Author: openjargon

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has suffered heavy losses over the past month. 

Since August 6th, Australia’s benchmark index has fallen more than 6%. 

Despite the pain for many investors’ portfolios, there are several strong value options. 

Yesterday, these three ASX shares hit 52-week lows:

• GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)
• IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL)
• Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG). 

For value investors, these ASX shares could be enticing opportunities. 

GQG Partners

GQG Partners is a global boutique asset management company focused on active equity portfolios. It offers investment advisory and portfolio management services for investors across three continents.

In the last 12 months, its share price has fallen 38%. 

At the time of writing, it is trading at a 52-week low of $1.05. 

However, it now sits well below where many experts believe is fair value. 

Late last month, Morgans placed an accumulate rating and price target of $1.52. 

The near-term operating environment remains difficult for GQG; however, we think it’s hard not to see long-term value in the franchise at current levels, trading on ~7x FY1 PE.

This indicates an upside potential of almost 45%. 

While this capital gain upside is already enticing, this ASX stock also offers a strong dividend yield. 

At the time of writing, it offers a yield of over 10%, providing investors with passive income and potential capital gains. 

IVE Group

IVE provides communication solutions. Its services include creative services, personalised communications, print production, retail display, promotional merchandising, third-party sourcing, logistics and fulfilment, and managed solutions.

In the last 12 months, its share price has fallen 13%, and now sits at a 52-week low of $2.34. 

However, analysts’ forecasts via TradingView have an average one year target of $3.20. 

This indicates an upside potential of 36%. 

-It also recently posted some healthy full-year results, suggesting the underlying businesses remain sound. 

It also offers a dividend yield of over 7%. 

Generation Development Group

Generation Development Group is a diversified financial services company focused on investment and retirement products.

Its share price has fallen more than 57% in the last 12 months and is now hovering near a 52-week low of $2.92. 

The current price sits well below broker targets. 

TradingView analyst data has an average 12-month price target of $5.39 on this ASX stock. 

This indicates 84% upside from current levels. 

The post 3 ASX shares trading at 52-week lows that could be outstanding value plays  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Brokers tip these 3 ASX shares to climb between 50% and 122% in the next 12 months
• GQG Partners shares in focus after August 2026 FUM update
• Buy, hold, sell: Generation Development, Fletcher Building, Saluda Medical shares
• How much passive income can I earn off a $550,000 superannuation balance?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 recommended Generation Development Group and Gqg Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The value of investment assets you can own while still qualifying for the age pension is about to get a boost. From 20 September, the upper thresholds are rising and if you’re sitting close to the old limit, this change could be the difference between missing out and pocketing a payment.

The lift comes from indexation adjustments, made twice a year to keep pace with inflation. Here’s exactly what’s changing.

Who qualifies, and when

If you were born on or after 1 January 1957, you become eligible for the pension at age 67 — retired or not.

Two tests decide your payment of the age pension: an assets test and an income test. Both get new guardrails on 20 September. This article zeroes in on the assets test.

What counts and what doesn’t

Your home is excluded entirely from the assets test. Renters get more breathing room too, with higher thresholds to compensate for not owning property.

What does count: superannuation, ASX shares, bonds, investment properties, and cash.

This round of indexation only lifts the upper thresholds, the point where your part-pension cuts out completely.

New limits if you own your home

Single homeowners with assets under $333,000 get the full pension. Between $333,001 and $745,750 (up from $733,500), you’ll get a part-payment.

Couple homeowners with assets under $499,000 get the full pension. Between $499,001 and $1,121,000 (up from $1,102,500), it’s a part-payment.

New limits if you rent

Single renters with assets under $600,000 get the full payment. Between $600,001 and $1,012,750 (up from $1,000,500), you’ll get a part-payment.

Couple renters with assets under $766,000 get the full payment. Between $766,001 and $1,388,000 (up from $1,369,500), it’s a part-pension.

How much will you actually get?

Payments are rising too. Single pensioners get an extra $36.80 per fortnight from 20 September, lifting the full pension to $1,237.70 per fortnight.

Couples get an extra $27.80 per partner, per fortnight, bringing the full pension to $933 per partner, per fortnight.

Even a tiny pension is worth claiming

Here’s the part too many retirees overlook: even if your assets sit right near the upper limit and you only qualify for a few dollars a fortnight, apply anyway.

Why? Because that part-pension unlocks the Pensioner Concession Card (PCC), and the PCC is worth far more than the payment itself. It can shave thousands of dollars a year off everyday living costs in retirement, from healthcare to utilities to transport.

Foolish takeaway

Indexation changes like this rarely make headlines, but they can genuinely shift whether you qualify for age pension or how much.

If your asset position is anywhere near these thresholds, it’s worth checking your eligibility again after 20 September. A payment that looked out of reach in August might be back on the table in September.

The post Want the age pension? Here’s the new asset limit you can’t exceed appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• The ASX 200 is finally rising. Is the sell-off running out of steam?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 drops again as selling continues

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has 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.

4DMedical vs Telix Pharmaceuticals shares: which health innovator wins?

If you’re weighing up a buy between 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) and Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX), you’re comparing two ambitious Australian medical technology companies. Both are at the forefront of healthcare innovation, but their financial profiles and recent growth stories offer very different investment prospects. Let’s dig in to see how these two stack up.

The case for 4DMedical

4DMedical is breaking new ground in respiratory imaging. Its flagship CT:VQ software turns CT scans into detailed lung maps, giving doctors advanced tools for diagnosing diseases like pulmonary embolism and emphysema. The tech’s already in use at top US hospitals like Mayo Clinic and Stanford, with a recent European expansion thanks to its acquisition of Contextflow.

Looking at the numbers, 4DMedical carries a sizeable market cap of $2.07 billion but has yet to become profitable, posting negative earnings per share of -0.405. There’s no dividend on offer, and no price/earnings (P/E) ratio available yet; this signals it’s still firmly in growth mode. The year-to-date return sits at -14.5%, indicating a tough recent run for shareholders. This makes 4DX more of a high-risk, high-potential play, especially for those backing new technology looking to disrupt established medical imaging markets.

The case for Telix Pharmaceuticals

Telix Pharmaceuticals is a commercial-stage biotech pushing the boundaries of cancer diagnostics and treatment. Its main product, Illuccix, has approvals from regulators including the TGA, FDA and Health Canada, making it a global force in prostate cancer imaging. Beyond Illuccix, Telix is running more than 20 clinical trials worldwide, chasing breakthroughs in cancer types ranging from kidney to brain to bone marrow.

Telix stands out for having already turned the corner into profitability. Its market cap dwarfs 4DMedical’s at $6.03 billion. Earnings per share are positive (0.099), which is rare for an ASX biotech this size. The company trades on an eye-watering P/E ratio of 118.40—sky-high, but not unusual for fast-growing pharmaceutical businesses. Like 4DMedical, Telix pays no dividend, pouring resources back into growth. But the real highlight is a stellar year-to-date share price return of 45.89%, signalling momentum.

Valuation comparison

Here’s a side-by-side look at the major valuation and fundamental metrics:

Metric	4DMedical (4DX)	Telix Pharmaceuticals (TLX)
Market Cap	$2.07 billion	$6.03 billion
P/E Ratio	N/A	118.40
Earnings per Share	-0.405	0.099
Dividend Yield	0.00%	0.00%
Year to Date Return	-14.50%	45.89%

There’s a clear gap in scale and financial maturity. Telix is both far larger by market cap and actually generating earnings, whereas 4DMedical is still burning through capital to develop its market. Neither pays a dividend, so both are pure growth plays.

Recent share price performance

Share prices can be volatile in the health tech sector, but the difference here is striking. As of the latest data (mid-September 2026), 4DMedical shares sit at $3.44, having dropped 14.5% year to date. Its weekly moves have often swung several percent either way, showing volatility without a clear upward momentum.

Telix, meanwhile, is on a tear. As of 15 September 2026, shares closed at $17.75 and are up a hefty 45.89% for the year. The stock has seen sharp daily moves—like an 8.63% gain on one recent day—but the overall trend has been strongly positive. Telix’s growth story is, at least so far, being rewarded by the market.

Which is the better buy?

Weighing up these two, my pick would be Telix Pharmaceuticals. The company has global regulatory runs on the board, it’s already doing solid revenue, and it’s delivered real profit. Yes, it does trade on a huge earnings multiple, but I’d see that as justified given the momentum: 45% year-to-date gains, and more than 20 clinical trials in the pipeline.

4DMedical clearly has exciting technology and major growth aspirations, but as of now, it’s loss-making and suffering negative share price performance.

In short: if I’m backing an Aussie health innovator today, I’d go with Telix.

The post 4DMedical vs Telix Pharmaceuticals: ASX health tech share showdown appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are Telix shares a buy after its big US FDA news?
• These 2 ASX healthcare shares just jumped up to 15%. Here’s why
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Buy, hold, sell: Domino’s Pizza, Telix Pharmaceuticals, Westfarmers shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was back to the races this Wednesday, staging a slight recovery that took some of the edge off yesterday’s nasty fall. After a wild day of trading, which saw the markets dip into red territory a few times, investors were happy to leave the ASX 200 with a decent 0.28% rise by the time trading closed. That leaves the index at 8,696.5 points.

This happy hump day for the Australian markets followed a far less optimistic session on Wall Street last night.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was still feeling blue, and dropped another 0.63%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) wasn’t any better, losing 0.78% of its value.

But let’s return to the local markets now and check out what was happening amongst the different ASX sectors today.

Winners and losers

The biggest losers this Wednesday were consumer staples shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) had a shocker today, dumping 1.15% of its value.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) also had a day to forget, with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) retreating 0.54%.

Financial stocks were on the nose too. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) was walked back 0.37% this session.

Our last losers were consumer discretionary shares, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ)’s 0.35% decline.

Let’s turn to the green sectors now. Leading the charge were energy stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) rocketed 2.19% higher this hump day.

Gold shares had a party as well, with the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) surging 1.48%.

Broader mining stocks didn’t miss out. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) soared up 1.28%.

Next came communications shares, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)s 0.46% bounce.

Industrial stocks were also in that range. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) added 0.36% to its total today.

Tech shares overcame some selling to close higher, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) putting on 0.3%.

Utilities stocks didn’t miss out either. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) saw itsvalue bumped by 0.28%.

Finally, healthcare shares got themselves over the line, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)’s 1.5% surge.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Gold stock Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR) came in as our top stock today. Pantoro Gold shares jumped 9.3% to close at $2.82 a share. This came after Pantoro revealed some drilling results this morning, which may have excited investors.

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

ASX-listed company	Share price	Price change
Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR)	$2.82	9.30%
Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)	$48.94	7.51%
Alkane Resources Ltd (ASX: ALK)	$1.92	5.02%
Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN)	$5.36	4.69%
Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL)	$1.58	4.29%
Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB)	$4.34	4.08%
Centuria Capital Group (ASX: CNI)	$1.33	3.92%
Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT)	$11.32	3.57%
Reliance Worldwide Corporation Ltd (ASX: RWC)	$4.48	3.46%
Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)	$0.90	3.45%

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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• Reliance shares surge to a 52-week high on $4.1 billion takeover deal
• Brookfield moves to acquire Reliance Worldwide Corporation at a 43% premium
• Infratil hikes earnings guidance as data centre growth accelerates
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) shares are changing hands for $9.51 each in Wednesday afternoon trade.

That’s around a 0.5% decrease over the day, but after a line of share price declines, it means the shares have now tumbled around 17% over the past week alone.

For the year to date, Paladin Energy shares are down 6%, but they’re still 23% higher than a year ago.

What has happened to Paladin Energy shares over the past week?

There hasn’t been any price sensitive news out of the company over the past week to explain the latest sell-off. 

It looks like the decline is due to a number of factors, including geopolitical uncertainty, a drop in confidence about the outlook for ASX uranium shares, a company update, and its FY26 results late last month.

As a uranium production company that focuses on developing and operating uranium mines globally, Paladin Energy is highly sensitive to fluctuations in sentiment about uranium. 

The escalating conflict in the Middle East, higher inflation data, and concerns about more interest-rate rises has seen some investors reduce their exposure to riskier shares like Paladin Energy.

Elsewhere, Paladin Energy posted a note to the ASX last week confirming that JP Morgan Chase & Co, and its affiliates have ceased to be substantial holders in the company. It’s possible that the news may have spooked already concerned investors.

Meanwhile, the company posted its FY26 results late last month. The company posted a 71% year-on-year increase in sales revenue to US$304 million. Paladin Energy also reported a gross profit of US$52 million, up from a gross loss of US$26 million in FY25.

But while the uranium miner has shown improving operational metrics and turned a net profit, it also posted notable operating cash outflows. Paladin Energy ended the financial year with a net loss after tax of US$9.1 million, although that’s an improvement from the US$77 million net loss reported in FY25.

Are the uranium miner’s shares a buy, sell, or hold now?

Despite the confidence loss and recent sell off, it looks like brokers are still very bullish about the outlook for Paladin Energy shares over the next 12 months.

TradingView data shows that out of 15 analysts, 11 have a buy/strong buy rating on the shares and another 1 has a hold rating. Three more analysts have a strong sell rating on the shares.

The average $13.19 target price implies the shares could jump another 39% over the next year, at the time of writing. And some are even more bullish that the shares have the potential to climb 100% higher to $18.96.

The post Down 17% in a week: What has happened to Paladin Energy shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Energy shares rose while the ASX 200 slumped last week. Here’s why
• Brokers are confident in the outlook for this uranium stock tipping 34% upside
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 6 ASX shares tipped by brokers to rise 34% to 88%

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 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.

Washington H Soul Pattinson vs PM Capital Global Opportunities Fund shares

If you’re tossing up between Washington H Soul Pattinson (ASX: SOL) and PM Capital Global Opportunities Fund (ASX: PGF) shares, you’re looking at two very different investment companies. One is a legendary Aussie investment house with more than a century of history; the other is a globally focused LIC aiming to deliver long-term capital growth. Which one might suit your portfolio better? Let’s take a closer look at both.

The case for Washington H Soul Pattinson

Soul Patts, as it’s fondly known, is one of the ASX’s oldest and most respected investment companies. It holds a diversified portfolio, spanning listed and private companies, emerging businesses, real assets like property and agriculture, and more. It counts major stakes in TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG) and New Hope Corporation (ASX: NHC), with recent growth including the merger of Brickworks into the group.

Notable fundamentals for Soul Patts include:

• Market cap: $16.63 billion — one of the largest and most stable investment groups around.
• P/E ratio: 6.83 — hinting at a relatively undemanding valuation.
• YTD return: Up 19.36% for 2026 so far, showing strong momentum.
• Dividend yield: 2.44% fully franked, with a long track record of steadily increasing payouts.

Its 100% franking is a plus for Aussie income investors, and decades of consistent dividend growth add to its appeal. Soul Patts describes its goal as delivering shareholder returns via both capital growth and steadily increasing dividends — a dual focus.

The case for PM Capital Global Opportunities Fund

PM Capital Global Opportunities Fund is a listed investment company (LIC) set up to give Australians exposure to a portfolio of listed securities across global markets. It aims squarely at long-term capital growth, using the skills of the PM Capital team to pick opportunities outside Australia.

A few key points stand out:

• Market cap: $1.92 billion — much smaller than Soul Patts, but still substantial for a LIC.
• Dividend yield: 4.72% fully franked — easily outpacing SOL on yield.
• YTD return: 5.32% for 2026, lagging SOL over the same period.

Valuation comparison

Here’s how the key numbers stack up, where they’re available:

	Washington H Soul Pattinson (SOL)	PM Capital Global Opportunities Fund (PGF)
Market Cap	$16.63 billion	$1.92 billion
P/E Ratio	6.83	N/A
Dividend Yield	2.44% (100% franked)	4.72% (100% franked)
YTD Return	19.36%	5.32%

Soul Patts sports a much larger market cap, while PGF trades at a yield almost double, but doesn’t provide standard profit metrics. PGF’s income focus shows in its higher yield, while Soul Patts has outperformed on recent growth.

Recent share price performance

The numbers below are based on provided pricing up to 15 September 2026.

Over the last three weeks, Soul Patts’ share price has oscillated between roughly $43.75 and $45.30, with a slightly negative bias in the past few sessions but strong gains overall, consistent with its positive year-to-date return of 19.36%.

PGF shares have traded tightly around $3.15–$3.37 in the same window, with movement mostly sideways to slightly down in recent days. Its year-to-date return is just 5.32%.

Long story short, Sol Patts has provided significantly greater share price growth than PGF in 2026 so far.

Which is the better buy?

If I had to pick between these two today, I’d lean toward Washington H Soul Pattinson. The sheer scale and depth of its diversification — through listed, private, real assets, and credit — gives me confidence in its resilience and ability to ride out market turmoil. It’s hard to argue with more than a century of history and a market cap that dwarfs PGF.

But it’s not just size: SOL has delivered far stronger share price growth this year, and while its 2.44% yield is more modest, that’s backed by a rich history of increases and 100% franking. It also trades at a low price-to-earnings ratio of 6.83, suggesting you’re not overpaying for those assets.

PGF certainly shines on dividend yield — at 4.72%, it’s better for upfront income. And its global approach might suit investors wanting international exposure from Aussie soil. But with less diversification, I view it as a riskier play right now.

For my money, the combination of SOL’s growth, proven management, and ultra-diverse portfolio are hard to beat, especially when share price momentum is humming.

The post Soul Patts vs PM Capital Global Opportunities Fund: Which is better? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 2 ASX passive income share ideas I’d use to generate $200 a month in 2027
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• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $70,000 annual passive income?
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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO), Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC), and AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) shares have climbed to fresh annual highs in Wednesday trade as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) swings into the green.

Here’s what has happened, and what brokers tip next.

Santos shares

The ASX energy shares have climbed over 2% to $8.74 at the time of writing in what is the highest recorded share price for Santos since January 2020. Today’s increase means the shares are now 42% higher for the year-to-date and 14% higher than 12 months ago.

It looks like the oil and gas major’s shares are enjoying tailwinds from a climbing oil price. According to Trading Economics, crude oil is trading around US$104 per barrel on Wednesday. This is a retreat from a high of US$105 per barrel yesterday, but it still represents a 24% increase in the price of crude oil over the past month alone. 

Prices are rising amid new drone attacks and ongoing conflict in the Middle East which have restricted oil supply even further. 

And investment bank Goldman Sachs said recently that it thinks crude oil could rise above US$120 if production remains well below pre-conflict levels. 

Experts are bullish that Santos shares can keep climbing higher, too. TradingView data shows that all brokers have a strong buy rating on the stock. The $8.99 average target price implies around a 3% upside at the time of writing.

Ramsay Health Care shares

Ramsay Health shares are also up around 2% to a multi-year high of  $54.64 at the time of writing. The share price flew higher in late-August off the back of a healthcare-sector wide rebound and the company’s impressive FY26 results announcement. 

Ramsay Health shares are now up around 58% for the year-to-date and 63% higher than 12 months ago.

For FY26, the company reported a 22.9% increase in its underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) and a 11.8% increase in its underlying EBIT. Revenue also climbed 4.2%. Shareholders also received a dividend increase, up 13.8% to 91 cents per share for the full-year FY26.

Looking ahead, Ramsay expects to report EBIT growth and further margin improvement in FY27, with ongoing focus on cost management, activity growth, and capital discipline. 

The company is also moving ahead with plans to separate its 52.79% stake in Ramsay Santé, which owns hospitals across Europe.

But it looks like the experts want to see more evidence that the company can keep growing. TradingView data shows the majority of brokers have a hold rating but the $51.49 average target price now implies a downside of around 6%.

AMP shares

AMP shares are up around 0.5% to $2.51 at the time of writing on Wednesday. This is the highest share price AMP has traded at since November 2018. The shares are also up an impressive 37% for the year-to-date and are 39% higher than a year ago.

Ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns about Australia’s inflation data weighed heavily on financial shares like AMP throughout the first half of the year.

But the diversified financial services company continues to post some strong financial results. In mid-July it announced first-half NPAT guidance of $170 to $180 million, significantly higher than the $131 million reported for the same period last year. Investors rushed to buy the shares and sent the price flying 22% higher within a week.

Then, early last month AMP posted its first-half FY26 results, including a 33% year-on-year increase in underlying NPAT to $174 million, an 8.2% year-on-year increase in assets under management (AUM) and a 33% increase in AMP’s Platforms net cash flows increased by 33%.

Again, investors were thrilled and the share price has continued climbing since the announcement.

TradingView data shows that the majority of brokers have a buy rating on AMP shares. But after such a strong rally recently, the average $2.49 target price now implies a downside of around 1%.

The post Santos, Ramsay Health Care, and AMP shares reach new 52-week highs: Can they keep climbing? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The ASX 200 is finally rising. Is the sell-off running out of steam?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Worried about a downturn? 3 ASX shares and 3 ETFs built to weather it
• Santos shares slide from fresh multi-year high: What’s next for the ASX energy stock?
• Santos shares are up 40% in 2026. Here’s why I’d still buy them today

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 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.

September has been a rough month for our local share market.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has fallen in five of its past 6 sessions, including another 0.88% decline on Tuesday.

Wednesday is finally giving investors some relief, with the benchmark index up 0.26% to 8,695 points at the time of writing.

That still leaves the ASX 200 down around 2.5% over the past week and 4.6% over the past month. The index has now slipped slightly into negative territory for 2026.

So, is the market starting to find its feet?

Buyers are starting to come back

There is a bit more support under the market today than we have seen recently.

At the latest check, 105 of the top 200 shares were higher, compared with 84 lower and 11 unchanged.

The gains are being helped along by some of the ASX’s biggest resources stocks.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are up 1.13% to $59.92, while Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares have gained 0.81% to $165.83.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares are also 1.05% higher at $16.39.

Energy shares are doing even better, with oil prices still elevated as tensions in the Middle East continue.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are up 3.12% to $33.36, and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares have climbed 2.22% to $8.74.

There’s still plenty to watch

That being said, one better session doesn’t mean the recent weakness is over.

The ASX 200 closed at 9,127 points on 26 August, which leaves it more than 400 points below that level today.

There’s also plenty happening outside Australia that could keep investors on edge.

Oil prices remain high, while the US 10-year Treasury yield has pushed above 5%, adding another challenge for share markets.

Wall Street finished lower again overnight, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJX: .DJI) falling 0.63%, the S&P 500 (SP: .INX) down 0.45%, and the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQ: .IXIC) dropping 0.78%.

Investors are now waiting for the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision and any clues on what could come after it.

Foolish takeaway

I wouldn’t read too much into one positive session just yet.

The ASX 200 has been under pressure for most of September, so today’s rise could simply be a dead-cat bounce.

What I’d rather see is the index put together a few decent sessions and start working its way back towards 8,800.

Until that happens, I’d be careful about calling the recent sell-off over.

The post The ASX 200 is finally rising. Is the sell-off running out of steam? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Fortescue shares break a 4-day losing streak as $150 million legal fight heats up
• Why I’d buy and hold BHP shares for 10 years
• How much passive income could I earn from a $650,000 superannuation balance?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares are finally back in positive territory on Wednesday.

The Fortescue share price is up 0.96% to $16.37 in early afternoon trade after spending the previous four sessions in the red.

That run took the stock from $17.61 on 9 September to $16.22 at yesterday’s close, a drop of almost 8% in less than a week.

Fortescue shares are down about 25% since the start of 2026 and are trading near their 52-week low.

And while there is no new ASX announcement today, another long-running issue has moved back into the spotlight.

Let’s take a closer look.

A $150 million legal battle continues

According to The Australian, Fortescue has lodged an appeal against the Federal Court’s landmark native title compensation ruling involving the Yindjibarndi people.

The court ordered the miner to pay $150 million for cultural loss, along with compensation for economic loss and interest, relating to mining activities on Yindjibarndi land.

Fortescue paid the amount in July, but the company has now joined the Western Australian Government in appealing parts of the decision.

A Fortescue spokesperson said the company needed to protect its legal position after other parties took the matter back to court.

The Yindjibarndi have also appealed the award, arguing the compensation should have been higher.

What else are investors watching?

The legal case comes at a time when Fortescue shares have already been struggling.

Its FY26 result was a bit of a mixed bag.

Revenue rose 9% to US$17 billion, while underlying EBITDA climbed 9% to US$8.6 billion.

Iron ore shipments also reached a record 201.3 million tonnes.

Underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) increased 3% to US$3.5 billion, and free cash flow rose 25% to US$3.2 billion.

But the statutory result was weaker, with profit falling 15% to US$2.86 billion.

That included a US$525 million after-tax impairment relating to Iron Bridge and a US$73 million after-tax compensation claim expense.

Shareholders also received a smaller final dividend, which fell 23% to 46 cents per share. That took total FY26 dividends to $1.08 per share.

Where to next?

The court case is worth watching, but I don’t think it will be the main thing driving Fortescue shares from here.

Fortescue is still heavily tied to what happens with iron ore, and that means China remains a big part of the backdrop.

If iron ore prices hold up and the Asian superpower avoids another slowdown, sentiment towards Fortescue shares could improve again.

The post Fortescue shares break a 4-day losing streak as $150 million legal fight heats up appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Boss Energy and Fortescue shares
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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.

Reliance Worldwide Corporation Ltd (ASX: RWC) shares are having another strong session on Wednesday.

The stock is up 4.39% to $4.52 at the time of writing after trading as high as $4.65 earlier this morning.

That’s a new 52-week high, taking Reliance shares up more than 23% over the past month and around 17% in 2026.

The latest rise comes after another major development in the company’s takeover talks.

But there could still be more to come over the next few weeks.

Let’s dive right in.

Brookfield locks in the deal

According to the release, Reliance has signed a scheme implementation deed with Brookfield.

Under the deal, Brookfield plans to acquire all Reliance shares for US$3.38 each in cash, or around $4.75 per share.

On an enterprise value basis, that values the company at roughly $4.1 billion.

Notably, Brookfield has had to increase its offer a few times to get here.

Its first approach came in at $4.15 per share, followed by offers of $4.25 and then $4.50.

Reliance then gave Brookfield access to non-public information while it carried out due diligence.

After several weeks of that process, Brookfield came back with the higher offer.

The Reliance board is now unanimously backing the deal, provided there is no better proposal and the independent expert gives it the tick.

Chair Russell Chenu said the board had “carefully assessed” the offer, including Reliance’s outlook, growth opportunities and cash generation.

Could another buyer still emerge?

Now, this is where things get a little more interesting.

Reliance has agreed to the Brookfield deal, but it still has the chance to see if someone else is willing to pay more.

The agreement includes a 30-day “go-shop” period, which runs until 15 October.

During that time, Reliance can approach other potential buyers, share due diligence information and negotiate another proposal.

AustralianSuper is also worth keeping an eye on.

According to The Australian, the super fund recently increased its stake in Reliance to 14.68%.

This means it could have a decent say in how things play out when shareholders eventually vote.

What happens next?

At $4.52, Reliance shares are still trading below the $4.75 value of Brookfield’s offer.

And there are a few reasons for that.

The deal still needs shareholder, court and regulatory approval, while completion isn’t expected until the first quarter of 2027.

The final value could also move around because the offer is being paid in US dollars.

So, clearly there’s still a few hurdles to get through.

The post Reliance shares surge to a 52-week high on $4.1 billion takeover deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Brookfield moves to acquire Reliance Worldwide Corporation at a 43% premium
• 10 ASX 200 shares downgraded by analysts this week
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Reliance Worldwide FY26 profit falls but receives Brookfield takeover offer

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.