Author: openjargon

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having another rough session on Thursday.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is down 0.47% to 8,766 points.

That leaves the benchmark on track for another disappointing session. The market is struggling to build on a more positive lead from Wall Street futures.

At the latest check, 103 ASX 200 shares are rising, while 92 are falling and 5 are unchanged.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s putting the index in the red.

Banks and resources weigh on the ASX 200

The big miners are doing a fair bit of damage today as commodity prices fall across the board.

At the time of writing, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) is down 1.93% to $58.35, Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) is down 2.61% to $169.38, and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) is down 1.09% to $19.04.

Energy shares are also under pressure after oil prices dropped back toward pre-war levels.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are down 3.10% to $27.37 as crude oil trades below US$70 a barrel.

Oil had rallied earlier this month on Middle East supply fears, but that support has quickly faded as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz improves.

And looking at the banks, they aren’t offering much help either.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) is down 3.07% to $37.56, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) is down 0.59% to $35.57, and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) is down 0.70% to $35.39.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is only slightly lower, down 0.03% to $164.75.

Not everything is falling

But while the heavyweights are in the red, there are still some winners on the ASX 200 today.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) is up 2.25% to $89.23, while Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) is up 1.73% to $40.05.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) is also having a positive session, rising 2.91% to $118.34.

The S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) is 0.1% higher, helped by a solid lead from US tech futures after Micron Technology Inc (NASDAQ: MU)’s strong update.

What investors are watching now

The jobs data has added another wrinkle to today’s session.

Australia’s unemployment rate fell to 4.4% in May, with employment rising by 40,300 jobs.

That’s good news for the economy, but it may also keep the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cautious if the labour market stays firm.

Despite today’s fall, the ASX 200 remains up about 0.6% since the start of 2026.

The post ASX 200 drops again as investors dump banks and miners appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Crude oil falls below US$70 as ASX energy shares sell-off
• Lendlease offloads Keyton stake in $525m deal
• Lendlease Group shares paused pending further announcement
• Corporate Travel Management updates investors on delayed FY25 results and UK remediation
• Worley flags FY26 earnings hit from Middle East delays and currency impact

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Micron Technology, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

JB Hi Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) shares are charging higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) electronics retailer closed trading yesterday for $78.40. In afternoon trade on Thursday, shares are swapping hands for $81.57 apiece, up 4.1%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.4% at this same time.

Today’s rally adds fuel to the stock’s recent rebound. JB Hi-Fi shares plumbed a one-year closing low of $68.89 on 3 June, and the share price is now up 18.4% in three weeks.

Longer-term, however, shares in the ASX 200 electronics retailer remain down 25.0% since this time last year, underperforming the 2.5% 12-month gains posted by the benchmark index.

Though we shouldn’t forget the two fully franked dividends, totalling $4.15 a share, that the company paid out to eligible stockholders over this time.

JB Hi-Fi stock currently trades on a 5.1% fully franked trailing dividend yield.

And looking ahead, Baker Young’s Toby Grimm believes the stock’s recent rally has further to run (courtesy of The Bull).

Here’s why.

Should I buy JB Hi-Fi shares today?

“The share price of this consumer electronics giant has significantly fallen since August 2025 in response to cost of living and supply chain cost pressures and increasing interest rates,” Grimm noted.

Citing the first reason he’s bullish on the ASX 200 stock, Grimm said, “Despite these issues, JBH is expected to deliver positive sales and underlying earnings growth during the next two years.”

As for the second reason, he has a buy recommendation on JB Hi-Fi shares, Grimm said, “The outlook for consumer electronics remains structurally sound. Diminishing rate hike expectations is another positive.”

And the third reason you may want to buy shares in the Aussie electronics retailer today is the attractive passive income.

“The stock is trading on more appealing multiples compared to 2025 and was recently offering an attractive dividend yield above 5%,” Grimm concluded.

What’s the latest from the ASX 200 electronics retailer?

The last price-sensitive news from JB Hi-Fi was the company’s third quarter (Q3 FY 2026) sales update, released on 6 May.

The company reported a 4.0% year-on-year increase in sales at JB Hi-Fi Australia and a whopping 23.2% increase in sales at JB Hi-Fi New Zealand.

As for its other two business segments, third-quarter sales at the Good Guys were up 2.5% year-on-year, while e&s sales went the other way, falling 1.4% from Q3 FY 2025.

With investor expectations clearly running high, JB Hi-Fi shares closed down 6.3% on the day of the update.

The post 3 reasons to buy the rebound in JB Hi-Fi shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why Develop Global, IDP Education, JB Hi-Fi, and Wesfarmers shares are pushing higher today

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

The oil price rally has faded quickly, and ASX energy shares are being pulled lower with it.

At the time of writing, crude oil is down 1.71% to US$69.14 a barrel, while Brent crude is down 1.88% to US$72.35 a barrel.

That leaves crude oil below US$70 and Brent below US$73, with both benchmarks now moving back toward levels seen before the recent Middle East war.

It’s a clear shift from earlier in the month, when traders were closely watching the Strait of Hormuz and pricing in the risk of supply disruptions.

Here’s what has changed.

Oil prices fall as US-Iran talks continue

According to reports, tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has improved after recent progress in US-Iran talks.

One report said 14 oil tankers crossed the maritime chokepoint on Tuesday, carrying about 20 million barrels of oil. That compares with roughly 12 tankers a day the previous week.

Trading Economics also noted that shipowners are becoming more confident moving through the area after safety guarantees from the International Maritime Organization.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates the United Arab Emirates is exporting oil at nearly 85% of pre-war levels, selling roughly 60 million barrels from the Persian Gulf.

China demand is also being watched

The demand side is not helping oil prices either.

Oilprice.com reported that China’s crude imports have fallen to their lowest level since 2018.

The report said China imported 7.82 million barrels per day in May. That was down 38% from February’s pre-conflict level.

China is one of the world’s biggest oil buyers, so that number is getting plenty of attention.

The same report said China has been relying more on physical cargoes already in storage, while cutting back purchases from major Middle East suppliers.

ASX energy shares slide

The latest developments have flowed through to ASX energy shares.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are trading 2.92% lower at $27.41. The ASX’s biggest energy stock has now fallen almost 15% in a month.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares are also tumbling, down 2.69% to $7.04. The Santos share price has dropped 14.5% across the same period.

What investors are watching now

There was some supportive inventory data in the background.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, US crude inventories fell by 6.1 million barrels in the week ending 19 June.

Commercial crude stockpiles fell to 412.1 million barrels, which is around 7% below the 5-year average.

However, that wasn’t enough to stop oil prices from falling today.

At the moment, the market appears more focused on easing Middle East supply concerns than lower US inventories.

The post Crude oil falls below US$70 as ASX energy shares sell-off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 drops again as investors dump banks and miners
• Why Judo Capital, Minerals 260, Santos, and Worley shares are dropping today
• Is the Woodside share price a buy in July?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Buying Woodside shares? Here’s the dividend yield you’ll get today

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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.4% to 8,772.2 points on Thursday.

Among the 11 market sectors, healthcare is in the lead today, up 2.7%, amid signs of a meaningful sector rebound. 

The energy sector is the drag on Thursday, down 2.5%, as the supply outlook improves in the Middle East.

Trading Economics analysts reported that growing confidence in a lasting peace deal had prompted more tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz with their tracking signals on.

Supply has also increased across key segments of the market, with buyers facing a surge of crude offers from the Middle East and other exporting regions, including West Africa.

In addition, a temporary US waiver permitting purchases of already-loaded Iranian oil is expected to further boost available supply.

Meanwhile, three experts let us in on their opinions of three ASX shares.

Let’s check them out.

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM)

The Capricorn Metals share price is $11.98, down 5.5% today and down 17% in the calendar year to date (YTD). 

David Coates from Bell Potter has a buy rating on this ASX gold share. 

Coates said: 

CMM is a sector leading gold producer, unhedged and debt free. It is fully funded to grow production from ~120kozpa to ~300kozpa from two gold mines in WA, each with +10 year mine lives.

CMM is run by a management team that has an excellent track record of delivery.

Our NPV-based valuation is up marginally to $16.25/sh.

Chrysos Corporation Ltd (ASX: C79)

The Chrysos Corporation share price is $5.65, down 3.4% today and down 23% YTD. 

Toby Grimm from Baker Young has a hold recommendation on this ASX industrials share. 

On The Bull this week, Grimm said: 

The company combines science and software to create technology solutions for the global mining industry. The company’s flagship product is PhotonAssay.

A pull back in gold prices, if protracted, presents a potential headwind. However, we’re encouraged by expansion into South America, where we see a large copper analysis opportunity as C79 continues to branch out from gold.

The company’s decision to upsize its debt facility to $200 million reflects management’s confidence in the near term growth runway.

In our view, the stock offers significant recovery potential given it was recently trading at a substantial discount to its February highs.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

The Cochlear share price is $115.31, up 1.6% today and down 56% YTD.

Niv Dagan from Peak Asset Management has a sell rating on this ASX healthcare share.

He explained: 

Hospital capacity constraints amid softer consumer sentiment and reduced referral activity are weighing on implant volumes, while cost base restructuring is likely to impact earnings in the near term.

In April, the hearing implants maker materially reduced its fiscal year 2026 underlying net profit guidance to between $290 million and $330 million from between $435 million from $460 million in February.

The downgrade was a response to weaker than expected demand in developed markets amid Middle East uncertainty, lower margins and foreign exchange headwinds.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Capricorn Metals, Chrysos, Cochlear shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are down 0.4% to 8,777.5 points on Thursday.

This week, brokers downgraded four ASX shares and recalculated their 12-month price targets on them.

Let’s check them out.

Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN)

The Jumbo Interactive share price is $6.31, down 14.3% today.

Over the past six months, this ASX 200 consumer discretionary share has fallen 44%.

Morgan Stanley downgraded Jumbo Interactive shares to a hold rating yesterday.

The broker slashed its 12-month price target from $14.50 to $8.40.

This still implies a big potential upside of more than 30% ahead.

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

The Beach Energy share price is 82 cents, down 5.2% today.

In the calendar year to date (YTD), this ASX energy share has fallen 30%.

Oil prices have retreated to pre-war levels after the US and Iran signed an interim peace deal.

Morgans downgraded Beach Energy shares to a sell rating this week.

The broker said:

After downgrading our Q4 estimates for daily production rates, we see potential for BPT to fall just short of its FY27 group production guidance.

While BPT’s share price has already been under pressure, its earnings outlook has declined at a faster rate, with its forward EV/EBITDA actually rising.

The broker cut its 12-month price target from $1.10 to 81 cents.

This suggests the stock is already fully priced.

Amcor CDI (ASX: AMC)

The Amcor share price is $60.94, up 4% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 materials share has ripped 11% higher.

Morgans downgraded Amcor shares from a buy to an accumulate rating this week.

The broker explained:

Following its merger with Berry Global in April 2025, AMC identified a non-core portfolio of ~US$2.5bn in revenue.

These lower-growth or lower-margin businesses where AMC lacks scale or leadership positions are expected to be divested over time via cash sales or joint ventures/partnerships.

While there is a range of scenarios that can play out, using conservative assumptions, we estimate the combined non-core portfolio could be worth ~US$1.8bn.

To date, AMC has reached agreements to sell six businesses for a combined value of ~US$500m.

AMC plans to use proceeds from non-core asset sales to reduce leverage, which stood at 3.8x at the end of 3Q26.

While management expects leverage to end FY26 at 3.4-3.5x, the stretched balance sheet remains a key investor concern.

Morgans kept its 12-month price target of $65.40, indicating 7% potential upside ahead.

Centuria Capital Group (ASX: CNI)

The Centuria Capital share price is $2.04, up 1.8% today and down 0.3% over six months.

Centuria Capital Group is a funds manager that specialises in property investment and investment bonds.

MA Financial Group downgraded the ASX real estate share to a hold recommendation on Tuesday.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $2.18.

This suggests a potential 7% upside ahead.

The post Downgrade alert! 4 ASX shares re-rated by experts this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Buy, hold, sell: How does Morgans rate these ASX 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 positions in and has recommended Jumbo Interactive. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Jumbo Interactive and Ma Financial Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Yesterday, mortgage holders and ASX share investors received a mixed message on Australia’s inflation rate.

On the positive side of the scale, the ABS reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 4.0% in the 12 months to May. That’s down from the 4.2% increase in the inflation rate for the 12 months to April.

On the negative side of that scale, the ABS revealed that trimmed mean inflation, which takes out certain volatile items (like fuel), increased to 3.6%. That’s up from 3.4% in the 12 months to April and well above the RBA’s 2% to 3% target range.

That’s important for ASX share investors and mortgage holders hoping for interest rate relief, as the trimmed mean number is the RBA’s preferred gauge.

As you’re likely aware, Aussies have already had to contend with three interest rate increases from the central bank in 2026. While the RBA kept rates on hold at 4.35% at its last meeting on 16 June, this still sees the official interest rate back at their 2024 peak, and matching the highest level since 2011.

So, what can we expect from interest rates now?

What the experts are saying on the inflation rate and the RBA

Commenting on the latest inflation rate numbers, Ebury economist Anthony Malouf said, “May CPI data was weaker than expected at the headline level… However, the headline figure is heavily distorted by the ongoing unwind of automotive fuel prices, which have fallen over the past two months.”

As for what this might mean for Australia’s interest rates, Malouf said:

More concerning for the RBA, trimmed mean inflation surprised to the upside, rising 0.4% MoM with the annual rate lifting to 3.6% from 3.4% in April, suggesting underlying inflation continues to firm…

We maintain our view that the cash rate remains on hold at 4.35% through 2026 and into 2027.

CreditorWatch chief economist Ivan Colhoun has a more hawkish view on what we might expect from the RBA’s rate-setting path.

According to Colhoun:

There was some good news in today’s CPI release with the first reports of some price falls as fuel surcharges were reduced…

However, that still leaves Australia with a labour market inflation problem, with the recent 4.75% national wage case decision likely to sustain price rises at rates nowhere near consistent with the RBA’s 2.5% aims. That suggests the Bank isn’t finished tightening as yet.

Connecting the dots, Colhoun advised mortgage holders and ASX investors to brace for another rate hike towards the end of the year.

He concluded:

My base case remains of a continuing slow, elongated tightening cycle in Australia, underpinned by the global AI, defence and renewables investment boom, with mining also benefiting. Further tightening remains a significant risk. My expectation is the RBA will continue to observe inflation and the economy for a while longer and next tighten in November.

And we’ll leave off with BNY APAC macro strategist, Wee Khoon Chong, who said the latest inflation rate data leaves the door open for another RBA rate hike in 2026.

Chong noted (quoted by the Australian Financial Review):

Markets appear too complacent in assuming the current tightening cycle has peaked. The data is unlikely to shift the RBA from its current wait-and-see stance in the near term.

However, the firmer core inflation reading reinforces our view that further policy tightening remains possible before year end.

Stay tuned!

The post Buying ASX shares or paying off a mortgage? Here’s what the inflation rate means for RBA interest rate hikes appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Why Judo Capital, Minerals 260, Santos, and Worley shares are dropping today

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

Looking for some investment options? Well, Morgans has just given its verdict on these ASX shares.

Is it bullish or bearish? Let’s see what the broker is saying about them:

Astron Ltd (ASX: ATR)

Morgans is a fan of this mineral sands and rare earths company and has named it as a (speculative) buy with a 90 cents price target. This implies potential upside of 55% for investors from current levels. It commented:

ATR’s flagship Donald Project is shovel-ready and on track for a Phase 1 FID in the Sept-Q 2026, with project financing and HMC offtake the final gating items. A newly released Phase 2 study and JV partner Energy Fuels’ rapid US rare earth processing build-out reinforce the long-term upside of this high-quality, ex-China critical minerals developer. Maintain SPECULATIVE BUY rating with a A$0.90ps target price.

Baby Bunting Group Ltd (ASX: BBN)

The broker thinks a compelling entry point has arrived for investors to accumulate this baby products retailer’s shares. It has a price target of $1.70 on its shares, which implies potential upside of 20% for investors from current levels.

Morgans believes at under 9x earnings, this ASX share looks good value. It said:

BBN reported a weaker than expected trading update, downgrading its pro-forma NPAT by ~11% at the midpoint of guidance. The downgrade was driven by softer sales, particularly in the 4Q, and increased supply chain costs. Our price target lowers to $1.70 (from $1.79), and we maintain our ACCUMULATE rating. Despite a softer consumer environment, we see the strength of the refurbished store program likely to underpin earnings growth in FY27. Trading at <9x PE, we see the current price as a compelling entry point to accumulate.

Tasmea Ltd (ASX: TEA)

Morgans has downgraded this specialist maintenance services provider’s shares to an accumulate rating with a $9.80 price target (offering 5% upside). It made the move after the ASX share recorded very strong gains over the past month. The broker adds:

Hot-on-the-heels of the Maxim acquisition announced earlier this month, TEA has entered into an agreement to acquire JPS Group, a specialist integrated services provider to [the] energy sector, for $50m upfront (5x FY26 EBIT) or up to $75 million inclusive of all earn-outs (7.5x FY26 EBIT or just 6.2x $12m maintainable EBIT).

This adds scale and an important growth lever to the underperforming Mechanical division, with JPS expected to double revenue by FY29. For the base business, FY26 guidance of $117m EBIT and $72.5m NPAT has been reiterated. We increase our EPS forecasts by +5-6% in FY27 and FY28. Our target price rises in line with our earnings forecasts to $9.80 (from $9.15).

The post Morgans says these ASX shares could rise 5%, 20%, and 55% 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.

Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC) shares are in demand on Thursday after the ASX-listed property group announced another major divestment.

At the time of writing, the Lendlease share price is up 5.84% to $3.08.

That adds to a better recent run for the ASX real estate stock, which has now climbed almost 10% over the past month.

However, shareholders are still sitting on some heavy losses in 2026. Lendlease shares remain down about 40% since the start of the year, showing just how much pressure the stock has been under.

Here’s what the company told the market today.

Lendlease sells Keyton stake

According to the release, Lendlease is selling its remaining interest in the Keyton Retirement Living Trust.

Current co-investor Aware Super will acquire Lendlease’s 25.1% interest for $525 million, with the net proceeds to be used to reduce group debt.

The deal is in line with the company’s half-year 2026 book value and remains subject to conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Lendlease is targeting completion in the first half of FY27.

Keyton is a retirement living business, and the sale adds another piece to Lendlease’s plan to simplify the group and recycle capital out of its non-core assets.

That has been a major focus for Lendlease as it works through its turnaround. Over the past year, sentiment has been weighed down by debt concerns, asset sales, and earnings pressure.

More capital recycling

The latest deal adds to a growing list of moves from Lendlease’s Capital Release Unit (CRU).

The company said it has now announced or completed more than $3.4 billion of capital recycling transactions since its May 2024 strategy update.

That includes asset sales across Australian communities, US military housing, international land and inventory, retail and office interests, and other holdings.

Management said the “focus remains on balancing value realisation with speed of execution.”

Can the recovery continue?

Today’s gain is a welcome change for Lendlease shareholders, but it doesn’t erase what has been a brutal year.

The stock is still down around 40% since the start of 2026, so the market is unlikely to get carried away on one deal.

The $525 million Keyton sale gives Lendlease more cash to reduce debt and keeps its capital recycling plan moving.

But there’s still a lot of work to do. The company needs to keep completing asset sales, bring debt down further, and avoid selling assets too cheaply.

Until that happens, the Lendlease share price could move sideways from here.

The post Lendlease shares jump 6% after $525 million deal. Is the worst over? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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) shares are down 0.3% to 8,780.1 points on Thursday.

Meanwhile, three experts have revealed their views on three ASX 200 shares.

Let’s see what they think. 

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

The Karoon Energy share price is $1.29, down 5.8% today and down 17% in the calendar year to date (YTD). 

Karoon Energy shares tumbled 11% last Tuesday when the company issued production downgrades.

Calendar year 2026 total production guidance was revised to a range of 7.2 MMboe to 8.2 MMboe.

That’s down from 8.1 MMboe to 9.2 MMboe previously.

Citi reiterated its buy rating on this ASX 200 energy share but cut its 12-month target from $2.50 to $1.75.

Last week, oil prices slumped back to pre-war levels after the US and Iran signed an interim deal and began new talks in Switzerland.

Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB)

The Brambles share price is $19.57, up 2.6% today, and down 14% YTD.

Christopher Watt from Bell Potter has a hold rating on this ASX 200 industrials share. 

On The Bull, Watt explained: 

The underlying franchise remains high quality, but a recent trading update introduced uncertainty around supply constraints, freight costs, plant inefficiencies and softer conditions in parts of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Management has presented a credible plan to improve capacity through new pallets and service centres, but the financial recovery may take longer than the operational fix.

With earnings expectations still at risk, the outlook is balanced.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

The REA share price is $133.43, up 1.4% today and down 28% YTD. 

Michael Ardrey from Bell Potter has a sell rating on this ASX 200 communications share. 

REA expects no growth in home values across the combined capital cities in CY26, and a rebound to 5.5% growth in CY27.

Ardrey explained the broker’s reiterated sell recommendation: 

Our thesis rests on REA’s share price declining from a reduction in EPS forecasts in-line with market pricing, driven by: (1) Elevated near-term RBA cash rate forecast driving softening in demand for lending, (2) Recent budget measures adversely impacting investment in property as an asset class, largely in the investor book partially offset by owner-occupied; (3) Both factors combining to negatively impact average national dwelling values and listing volumes more than offsetting Buy yield for REA; and (4) REA’s history of EPS declines in a falling 12-mth average dwelling price environment.

The analyst gave REA shares a 12-month target of $133, down from $137.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Karoon Energy, Brambles, REA shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why these top fundies are buying REA and TechnologyOne shares
• Brambles shares: Buy, hold or sell?
• These ASX 200 shares are down 40% to 65% and could be bargain buys
• REA shares fall 43% to a three-year low. Is it time to buy?
• 3 ASX growth shares to buy next month

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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is out of form and in the red. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.4% to 8,773.8 points.

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

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

The Judo Capital share price is down 40% to 92.5 cents. Investors have been selling the small business lender’s shares after it increased its cost of risk and downgraded its earnings guidance. Judo Capital now expects its FY 2026 cost of risk to be in the range of $116 million to $122 million. This has been driven by three exposures across different sectors that have recently emerged. As a result, Judo Capital now expects its profit before tax in FY 2026 to be between $163 million and $169 million. This is down meaningfully from its previous guidance of between $180 million and $190 million. The company’s CEO, Chris Bayliss, said: “While today’s update is partly a result of the macro environment, it is nevertheless disappointing.”

Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6)

The Minerals 260 share price is down almost 12% to 83.5 cents. The gold industry is a sea of red on Thursday following another pullback in the gold price. This has seen the S&P/ASX All Ords Gold Index drop 5% today. In other news, this morning, Minerals 260 released results from the ongoing drilling program at its 100% owned 4.5Moz Bullabulling Gold Project. It is possible that some investors were expecting stronger results than those that were released.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

The Santos share price is down 3% to $7.03. Investors have been selling energy shares today following another pullback in oil prices overnight. Traders were selling oil after tankers continued to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index is down 2.5% this afternoon.

Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR)

The Worley share price is down almost 9% to $11.20. This morning, this professional services company revealed that the Middle East conflict has continued to impact its earnings. Worley now estimates the impact to FY 2026 underlying EBITA to be up to $60 million. This is up materially from its previous estimate of $30 million to $40 million. It explains: “The extended duration and ongoing impact of the Middle East conflict continues to cause disruption to the progress of existing projects. While there have been no project cancellations, customers continue to delay the commencement and award of new projects.”

The post Why Judo Capital, Minerals 260, Santos, and Worley shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Worley shares crash 9% as Middle East earnings hit gets worse
• Which ASX 200 bank stock is crashing 46% on profit guidance downgrade?
• Worley flags FY26 earnings hit from Middle East delays and currency impact
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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.