sits at $138.88, implying around 13% upside.

UBS remains among the bulls with a $158 target price, arguing much of the bad news surrounding Vifor is already reflected in the share price. The most optimistic analysts see gains of around 60% over the next year.

Cochlear: A temporary stumble?

April marked one of the toughest periods in Cochlear’s history.

The hearing implant leader shocked investors after reporting weaker-than-expected demand across developed markets and disruption to shipments caused by conflict in the Middle East.

Management of the ASX healthcare share slashed FY26 underlying profit guidance from $435 million-$460 million to just $290 million-$330 million, triggering a one-day share price collapse of more than 40%.

Yet the company’s competitive position remains largely intact. Cochlear still controls roughly half the global cochlear implant market, underpinned by decades of product innovation, clinical expertise, and strong relationships with surgeons worldwide.

Its long-term growth opportunity also remains compelling. More than six million people in developed markets are estimated to be eligible for cochlear implants, but only around 3% have received one.

Broker sentiment is cautious. Hold remains the most common TradingView recommendation, with an average target price of $127.14, implying roughly 7% upside.

However, six analysts still rate the shares as a buy or strong buy, with the highest target suggesting upside of around 43%. Two analysts recommend selling, with the lowest target price implying almost 16% downside.

Foolish takeaway

Both ASX healthcare shares remain global leaders with durable competitive advantages, but they are also working through company-specific challenges that have dented investor confidence.

For long-term investors, the sharp share price falls may present an opportunity. However, neither company has yet fully restored market confidence, meaning patience may be required before either regains its former market-leading status.

The post Down 50%+: Are these ASX healthcare shares finally worth buying? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Could CSL shares double from here? Here’s what the experts think
• Here’s why I’d buy and hold CSL and Cochlear shares for 10 years
• Here’s what brokers tip for CSL shares over the next 12 months
• How have CSL shares performed over 10 years?
• Cochlear shares have bounced 16%. Should you buy, hold, or sell now?

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 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.

It’s never too early to start saving for retirement, and the good news for parents who want to give their children a head start is that, yes, it is possible to set up a superannuation fund for your children.

Superannuation fund selection is the first step

Depending on your child’s age, you might need to shop around to find a fund that allows you to set up accounts for children.

UniSuper, for example, only allows funds to be set up for people aged 15 and above.

Student Super, on the other hand, allows a fund to be set up at any age and charges no administration fees for balances under $1000.

The fund’s Golden Goose Gifting program was specifically set up to make it easy for parents and grandparents to put money into a child’s superannuation account.

Student Super Chief Executive Officer Andrew Moloney says in a video on the fund’s website that Australians generally set up a super fund at about the age of 20, but by setting up a fund early, the benefits of compound interest can accrue for around two decades longer.

In order to set up and contribute into a superannuation fund for a child, it’s necessary to set up a tax file number (TFN) for the child also.

Student Super’s website says, “Once the child’s TFN is added to their account, the parent or guardian will be able to access the details to make a contribution to the child’s super account”.

The magic of compound interest

And the benefits are significant. $1000 contributed when a child is born, compounded over 20 years at 8%, turns into $4661, as calculated on the Moneysmart compound interest calculator.

If $1000 more is added each year, this figure grows to $50,423.

And this isn’t counting the contribution that the Federal Government will make to your child’s super account.

The government makes a co-contribution to superannuation for low-income earners of $500, as long as $1000 in non-concessional (after tax) contributions are made.

As the ATO says:

You don’t need to apply for the super co-contribution. When you lodge your tax return, we will work out if you’re eligible. If your super fund has your tax file number (TFN), we will pay it to your super account automatically.

If $1500 is compounded at 8% over 20 years, the result is $6991; if $1500 is contributed each year for 20 years, the result is a whopping $75,634.

That’s quite the head start, and while super is usually tied up until retirement age, the personal contributions can be withdrawn and used to buy a home under the government’s First Home Super Saver Scheme.

The post How to give your child a $75,000 superannuation head start appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Down 50%+: Are these ASX healthcare shares finally worth buying?
• Chemist Warehouse: Are Sigma Healthcare shares a buy, hold, or sell?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Are Westpac shares a top buy this week?
• Ophir High Conviction Fund announces FY26 unfranked distribution

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.

Bell Potter has been busy running the rule over the Grattan Institute report this month relating to the pharmacy industry.

The broker notes that if the changes suggested were put in place there could be significant implications for Chemist Warehouse owner Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG).

What is in the report?

Bell Potter highlights that the Future Pharmacy report shines light on the inefficiencies of the funding and other arrangements for Community Pharmacy (CP) in Australia. 

It notes that if “either side of politics to embrace the deregulation measures as recommended, earnings patterns for SIG and many of the pharmacies whose earnings are preserved by this pharmacy gerrymander would change forever.”

Commenting on the report, Bell Potter said:

The Grattan report identifies numerous inefficiencies within Australia’s system for CP including pharmacy remuneration and the opacity of data supporting the current structure, however, maximum venom is reserved for the pharmacy ownership laws and location rules. 

The rules are no longer fit for purpose and now act as a handbrake to further competition while preserving the earnings stream of incumbents. The rules also prevent the participation of supermarkets in CP for reasons that are less clear with each passing year.

Thankfully for Sigma Healthcare and its shares is that Bell Potter believes any potential changes to regulations would still be a long way off. It adds:

Whether the Grattan report influences change remains to be seen, however, CP is probably a long way down the Federal Government’s priority list for reform. Additionally, reform in this section of the market is unlikely to generate momentum on polling day, particularly if the Guild and AMA oppose changes as history suggests is likely. For these reasons, the regulatory environment supporting Community Pharmacy and the likes of Sigma Healthcare are unlikely to change.

Should you buy Sigma Healthcare shares?

According to the release, Bell Potter has retained its hold rating and $3.00 price target on the company’s shares. This is just a touch above its current share price of $2.93.

Commenting on its hold rating, the broker said:

Regulatory upheaval in CP is unlikely, nevertheless, investment metrics for SIG are not sufficiently attractive to warrant a Buy rating, particularly with a single payer (the Federal Government) representing a disproportionate level of group revenue. 

The Government’s propensity to alter funding arrangements on short notice with little industry consultation should elevate the risk rating on SIG. We maintain our Hold rating and PT $3.00.

The post Chemist Warehouse: Are Sigma Healthcare shares a buy, hold, or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Sigma Healthcare, Wisetech Global, CBA shares
• 3 reasons why the ASX share owner of Chemist Warehouse is a buy
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) endured a bumpy and ultimately negative start to the week’s trading this Monday. After remaining in positive territory for most of today’s session, investors ended up getting cold feet right before the closing bell. After that collapse in confidence, the ASX 200 ended up finishing down 0/061%, leaving the index at 8,791.3 points.

This rather indecisive session for the Australian markets came after an even nastier end to the American trading week on Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) had another tough session, dropping 0.77%

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared even worse, falling a horrid 1.4%.

But let’s get back to this week and our local markets now and take a closer look at what was happening amongst the different ASX sectors today.

Winners and losers

Tech shares were the sector that was singled out for punishment this Monday. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) was slammed, tumbling 1.54%.

Utilities stocks fared better, but the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) still tanked by 0.63%.

Healthcare shares were in a similar boat. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) saw its value dive 0.49% today.

Mining stocks weren’t popular either, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)’s 0.34% dip.

Gold stocks were also no safe haven. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) ended up sinking 0.23%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) followed right behind gold, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) dipping 0.17%.

Our last losers this Monday were financial stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) slipped 0.07% by the closing bell.

Let’s turn to the winning sectors now. Leading the charge were energy stocks, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)’s 1.8% surge.

Consumer staples stocks also ran hot. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) roared 0.43% higher this session.

Communications shares saw high demand too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) lifting 0.39%.

Industrial stocks came next. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) advanced 0.16% today.

Finally, consumer discretionary shares got themselves over the line, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 0.11% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Today’s winner was healthcare share 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX). 4DMedical shares soared 7.19% higher this session to close at $3.43 each. This may have been a reaction to last week’s announcement.

Here’s the rest of today’s best: 

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)	$3.43	7.19%
Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL)	$1.31	6.10%
Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL)	$5.68	5.97%
South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)	$4.08	4.62%
Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR)	$2.00	4.18%
Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)	$5.23	4.18%
Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA)	$2.43	3.85%
AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)	$2.09	3.47%
New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC)	$5.38	2.87%
Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)	$7.63	2.69%

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.

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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 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.