Author: openjargon

  • Guess which ASX gold stock is leaping 22% in Monday’s sinking market?

    Three people with gold streamers celebrate good news.

    The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is down 1.7% in late morning trade today, but that’s not holding back this surging ASX gold stock.

    The fast-rising miner in question is Felix Gold Ltd (ASX: FXG).

    Felix Gold shares closed on Friday trading for 23 cents. In earlier trade on Monday, shares leapt to 28 cents each, up 21.7%. After some likely profit-taking, shares are changing hands for 26 cents apiece at the time of writing, up 13% in Monday’s sinking market.

    The ASX gold stock is not outperforming because of any positive reversal in the downward-trending gold price. The yellow metal is currently fetching US$4,416 per ounce. That sees the gold price down 1.7% overnight and down 17% so far in March.

    Indeed, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) is down a sharp 6.9% today.

    Here’s why Felix Gold shares are heading the other way.

    ASX gold stock leaps on US permit approval

    The Felix Gold share price is surging today after the company announced a key regulatory approval.

    The ASX gold stock said it has received approval from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a bulk sampling trench and related handling of approximately 1,450 tonnes of antimony ore at its Treasure Creek Antimony Project.

    Antimony, if you’re not familiar, is often used in batteries and to strengthen other metals, including lead. The United States currently has no secure domestic antimony supply.

    The miner said the DNR permit supports plans for near-term production (subject to further technical, regulatory, and commercial evaluation) by providing meaningful feedstock for advancing toll treatment options and defining US smelter development solutions.

    The permit is valid through to the end of calendar year 2029.

    Felix Gold said it has commenced mobilising equipment and crew. It expects operations to start in the coming weeks.

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the Alaskan permit approval sending the ASX gold stock surging today, Felix Gold executive director Joseph Webb said, “This is not a typical development story. We have one of the highest-grade antimony systems publicly reported in the Western world.”

    He noted that the antimony system is at surface, clean, and now permitted for extraction.

    Webb added:

    That combination is extremely rare – and it fundamentally changes the timeline. Most projects spend years studying production scenarios. With this bulk sample permit, we are now in a position to commence extracting meaningful quantities of ore and demonstrate a pathway to production…

    In approving our bulk sample permit, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources acknowledged the strategic importance of domestic antimony supply, noting the absence of a primary US antimony mine since 2001, the country’s reliance on imports – predominantly from China – and renewed federal efforts to secure non-Chinese sources for the US defence industrial base.

    The post Guess which ASX gold stock is leaping 22% in Monday’s sinking market? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Felix Gold Limited right now?

    Before you buy Felix Gold Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Felix Gold Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    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.

  • Why Genesis Energy, Northern Star, PLS, and WiseTech shares are falling today

    Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.

    In early afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a disappointing decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 1.4% to 8,307.7 points.

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

    Genesis Energy Ltd (ASX: GNE)

    The Genesis Energy share price is down almost 4% to $1.78. This morning, this vertically integrated energy company announced the successful completion of the shortfall bookbuild component of its NZ$300 million underwritten renounceable rights offer. Settlement of the rights offer is expected to occur on 24 March for the ASX, with allotment and commencement of trading expected on 25 March. A total of approximately NZ$400 million was raised in aggregate across the rights offer and the NZ$100 million underwritten placement.

    Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

    The Northern Star share price is down 7.5% to $17.09. Investors have been selling this gold miner’s shares following another pullback in the gold price. Traders have been selling the precious metal amid concerns that rising oil prices could cause inflation to surge and send interest rates higher. The selling has been so bad that the gold price lost almost 10% of its value last week. It isn’t just Northern Star shares that are falling today. The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index is down a sizeable 7.6% at the time of writing.

    Pls Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

    The Pls Group share price is down almost 7% to $3.94. This is despite there being no news out of the lithium miner today. However, the resources sector is a sea of red on Monday, with most miners trading sharply lower. This appears to have been driven by concerns that the Middle East conflict could negatively impact global economic growth and ultimately demand for some commodities. The S&P/ASX 200 Resources index is currently down by 3.4%.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    The WiseTech Global share price is down 5% to $40.74. This logistics solutions technology company’s shares have continued to fall amid broad weakness in the tech sector. Investors have been selling WiseTech and other tech stocks in response to AI disruption concerns and fears that the Middle East conflict could send interest rates meaningfully higher. The latter is bad for growth assets, with higher interest rates putting pressure on valuations.

    The post Why Genesis Energy, Northern Star, PLS, and WiseTech shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Genesis Energy Limited right now?

    Before you buy Genesis Energy Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Genesis Energy Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • How much damage have recent share market falls done to superannuation balances?

    A man thinks very carefully about his money and investments.

    Superannuation funds remain in the black year to date, the analysts at Chant West say, following a sharp sell-off in equity markets in March in the wake of the military action in Iran.

    The Chant West team estimates that the average Australian median growth fund returned 1.1% in February, following a 0.4% gain in January.

    Big falls in March

    Funds have since swung sharply into the red, however, following military action from the US and Israel, which launched attacks on Iran in late February.

    Chant West estimates that the median super fund has already retraced 3.8% in March.

    The good news is that funds remain in positive territory so far this financial year, albeit only to the tune of about 2.5%.

    Chant West, head of superannuation investment research, Mano Mohankumar, said it was important to keep a cool head and a long-term focus when it comes to super.

    As he said:

    It’s critical for members to keep in mind that super is a long-term investment and there will inevitably be periods of market weakness through their super journey. While we recognise that members have different levels of comfort when their balance goes backwards, the majority can afford to remain patient, including many older members. A lot of Australians don’t take out all of their super as a lump sum at retirement, meaning a substantial amount is likely to remain within the super system in the pension phase, often for many years. In reality, their investment horizon is longer than they might think. 

    Avoid trying to time the market

    Mr Mohankumar said it was also important not to make rash decisions at times of share market volatility.

    When markets fall sharply, some people consider moving to lower-risk options or cash, with a view to moving back later, generally out of fear or as an attempt to time the market. Far more often than not, that approach results in poorer long-term outcomes than if they stay the course. Not only do they crystalise their losses, but also risk missing part or all of the subsequent market rebound. We would encourage those members who are thinking of switching options to see a financial adviser.

    Mr Mohankumar said super funds delivered strong results in each of the previous three financial years: 9.2% in FY23, 9.1% in FY24, and 10.4% in FY25.

    He said such high returns should not be expected every year.

    Chant West said that since the introduction of compulsory super in July 1992, the median growth fund has returned 8% per year.

    The post How much damage have recent share market falls done to superannuation balances? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • ASX nears correction territory. Is this the start of a bear market?

    A close up of a man with wide open eyes and wide open mouth holding his head and reacting in shock and surprise to some share market news.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is under pressure again on Monday, with the market sliding closer to correction territory.

    At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is down around 1.4% to 8,299 points, extending its recent decline. The index is now approaching a 10% fall from its recent peak, which is typically considered a market correction.

    Let’s take a closer look at what is driving the sell-off and whether there’s more pain ahead.

    Global risks rattle investor confidence

    One major factor behind the weakness is the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

    Over the weekend, developments involving the United States and Iran added fresh uncertainty to global markets. Reports of potential military escalation and threats to key oil supply routes have pushed investors into a more cautious stance.

    This has already flowed through to global markets. US indices ended last week lower, with tech stocks leading the decline. The Nasdaq is now also nearing correction territory after a sharp pullback in recent weeks.

    This has also weighed on the local market, with investors rotating out of equities and into safer assets such as bonds.

    Energy rises, but most sectors fall

    Looking across the ASX today, the selling has been broad, with most sectors in the red.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) has been among the hardest hit, falling around 3.2%, reflecting weakness across mining stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) is also under pressure, down roughly 1.4%, while the S&P/ASX 200 Real Estate Index (ASX: XRE) has dropped close to 2%.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ), which carries a heavy weighting in the index, is also lower, down about 0.8%. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) and the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) have also edged lower, pointing to widespread weakness across the market.

    One of the few areas showing strength is the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ), which is up slightly, gaining around 0.1% on higher oil prices.

    Is this the start of a bear market?

    While the recent move has been significant, it is important to keep it in context.

    A correction is typically defined as a fall of 10% or more, while a bear market usually involves a decline of 20% or more. At this stage, the ASX 200 is approaching the first threshold but remains well short of the second.

    Market pullbacks are also a normal part of investing. Even in long-term bull markets, corrections occur from time to time.

    That said, if geopolitical tensions escalate further or global growth expectations weaken significantly, the sell-off could deepen.

    What should investors watch next?

    From here, investors should keep a close eye on global developments.

    Oil prices, interest rate expectations, and moves in US markets are likely to remain key influences on the ASX. If things start to calm down, sentiment could improve, but further shocks may keep markets on edge.

    Periods like this can also create attractive opportunities for long-term investors.

    The post ASX nears correction territory. Is this the start of a bear market? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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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.

  • Which media company’s shares are on the slide after big legal news?

    Two little boys playing with helmets dressed up in suits.

    Shares in ARN Media Ltd (ASX: A1N) are trading lower on Monday after the company said former employee, shock jock Kyle Sandilands, had lodged a legal claim against the company.

    Sandilands, half of the long-running The Kyle and Jackie O Show, has been off air since a falling out with co-host Jacqueline Henderson on February 20.

    ARN Media said earlier this month that Henderson later gave notice that she “cannot continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands.”

    At the time, ARN Media said it had terminated its agreement with Henderson, while offering her the possibility of another show on the network.

    ARN also said on March 3 it had written to Sandilands, saying “that it considers that Mr Sandilands’ behaviour during the show on 20 February 2026 is an act of serious misconduct which is in breach of ARN’s services agreement with Quasar Media, under which Mr Sandilands presents The Kyle and Jackie O Show“.

    Sandilands was given 14 days “to remedy this breach”.

    Contract terminated

    ARN said last week that it had now issued a notice of termination of contract to Sandilands and his company, Quasar Media, and as a result, The Kyle and Jackie O Show will no longer be presented.

    Sandilands said at the time that he didn’t accept the termination and would take ARN to court.

    Sandilands hits back

    On Monday, ARN confirmed that a legal claim against it had been lodged.

    As the company said:

    The proceedings have been filed in the Federal Court against ARN and Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation Pty Ltd (CBC), a subsidiary of ARN which is the licence holder for KIIS 1065 Sydney and contracted with Mr Sandilands and his services company. Unsealed copies of Court documents in respect of the proceedings were served on CBC on 20 March 2026 after market close. In summary, the applicants claim the termination of Mr Sandilands’ contract was invalid on the basis they allege that there was no act of serious misconduct or breach of contract, and that the termination was unconscionable under the Australian Consumer Law. The applicants seek an order for specific performance of two contracts, payment of whatever amounts are due and payable under the contracts at the time of judgment, and damages.

    ARN said it disputed the claims and intended to defend the proceedings.

    Sandilands’ contract is worth $100 million and was due to run for 10 years until 2034.

    His contract alone is not far off the entire worth of ARN, which was valued at $103.3 million at the close of trade on Friday.

    ARN shares were trading 4.5% lower on Monday at 31.5 cents.

    The post Which media company’s shares are on the slide after big legal news? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Arn Media right now?

    Before you buy Arn Media shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Arn Media wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • BHP shares crash 21% in March so far: Time to sell up?

    Investor looking at falling ASX share price on computer screen.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are trading another 2.5% lower early on Monday morning. At the time of writing, the miner’s shares are changing hands for $46.30 a piece. 

    Today’s slump means the share price has now crashed 21.5% so far in March. But BHP shares are still up 1.2% for the year-to-date and are trading 17.8% above trading levels seen this time last year.

    What happened to BHP shares in March?

    BHP shares spiked at an all-time high of $59.25 earlier this month on the 2nd of March after the mining giant reported an impressive half-year earnings result. On the bottom line, BHP achieved a 22% increase in underlying NPAT and hiked its fully-franked interim dividend to 73 US cents (AU$1.03) per share, up 30% in Aussie dollar terms and up 46% in US dollar terms.

    The company’s share price hiked nearly 18% after the announcement but sank just as quickly with several announcements and market updates acting as strong headwinds for the miner’s stock. 

    Soaring geopolitical uncertainty as the US and Israeli war against Iran continues to intensify, has frightened investors and raised concerns about the outlook and expectations for commodities. 

    Meanwhile, there have been recent reports that BHP’s Queensland mines can no longer compete for investment and that the company is receiving no returns from the projects. 

    BHP’s shares also went ex-dividend in the first week of March. When a company’s shares trade ex-dividend, it means the rights to the upcoming dividend have been settled. It’s common for buying activity to cool around this time.

    In mid-March, the BHP announced that its CEO, Mike Henry, is stepping down. Australia’s biggest miner reported that Brandon Craig will become its new CEO and director on the 1st of July. News of the reshuffle spooked investors and sent the share price further south.

    Is this a signal for investors to sell their BHP shares?

    Sentiment might have turned quickly for BHP’s this month, but it doesn’t mean it’s time to flee from the mining giant’s shares.

    TradingView data shows that the majority of analysts are still neutral on BHP shares. Of 20 analysts, 11 rate the mining giant’s stock as a hold, and 7 have a buy or strong buy rating. 

    Another two have a sell or strong sell rating on BHP shares. 

    The average target price is currently $52.94 per share, which, after this month’s crash, implies a 14% upside at the time of writing. 

    Although some analysts are bullish that the shares could climb 47% to $68.22 a piece this year. And others think the stock could shed 36% and tumble to $34.11.

    The post BHP shares crash 21% in March so far: Time to sell up? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BHP Group right now?

    Before you buy BHP Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BHP Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

    A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements

    With so many shares to choose from on the Australian share market, it can be difficult to decide which ones to buy. The good news is that brokers across the country are doing a lot of the hard work for you.

    Three top ASX shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why they are bullish on them:

    Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

    According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this appliance manufacturer’s shares with a trimmed price target of $37.10. The broker has been looking at industry data and believes it points to an outperformance compared to peers. It notes that this is being driven by growth from its coffee business, as well as new products and new markets. Macquarie believes that this supports its forecast for annual growth of 10%+ through to FY 2028. The Breville share price is trading at $25.85 on Monday morning.

    Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

    Another note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have upgraded this investment platform provider’s shares to an outperform rating with a reduced price target of $92.25. Macquarie has become bullish on Hub24 following a recent material derating on concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) disruption and broader Middle East conflict-related selling. It notes that this has left its shares trading at a sizeable discount to five-year average multiples. The broker believes that this has created a buying opportunity for investors and expects Hub24 to continue to take market share over the next one to two years. The broker thinks AI disruption concerns are overblown and is expecting Hub24 to deliver annual earnings growth of more than 20% over the medium term. The Hub24 share price is fetching $78.35 at the time of writing.

    JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH)

    Analysts at Bell Potter have retained their buy rating on this retail giant’s shares with a reduced price target of $90.00. According to the note, the broker sees some defensiveness in JB Hi-Fi with the semi-discretionary characteristics as stretched consumer wallets take a larger share in technology products. As a result, it retains its view of JB Hi-Fi as one of the key preferences within its sector coverage. Bell Potter also highlights that the company’s shares are trading at an 18-month low on a ~17x estimated FY 2026 earnings. As a result, it sees valuation support considering the relative defensiveness and margin levers in the business model. The JB Hi-Fi share price is trading at $71.86 on Monday.

    The post Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Breville Group Limited right now?

    Before you buy Breville Group Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Breville Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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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 positions in and has recommended Hub24 and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why is the ASX 200 down so much on Monday?

    A disappointed female investor sits in front of her laptop and puts her hand to her forehead and closes her eyes in disappointment over share price falls.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is kicking of the week with a whimper.

    In morning trade on Monday, the benchmark Aussie index is down 1.6% at 8,294 points.

    The ASX 200 isn’t getting any help from the two biggest listed Aussie stocks either. BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are down 2.6%, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are down 1.1% today.

    Taking a look at some of the key sectors, the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) is down 1.6% while the gold miners are doing it tougher. Amid ongoing pressure on the gold price, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) is down 6.1%.

    As you might expect with the global oil price surge, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) is one of the few bright points, up 0.2%. Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are up 0.8%.

    Here’s what’s happening.

    Why is the ASX 200 tumbling today?

    The Aussie stock market is following US markets lower today.

    On Friday, the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) closed down 1.5%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) ended the day down 2%.

    US and ASX 200 investor concerns are mounting that the war in Iran could spread deeper into the Middle East, with no clear endpoint in sight.

    This sees the Brent crude oil price trading at US$112 per barrel today, up more than 84% since 1 January. That, in turn, is fuelling concerns that the resulting inflation will see central banks like the US Federal Reserve turn to raising interest rates in 2026 rather than cutting them as markets have long been pricing in.

    And US President Donald Trump didn’t ease those concerns, when over the weekend he threatened that the US will “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the nation doesn’t reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping route within 48 hours.

    What are the experts saying?

    Commenting on the selling pressure on the ASX 200 and global stock markets, Stephen Miller, an investment strategy adviser at GSFM in Sydney, said (quoted by The Australian Financial Review), “Markets are starting to wake up to the fact that even if this conflict gets resolved or de-escalates, the impact on oil markets will be longer lasting.”

    Miller pointed to the 0.10% increase in US Treasury yields as indicative to rising bets on a looming Fed interest rate increase.

    “The US bond market finally had a big meltdown,” he said. “It’s telling you that [investors] are starting to get worried about the ongoing inflation impacts of higher oil prices.”

    Then there’s all the uncertainty thrown up by the open-ended Iran war. There are a few things that equity markets like less than uncertainty.

    “The current state of affairs are certainly, I think, more uncertain than I can remember. I think there is, to some degree, more uncertainty now than there was in COVID,” Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) CEO Dig Howitt said (quoted by the AFR).

    Howitt noted:

    At least COVID, we sort of knew after the first month or so … what we were dealing with. Here, I think we’re still not quite sure exactly what we’re dealing with and what the flow-on implications and impacts are.

    With today’s intraday losses factored in, the ASX 200 remains up 4.4% over 12 months.

    The post Why is the ASX 200 down so much on Monday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Where I’d invest $10,000 into ASX growth shares on this painful day for the stock market

    Purple tech growth chart.

    It’s a rare time when ASX growth shares collectively go through a significant bump in their valuations. Today is one of those days when the stock market is hit.

    The market is understandably nervous about events in the Middle East and what might happen this week. As unsettling as that is, investors can still make investment decisions with their portfolios.

    If I were going to invest $10,000 today – and I am planning to put money to work today (into ASX dividend shares for passive income) – the ASX growth shares I’d buy today would be the following.

    Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA)

    I regularly like to say that we should only invest in ASX shares that we’d be happy to invest more in if they declined in price. Both of my ASX growth share ideas are ones I’ve already put real money into, and I’d definitely buy more of.

    Tuas is a rapidly growing Singaporean telecommunications company that is seeing pleasing expansion of its financials.

    In FY25, the business reported revenue growth of 29% to $151.3 million, and operating profit (EBITDA) grew by 38% to $68.4 million. This shows both the strength of its growth in Singapore and the operating leverage the business is delivering, leading to rising profit margins.

    In the AGM update, the company reported that its active mobile subscribers increased 20% year over year to 1.34 million, while active broadband services increased 41% quarter over quarter to 36,200.

    With ongoing market share wins, a great value offering for customers, improving profit margins, an upcoming profit-boosting acquisition (M1), and the potential to expand internationally, I think this ASX growth share is one to watch.

    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

    Temple & Webster is a leading online retailer of furniture and homewares, selling hundreds of thousands of items.

    The company has suffered a dramatic sell-off this year, despite achieving the most revenue and the biggest market share in its history.

    I like that the ASX growth share is prioritising growth over short-term profitability because scale advantages will come with their own benefits in the coming years, including lower fixed costs as a percentage of revenue, better terms with suppliers, and a bigger marketing budget.

    The business is benefiting from structural growth as more people shop online. The market share of homewares and furniture that’s transacted online has reached 20%. The UK has reached around 30%, suggesting further potential growth ahead for Australian online retail.

    I’m also excited about the home improvement product segment of the business. It’s just a small part of the overall company at this stage, but it grew revenue by 47% in the first half of FY26 to $30 million (with private label penetration reaching 25%). This could become increasingly important in the coming years if it continues growing much faster than the rest of the business.

    I think this ASX growth share has a lot of potential, and it’s significantly undervalued on a long-term basis.

    The post Where I’d invest $10,000 into ASX growth shares on this painful day for the stock market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Tuas Limited right now?

    Before you buy Tuas Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Tuas Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • Here’s the latest earnings forecast out to 2030 for NAB shares

    A group of five people dressed in black business suits scrabble in a flurry of banknotes that are whirling around them, some in the air, others on the ground as some of them bend to pick up the money.

    Owning National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares could be a compelling choice this year because of how the economic situation is developing.

    The ASX bank share‘s earnings are fairly exposed to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cash rate.

    Generally, a higher RBA cash rate means NAB can earn a higher net interest margin (NIM) from lending out money that it doesn’t pay much/any interest on (such as transaction accounts). However, a higher rate could mean a higher risk of loan arrears and bad debts.

    It’s uncertain at this stage how high inflation and interest rates will go. But, these are latest forecasts for earnings from broker UBS on where NAB’s earnings could change, which includes analysis on the latest quarterly update from the bank.

    FY26

    After seeing a record quarterly result in the first quarter of FY26, broker UBS decided to increase its earnings per share (EPS) estimates for FY26 by 2.8%, for FY27 by 2.1% and for FY28 by 0.8%, largely driven by an improving NIM and reduced credit charges in FY26 and FY27.

    NAB’s FY26 first quarter earnings increased 16% year-over-year to $2.02 billion, while underlying profit rose by 11% year-over-year.

    UBS noted that NAB’s NIM improved by 2 basis points (0.02%) to 1.8% over the quarter, supporting strong net interest income (NII) growth on the back of loan growth. NAB’s total loans and acceptances (GLAs) rose by 6%.

    Costs were largely flat compared to the second-half quarterly average, but up 5% year-over-year because of tech spending and staff inflation.

    UBS also said that NAB’s business lending was progressing more profitably its than peers, excluding Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

    The broker thinks investors will focus on continued cost management, as well as loan growth with how the market treats the NAB share price.

    UBS currently estimates that NAB could generate net profit of $7.5 billion in FY26.

    FY27

    The profit is expected to continue rising in the subsequent financial years.

    In the 2027 financial year, NAB is projected to generate $7.7 billion of net profit.

    FY28

    UBS expects that NAB could deliver further net profit growth in the 2028 financial year, with net profit rising to $8 billion.

    FY29

    The 2029 financial year could see further growth in net profit, with earnings rising to $8.7 billion.

    FY30

    In the 2030 financial year, NAB could see net profit climb again in the final year of this series of projections, with earnings potentially climbing to $9.2 billion.

    The post Here’s the latest earnings forecast out to 2030 for NAB shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in National Australia Bank Limited right now?

    Before you buy National Australia Bank Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and National Australia Bank Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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.