Author: openjargon

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are sliding on Thursday as investors weigh the latest developments around the gold miner.

At the time of writing, the Northern Star share price is down 3% to $19.70.

Northern Star shares are still up around 4% this week, but today’s fall has taken some momentum out of the move.

The ASX gold stock remains down 26% in 2026.

Here’s the latest.

More boardroom movement

According to The Australian, Northern Star has appointed former Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) boss Jeff Quartermaine to its board as a non-Executive Director.

Quartermaine has more than 35 years of mining experience and spent 15 years with Perseus, including as Chief Executive.

Northern Star told investors that Quartermaine brings “significant gold mining, processing and development experience” to the board.

The board change also comes while pressure is building behind the scenes.

US activist investor Elliott Investment Management has built a stake worth more than $1 billion and has been pushing for change, including board renewal and a wider strategic review.

The Australian also reported that Northern Star appears set to appoint two new board members with mining experience in the coming months.

Northern Star reshuffles at the top

Northern Star has been trying to clear up some leadership uncertainty.

The company recently named Suresh Vadnagra as its next Managing Director and Chief Executive. He is expected to replace Stuart Tonkin in October, with Chief Financial Officer Ryan Gurner stepping in as interim CEO until then.

Vadnagra is currently a senior executive at Glencore, where he oversees nickel and zinc industrial assets.

Northern Star has confirmed that Michael Ashforth will replace long-serving Chairman Michael Chaney after the company’s annual general meeting in November.

At the same time, takeover speculation is sitting in the background.

The Australian noted that Northern Star has received takeover approaches, although they are understood to be opportunistic and short of what the company could accept.

Gold Fields has been floated as one of the more likely names to watch.

Production update stays in focus

The boardroom changes and takeover talk aren’t the only things helping Northern Star this week.

The company also gave investors a better production update last week, which helped calm some of the concerns around the stock.

Northern Star said it remains on track for FY26 gold sales of 1.543 million ounces. That is within its recently downgraded guidance range.

Preliminary figures included 844,000 ounces from the wider Super Pit operations and 434,000 ounces from Yandal.

Still, there is a lot to work through. With Elliott applying pressure and takeover speculation brewing, the incoming CEO has quite a big job ahead.

The post Takeover talk and a boardroom shake-up: Why Northern Star shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Washington just launched fresh strikes on Iran. Here is what that means for ASX shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

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.

Your late 50s should be when your focus shifts from accumulating your super to working out how and when you’ll access it.

After all, at the age of 58, you’re just two years from your preservation age. This is when you can start accessing your super if you’ve stopped working.

While it’s possible to retire this early, many Australians wait until they’re in their mid-60s or even early-70s to retire. By this point, you can access your superannuation regardless of whether you’ve stopped working or not, and you could also potentially be eligible for the Age Pension.

The question is, how much do you actually need in your superannuation before you can retire? And how do you know if you’re on track with the rest of the population?

Here’s a breakdown of what the average Aussie has at age 58, and what you actually need to retire comfortably in the next few years.

What is the average superannuation balance at age 58?

There isn’t an exact figure for the average superannuation balance at age 58, but the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has a good guideline.

ASFA’s data shows that at age 55 to 59, the average Australian male has around $319,743 in superannuation. The average female the same age has approximately $242,945.

So, how does your balance compare to the average Aussie the same age?

The catch is, even if you’re on track with the rest of the population, you still might not have enough to fund a comfortable retirement when the time comes.

How much does a comfortable retirement actually cost?

The majority of Australians will aim to live a comfortable retirement lifestyle. That’s one that enables retirees to maintain a good standard of living throughout their retirement years.

A comfortable retirement is one in which you have funds to pay for top-tier private health insurance and regular leisure activities. You’d have enough money to pay for home repairs or renovations, and perhaps even an annual holiday.

ASFA data shows that a comfortable retirement will cost around $55,923 per year for singles and $78,566 for couples. Again, it assumes you’ll receive a part Age Pension and that you own your home in full. 

That means ASFA’s data indicates that by age 67, single Australians need a superannuation balance of approximately $630,000. And couples should have closer to $730,000.

Is my average superannuation balance on track to meet this figure?

Unfortunately not. 

If your superannuation is in line with the rest of the population, then you’ll be able to afford a very basic and modest retirement lifestyle from the age of 67.

It could cover things like basic health insurance and home repairs, but wouldn’t leave much room for leisure activities or meals out, let alone a holiday.

But if you’re expecting to live a retirement lifestyle beyond the basics, you’re already falling far behind. 

In fact, I’ve crunched the numbers, and at age 58, you should have around $456,500 in your superannuation. 

This is around $137,000 to $214,000 more than what the average person has at the same age.

And if you’re planning to retire earlier than age 67, then you’ll also need to account for the cost of those extra years.

Help! How can I boost my balance before it’s too late?

At age 58, there are a few things you can do to boost your superannuation to where you want it.

Focus your attention on making extra contributions however you can. Individuals can make concessional (before-tax) super contributions, such as salary sacrificing, which are taxed at a reduced rate. You can also make after-tax payments within your annual limits. 

It is also a good idea to check in with Government contribution rules to see if you’re eligible for any under your personal circumstances. After all, every dollar counts when it comes to compounding growth!

The post Average superannuation balance for 58 year olds in Australia. How does yours compare? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Steadfast Group extends exclusivity on $6.00 per share takeover offer
• How to build $60,000 in annual passive income from ASX dividend shares
• Is CSL a fallen ASX giant to buy in July?
• Washington just launched fresh strikes on Iran. Here is what that means for ASX shares
• 3 tips for retiring with $1 million in superannuation

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.

The Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF) share price is in focus today following an update on a non-binding indicative proposal, with a further four-week exclusivity period now in place as Amwins Group and Dragoneer Investment Group progress their offer of $6.00 per share in cash.

What did Steadfast Group report?

• Consortium has re-confirmed its intention to acquire Steadfast at $6.00 per share in cash.
• Soft exclusivity period extended by four weeks under the Process Deed.
• Proposal made via a scheme of arrangement for 100% of Steadfast’s outstanding shares.
• No binding agreement reached at this stage; deal remains non-binding and indicative.

What else do investors need to know?

The Steadfast Board notes there is no guarantee a binding agreement will be reached and urges shareholders there is no certainty the proposal will result in a formal transaction. Shareholders do not need to take any action at this time.

The group will keep the market informed as new details emerge. Steadfast continues to operate its extensive insurance broker and agency networks across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the USA, serving a broad client base in the insurance sector.

What’s next for Steadfast Group?

Steadfast will continue cooperating with the consortium during the extended exclusivity period. The company’s board is carefully considering the interests of all shareholders in relation to the proposal.

Management has reiterated that further updates will be provided to the market as appropriate, keeping investors informed on any material developments as the process unfolds.

Steadfast Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Steadfast shares have declined 13%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Steadfast Group extends exclusivity on $6.00 per share takeover offer appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Steadfast Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Steadfast Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

$60,000 per year in passive income from ASX dividend shares sits comfortably above ASFA’s modest retirement standard and within reach of the comfortable retirement benchmark for a single person.

The maths is straightforward.

To generate $60,000 per year in dividend income at an average yield of 5%, you need approximately $1.2 million invested.

At a 6% yield, you need $1 million.

Three ASX dividend shares offer different but complementary ways to build toward that target.

Telstra: the defensive anchor

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) is the natural starting point for any ASX passive income portfolio.

Not because it offers the highest yield, but because it offers reliability.

Telstra has not cut its dividend since 2019 and has increased its annual payout every year since 2022.

CommSec consensus estimates point to a fully franked dividend of 21 cents per share in FY26, rising to 21.5 cents in FY27.

At $4.92 per share, that implies a forward yield of approximately 4.3%, or a grossed-up yield of approximately 6.1% including franking credits.

That franked income is particularly powerful inside superannuation, where franking credits arrive as cash rather than being absorbed by tax.

A $400,000 investment in Telstra at a 5.86% grossed-up yield generates approximately $23,440 per year.

Suncorp: the recovery play with a growing payout

Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) had a difficult FY26.

Catastrophe costs ran to approximately $580 million above budget and weighing on near-term dividends.

Despite this, UBS forecasts a fully franked annual dividend of 66 cents per share for FY2026.

This would imply a grossed-up yield of approximately 5.0% at the current share price of $18.94.

The more compelling part for this ASX dividend share is the trajectory.

UBS projects Suncorp’s dividend climbing toward $1.09 per share by FY2030, implying a forward grossed-up yield of approximately 8.2% at today’s price.

That reflects a scenario where FY26’s elevated catastrophe costs are unlikely to repeat at the same scale, and where improving margins support a multi-year dividend recovery.

A $350,000 investment in Suncorp at a 5.0% grossed-up yield generates approximately $17,500 per year today. This should grow materially as the dividend recovers.

Amcor: the quarterly payer

Amcor Plc (ASX: AMC) brings something Telstra and Suncorp do not: quarterly dividends.

Most ASX companies pay twice yearly. Amcor pays four times per year, giving income investors a more frequent and consistent cash flow.

Amcor’s most recently declared quarterly dividend was 91 cents per share in AUD terms. This translates to an annualised payout of approximately A$3.64 per share.

At $63.92 per share, that implies a trailing yield of approximately 5.7%.

Unfortunately, that yield is unfranked, reflecting Amcor’s UK domicile and predominantly offshore earnings.

However, the yield more than compensates for the lack of franking at an absolute level.

The business is delivering too. In Q3 FY26, Amcor delivered net sales of US$5.91 billion, up 77% year-on-year, as Berry Global synergies continued to flow through.

A $320,000 investment in Amcor at 5.7% generates approximately $18,240 per year.

The portfolio maths for these ASX dividend shares

$400,000 in Telstra at 6.1% generates approximately $24,400 per year.

$350,000 in Suncorp at 5.0% generates approximately $17,500 per year.

$320,000 in Amcor at 5.7% generates approximately $18,240 per year.

Combined, a $1,070,000 portfolio across these three stocks generates approximately $60,140 per year, essentially hitting the $60,000 target.

Foolish takeaway

$60,000 in annual passive income from ASX dividend shares is achievable with approximately $1 million to $1.2 million invested across reliable, income-producing businesses.

Telstra provides the defensive anchor with franked income.

Suncorp provides the income growth trajectory.

Amcor provides the quarterly cash flow and global defensive exposure.

Income investors looking for high yield at a reasonable price don’t need to look much further than these three.

The post How to build $60,000 in annual passive income from ASX dividend shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These ASX shares could generate $10,000 per year in passive income
• Are Telstra shares a buy for passive income?
• How much do I need in my superannuation to get $6,000 per month in passive income?
• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $70,000 annual passive income?
• 5 of the best investments on the ASX right now to complement your superannuation

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) is one of Australia’s greatest corporate success stories.

For decades, the biotech company has built a global business around specialised medical products that solve serious healthcare problems. It has expanded internationally, developed valuable expertise, and become one of the country’s most recognised companies.

But great companies can still go through difficult periods.

Confidence lost

CSL has lost some of the market confidence it once enjoyed, with investors questioning growth expectations, execution, and whether the company can return to its previous level of performance.

The question for investors is whether this is a permanent change or an opportunity created by short-term disappointment.

I think CSL shares are worth buying in July.

A biotech business built on real needs

The reason I continue to like CSL is that its products are connected to genuine medical demand.

The company operates across plasma-derived therapies, vaccines, and specialist healthcare products. These are areas where patients and healthcare systems rely on effective treatments rather than temporary consumer trends.

That creates a different type of growth opportunity.

Healthcare demand tends to be supported by long-term forces such as ageing populations, improving access to treatment, and advances in medical technology.

CSL’s plasma business remains particularly important. Collecting plasma, manufacturing therapies, and supplying patients around the world requires significant infrastructure, expertise, and regulatory capability.

Those advantages have taken decades to build.

I think that is easy to overlook when investors are focused on short-term earnings pressure.

The market has become more cautious

CSL’s recent challenges are real. Investors have raised concerns around the performance of parts of the business, including Vifor, while also assessing the longer-term outlook for vaccines and plasma therapies.

Those concerns deserve attention. However, I think the market may have moved too far in the other direction.

CSL does not need to return to being viewed as a perfect growth company for its shares to perform well. It just needs to stabilise the business, improve execution, and show that its core strengths remain valuable.

That feels achievable to me.

One thing I like about CSL is that it operates in complex markets where experience is important. Competitors cannot simply appear overnight and replicate decades of research, manufacturing capability, regulatory knowledge, and global relationships.

Why this could be an opportunity

When a company with a strong history falls out of favour, investors often have to decide whether the problems are temporary or structural.

With CSL, I think it is a temporary issue and the long-term opportunity remains intact.

The company still operates in markets with significant unmet demand. It still has global scale. And it still has the expertise required to compete in highly specialised healthcare areas.

The recovery may take time. Investors may need patience while management continues improving the business and rebuilding confidence. The share price may not immediately reflect any progress, but I would argue the worst is now behind it.

Foolish takeaway

I think CSL is a fallen ASX giant worth buying in July.

The company has faced genuine challenges, and investors should not ignore them. But I think the strength of CSL’s underlying business, its global position, and the long-term demand for its products make it one of the more interesting recovery opportunities on the ASX.

Sometimes the best investments come from companies that have temporarily lost favour while their long-term advantages remain.

The post Is CSL a fallen ASX giant to buy in July? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• July is historically one of the best months for ASX shares. Can July FY27 deliver?
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• 2 ASX healthcare shares crashing, now bouncing: buy, hold or sell?
• ASX healthcare shares have jumped 21% since June. Can the recovery continue?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Middle East conflict has entered a new phase.

Washington launched strikes against Iran in response to attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This has reversed what had briefly appeared to be a path toward a negotiated peace just weeks earlier.

ASX shares initially slid lower, with broad selling pressure across materials, technology, and financial shares.

The energy sector is the notable exception.

On news of the new outbreak of conflict, WTI crude rose 2.66% to US$72.32 and Brent crude rose 2.55% to US$76.05 as supply disruption fears return.

Here is what that means for these energy focused ASX shares.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Woodside shares were up yesterday, a strong move against a broadly falling market.

The company is the most direct ASX beneficiary of higher oil prices, with LNG and oil production revenue rising almost in lockstep with the global oil price.

The Scarborough LNG project is 94% complete with first cargo targeted for Q4 2026, adding earnings support at exactly the moment oil prices are recovering.

A sustained return to US$90 per barrel would upgrade Woodside’s second-half FY26 revenue and dividend capacity.

The risk is equally clear: another ceasefire could reverse the trade just as rapidly as it did in June for ASX shares.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

Santos shares also surged yesterday, reflecting Santos’ historically higher sensitivity to oil price swings.

When the original peace deal broke in June, Santos fell 8% in a single session. Today’s move reflects the reverse trade as war risk returns.

The underlying business is not dependent on geopolitical volatility to perform.

The company’s Barossa LNG plant is already producing at 75% of planned 2026 production rates. Moreover, the first oil from Pikka Phase 1 in Alaska provides an additional production stream that should insulate cash flow regardless of where oil settles.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

Northern Star Resources may benefit from yesterday’s escalation in a different way.

Gold is the market’s preferred safe-haven asset in periods of geopolitical stress.

The gold price has already risen to US$4,187 per ounce in recent sessions, and renewed Middle East conflict adds a further layer of safe-haven demand.

Northern Star is Australia’s largest listed gold miner, and the Elliott Management activist campaign continues to add a corporate catalyst dimension, with calls for a strategic review still unresolved heading into FY27.

A gold price above US$4,000 combined with an in-depth strategic review gives Northern Star shareholders two potential catalysts for future growth.

The broader picture for ASX shares

Beyond energy and gold, the renewed escalation is weighing on the rest of the ASX.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) was down yesterday as rising oil prices increase mining operating costs, while the four major banks were all under pressure yesterday morning.

The pattern is familiar: geopolitical escalation benefits energy and gold while weighing on almost everything else.

Foolish Takeaway for ASX shares

Washington’s fresh strikes on Iran have put supply risk back in the spotlight.

Woodside and Santos are today’s direct beneficiaries as oil prices climb.

Northern Star benefits through the safe-haven gold price tailwind.

How long any of these moves last depends entirely on whether diplomacy reasserts itself, as it has done multiple times already in 2026.

The post Washington just launched fresh strikes on Iran. Here is what that means for ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
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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 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.

Retiring with $1 million in superannuation is a big goal.

It is also more realistic for some Australians than others. A strong salary can make a major difference because employer super contributions are based on income, and higher earners may have more room to make extra contributions along the way.

But I do not think the goal should be dismissed as impossible.

With time, discipline, sensible investment choices, and a focus on increasing contributions where possible, a $1 million super balance can be a realistic long-term target for some investors.

Know what the target means

The first tip is to understand what $1 million actually represents.

According to ASFA, the lump sum needed at retirement for a comfortable lifestyle is estimated at $630,000 for a single homeowner and $730,000 for a couple. That assumes a partial Age Pension.

So, a $1 million super balance is above that benchmark. It could give retirees more flexibility, more income options, and a larger buffer against inflation, healthcare costs, market volatility, and the risk of living longer than expected.

That does not mean everyone needs exactly $1 million.

A homeowner with modest spending needs may need less. Someone renting, retiring early, travelling often, or wanting to leave money behind may need more.

I think the key is to set a target based on the lifestyle you actually want, then work backwards.

Use income to your advantage

The second tip is to take contributions seriously.

Australia’s superannuation system does a lot of the work automatically, with employers required to contribute 12% of ordinary time earnings. That is a strong starting point, especially for people on good salaries.

For example, someone earning $120,000 a year would receive around $14,400 in employer super contributions before tax. Over decades, that can become a meaningful foundation.

But relying only on compulsory contributions may not be enough for everyone.

That is where salary sacrifice or personal deductible contributions can help, as long as investors stay within the relevant contribution caps. At the time of writing, the general concessional contributions cap is $32,500.

Adding extra money early can be especially powerful because it gives compounding more time to work.

A good salary helps, but the habit matters too. Small increases after pay rises, bonuses, or debt repayments can make a real difference over a long working life.

Invest for long-term growth

The third tip is to make sure the money is actually working.

Superannuation is usually invested for decades, so I think younger members should pay close attention to their investment option. A very conservative option may feel safe, but it may also reduce the chance of building a large balance over time.

Growth assets, such as shares, can be volatile. But they have historically played an important role in long-term wealth creation.

Fees also matter. Small differences in fees and performance can make a big difference to a final super balance.

That is why I would regularly review my super fund, investment option, insurance settings, and fees. I would also avoid having multiple super accounts unless there is a clear reason.

Foolish takeaway

Retiring with $1 million in superannuation will not be easy for everyone.

A good salary can help enormously, and starting early makes the task much easier. But the main ingredients are still simple: contribute consistently, invest for growth where appropriate, keep fees under control, and give compounding enough time to work.

For Australians with decades ahead of them, I think a $1 million super balance is a goal worth taking seriously.

The post 3 tips for retiring with $1 million in superannuation appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Steadfast Group extends exclusivity on $6.00 per share takeover offer
• How to build $60,000 in annual passive income from ASX dividend shares
• Is CSL a fallen ASX giant to buy in July?
• Washington just launched fresh strikes on Iran. Here is what that means for ASX shares
• China’s CPI and PPI data drops today. Here is the potential impact for these ASX shares

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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.

Of the economic data releases that regularly move ASX shares, few matter more than China’s monthly inflation figures.

Today, China’s National Bureau of Statistics publishes June CPI and PPI data.

The reading will provide the most current picture of whether China’s economy is reflating amid commodity and energy price pressures from the Middle East conflict, or whether domestic demand remains too weak to sustain higher prices.

Shareholders in BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) should keep a close eye on these developments.

What the recent trend shows

May CPI held steady at 1.2% year-on-year, slightly below the 1.3% market expectation. This confirmed that consumer-level inflation remained contained and gave Beijing room to maintain accommodative policy settings.

May PPI told a more inflationary story, rising 3.9% year-on-year, the fastest pace since July 2022.

This was driven by surging commodity and energy prices from the Iran war supply disruptions.

Mining prices rose 15.8% year-on-year and raw materials climbed 9.2%.

Both categories are directly relevant to the revenue BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue generate from selling iron ore and copper into the Chinese market.

What it means for BHP

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) is the most diversified of the three ASX shares, with earnings spread across iron ore, copper, and potash.

Its copper exposure makes it particularly sensitive to any sign that Chinese industrial activity is weakening.

BHP is also down after workers announced plans to strike at its WA iron ore terminal on 16 July.

This adds to a company-specific complication alongside the broader China data sensitivity.

What it means for Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) is the most diversified across commodities, with exposure to iron ore, copper, aluminium, and lithium.

That breadth means Rio’s earnings are sensitive to a wider array of Chinese demand signals simultaneously.

Rio Tinto shares fell 7.1% in June as the temporary ceasefire eased oil prices and pulled commodity sentiment lower.

A strong PPI print tomorrow confirming China’s factory inflation remains elevated would be positive for Rio’s revenue outlook across all three of its primary commodities.

What it means for Fortescue

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) is the most purely exposed of the three to China’s iron ore demand, with virtually all revenue coming from a single commodity sold almost exclusively into the Chinese steel market.

Fortescue fell 4.2% in June, underperforming both BHP and Rio Tinto. This partly reflected the company’s higher sensitivity to Chinese demand deterioration.

Furthermore, Bloomberg has reported that China’s state-backed iron ore buyer has signalled plans to blacklist Fortescue’s Super Special Fines product from 15 July, a company-specific headwind that adds to the near-term risk around tomorrow’s data.

A constructive June PPI print would help offset that headwind. On the other hand, a weak print would amplify it.

A note on the data for these ASX shares

June’s figures cover a period when the Strait of Hormuz briefly reopened following the ceasefire before last night’s fresh US strikes reversed that dynamic.

Investors should not interpret a softer June PPI print purely as a sign of Chinese demand weakness.

It may also reflect the brief period of ceasefire-driven commodity price relief before hostilities resumed.

Foolish takeaway for ASX shares

China’s June CPI and PPI data drops today and will give the most current indication on whether Chinese industrial activity can sustain the commodity demand underpinning BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue.

A positive print would reinforce the bull case for all three ASX shares.

A surprise to the downside, combined with the other headwinds each stock is currently carrying, would add further near-term pressure.

The post China’s CPI and PPI data drops today. Here is the potential impact for these ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I’d buy these 5 ASX dividend investments for retirement income
• BHP shares may not double in 12 months but this ASX mining share could
• These ASX shares could generate $10,000 per year in passive income
• BHP shares tumble as strike threat hits iron ore giant
• BHP shares slump 13% from their peak: Are the ASX mining shares a buy, sell or hold?

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

The Fletcher Building Ltd (ASX: FBU) share price is in focus today after the company raised its full-year FY26 EBIT guidance by around 6.4% to $400–$403 million, with strong Q4 volume gains across key divisions.

What did Fletcher Building report?

• FY26 EBIT guidance increased to $400–$403 million, including ~$52 million from surplus property sales
• FY26 EBIT from continuing operations (excluding property sales) now expected at $348–$351 million, up ~3.6% from mid-June guidance
• Light Building Materials division saw improved volumes, supported by procurement benefits and cost savings
• Iplex businesses in both NZ and Australia reported robust demand as customers accelerated purchases
• Distribution division’s PlaceMakers Frame & Truss volumes rose 5.4% on Q3 and 12.8% year-on-year
• Residential units taken to profit in FY26 fell to 536, down from 666 in FY25

What else do investors need to know?

Fletcher Building’s positive quarterly volumes across core manufacturing and distribution segments were partly driven by customers bringing forward demand, especially ahead of expected price increases. These temporary market dynamics are set to normalise in the first quarter of FY27, which could moderate near-term growth.

The company also finalised more details on the Laminex Cheltenham property sale in Australia, locking in expected EBIT gains and clarifying cost treatment in line with accounting best practices. From FY27, Fletcher Building will adopt an IFRS 18 compliant Income Statement, dropping “Significant Items” as a separate expense category for cleaner financial reporting.

What’s next for Fletcher Building?

While existing construction projects continue to support demand in the near term, Fletcher Building cautions that persistent input cost uncertainty and macroeconomic pressures may mean delays or cancellations of new commercial projects. Management notes this could soften Group performance in the first half of FY27 if trends continue.

The company remains focused on operational improvements, productivity gains, and supply chain efficiencies across its divisions to help offset market challenges. Investors will watch closely to see whether ongoing momentum in civil and infrastructure demand can balance out slower residential and commercial activity.

Fletcher Building share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Fletcher Building shares have risen 1%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 3% over the same period.

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The post Fletcher Building lifts FY26 profit guidance as quarterly volumes rise appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

I’m a big believer in the idea that that small Australian shares can deliver better long-term returns than large businesses due to their longer growth runways and being less researched by the market.

The investment team at WAM Microcap Ltd (ASX: WMI) are always looking for opportunities that could allow the listed investment company (LIC) to outperform the ASX share market.

Wilson Asset Management has outlined two Australian businesses that could make excellent returns from here. Let’s dive in.

Stealth Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SGI)

The first Australian share to tell you about is Stealth Group, which WAM described as a business-to-business wholesaler and distributor of hardware, industrial,safety and consumer products.

In mid-June, the company released a strategy and trading update which reaffirmed previous guidance of another record year, with FY26 preliminary unaudited net profit after tax (NPAT) of $5.8 million, exceeding expectations.

WAM also noted that the company reiterated its long-term targets for annual sales of $500 million and an operating profit (EBITDA) margin of between 8% to 12% in FY28. The investment team noted the Stealth Group share price increased significantly after this announcement.

The investment team concluded:

We see scope for further re-rating of the share price over the next 12 months as the market continues to recognise the strength of Stealth’s earnings and growth outlook.

SharonAI Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: SHAZ)

The other Australian share WAM wanted to highlight is SharonAI. It’s not listed on the ASX, though it reportedly plans to list on the ASX boards in the first half of FY27, according to WAM. For now, it’s an Australian business listed on the NASDAQ.

The investment team described SharonAI as an Australian sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure provider.

WAM noted that during June, the company announced a significant six-year strategic compute collaboration with Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) to enable 72MW of new data centre capacity in Australia.

The companies plan to deploy Nvidia’s DSX AI factory design and scale up to 40,000 Grace Blackwell GB300 graphics processing units (GPUs), which are specialised chips used to power AI workloads, to service demand from AI startups, enterprises and university researchers.

After that agreement, SharonAI’s total AI factory capacity increased to 132MW, with 102MW contracted to end customers.

WAM noted that the company expects to have more than 55,000 total Nvidia GPUs deployed by mid-2027.

WAM Microcap said it invested in SharonAI as a pre-initial public offering (IPO) investment in December 2025 at US$1 per convertible note. It listed on the NASDAQ in February 2026 at US$30 per share and the notes were converted into ordinary shares in June 2026.

Since listing, the SharonAI share price has increased by 182.2% as of 30 June 2026.

WAM concluded its thoughts on the Australian share with the following:               

We maintain a positive outlook towards SharonAI and believe news flow is likely to remain positive over the near-term.

The post 2 small Australian shares with big potential appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Wam Microcap. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.