Author: openjargon

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares closed 0.3% lower yesterday as the US and Iran continued to mull a ceasefire extension.

The market was caught off-guard by news of a major fire at one of Australia’s two oil refineries yesterday.

This will undoubtedly add pressure to the fuel supply chain and potentially add to inflation and the chances of higher interest rates.

Amid the growing global fuel crisis, brokers have indicated continuing confidence in several ASX 200 shares.

These companies received renewed buy ratings this week.

Let’s review.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

The Rio Tinto share price closed at $172.60 on Thursday, down 0.7%.

Over the past month, the ASX mining giant has lifted 11.6%.

Macquarie reiterated its buy rating on Rio Tinto stock this week.

The broker raised its 12-month price target from $168 to $183.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

The ANZ share price finished the session at $37.73, down 1.3%.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 bank share has edged 0.75% higher.

Morgan Stanley maintained its buy rating on ANZ shares this week.

But the broker shaved its 12-month price target from $37.80 to $37.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

The Xero share price closed at $81.86 yesterday, up a whopping 9%.

In an apparent rebound for the entire tech sector, Xero shares have risen 16.1% since 30 March.

UBS reiterated its buy rating on Xero shares this week.

However, the broker slashed its 12-month target from $174 to $127.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

The Paladin Energy share price closed at $14.15, up 2.6% on Thursday.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 uranium share has rocketed 27.6%.

Morgan Stanley kept its buy rating in place with a $14.45 price target this week.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

The South32 share price finished yesterday’s trading day at $4.62, down 0.2%.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 mining share has lifted 11.1%.

Morgan Stanley reiterated its buy recommendation this week.

The broker also lifted its share price target from $4.70 to $5.

Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU)

The Iluka Resources share price closed at $7.77, up 4%.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 mineral sands share has ripped 20.7%.

Morgan Stanley maintained a buy rating and raised its target from $6.70 to $7.90.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Zip was the third-strongest performer within the ASX 200 yesterday.

The Zip share price ripped 11.4% higher to $2.05 ahead of its quarterly update today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 financial share has soared 28.1%.

Citi reiterated its buy rating on the buy now, pay later provider this week.

The broker has a $2.60 price target on Zip shares.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

The Coles share price closed at $22.70, up 0.2%, yesterday.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 consumer staples share has lifted 9%.

Jefferies reiterated its buy rating this week.

The broker also raised its share price target on Coles from $23.50 to $25.50.

The post ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• In the midst of economic turmoil, what does Morgan Stanley say the ASX banks are worth?
• Is the ASX 200 tech wreck over amid a 6% rise in shares today?
• ANZ, NAB, Westpac, and CBA shares: Analysts rate 3 to sell, and 1 to buy
• Why are Zip shares flying 9% higher today?

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Jefferies Financial Group, Macquarie Group, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a subdued session and dropped into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.25% to 8,955 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fall

The Australian share market looks set to edge slightly lower on Friday despite a decent night in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 12 points or 0.15% lower this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was up 0.25%, the S&P 500 rose 0.25% and the Nasdaq climbed 0.35%.

Oil prices rise

It could be a good finish to the week for ASX 200 energy shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) after oil prices rose overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 2.1% to US$93.19 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.7% to US$89.65 a barrel. This was driven by concerns over Iran-US peace talks and the Strait of Hormuz.

Zip results

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares will be on watch today when the buy now pay later provider releases its eagerly anticipated third-quarter update. According to a note out of Citi, its analysts are expecting Zip to announce an improved US net transaction margin despite rising bad debts as a percentage of total transaction value.

Gold price edges lower

ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) could have a subdued finish to the week after the gold price edged lower overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.25% to US$4,810.9 an ounce. Inflation and rate hike fears continue to weigh on the precious metal.

Buy Netwealth shares

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) shares could be good value according to Bell Potter. In response to the investment platform provider’s quarterly update, the broker has retained its buy rating and $30.00 price target on its shares. It said: “Following the update, we have downgraded our EPS estimates -1% contained within FY27 and driven by steadier average FUA balances and take-rates. Our Buy rating is unchanged. NWL has de-rated to trade on 28x forward EBITDA consistent with prior risk off environments and compares to 33x through-the-cycle. We would expect the earnings catalysts and sentiment exposure to drive enhanced shareholder returns.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 4 ASX 200 shares newly upgraded this week
• Is the ASX 200 tech wreck over amid a 6% rise in shares today?
• Why are Zip shares flying 9% higher today?
• Interest rate rise expectations firm on jobs data as Aussie dollar hits 4-year high
• This beaten-down ASX financial share is bouncing back fast today

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

If you want to know where serious money is flowing in ASX ETFs, the leaderboard hasn’t changed.

The same trio, that combined have over $50 billion in funds under management, continues to dominate: Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS), Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS), and iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV).

Together, they form the backbone of countless portfolios, and they all gained roughly 16% in value over 12 months.

But after strong market moves and shifting global conditions, do these 3 ASX ETFs still deserve a place in your portfolio?

Let’s take a closer look.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF

This Vanguard fund remains the king of the ASX ETF market, with around $24.2 billion in funds under management. It gives investors exposure to roughly 300 of Australia’s largest companies, offering low fees, high liquidity, and a steady stream of franked dividends.

Its biggest holdings tell the story. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) sit at the top, reflecting the heavy influence of banks and miners on the local market.

That’s both a strength and a weakness. You get reliable income and exposure to Australia’s economic engine, but also concentration risk. When banks or commodities wobble, this Vanguard ASX ETF feels it.

Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF

Then there’s Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF, with around $14.4 billion under management.

This is the classic “set-and-forget” global ASX ETF. It spreads your investment across developed markets like the US, Europe, and Japan, helping reduce the home bias that many Australian investors naturally have.

At its core are global giants like Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Alphabet Inc.(NASDAQ: GOOG). These companies sit at the centre of innovation in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure.

That’s the appeal. Instead of relying on local banks or commodity cycles, you tap into global growth across multiple sectors.

iShares S&P 500 ETF

Rounding out the trio is the iShares fund, with just over $12.3 billion in funds under management.

This ETF is the purest way to own the US market through the ASX. It tracks the S&P 500 Index, giving exposure to America’s blue chips.

And once again, the top holdings dominate. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Microsoft lead the charge, highlighting the heavy tilt towards mega-cap tech.

That concentration has been a tailwind in recent years, but it also means performance is closely tied to a handful of giants.

Foolish Takeaway

So, do these 3 ASX ETFs still deserve a place? For most long-term investors, the answer is yes.

Each ETF plays a distinct role. VAS delivers income and franking benefits. VGS provides broad global diversification. IVV adds concentrated exposure to the world’s most powerful market.

The real question isn’t whether to own them. It’s how to balance them.

Because when combined thoughtfully, this trio still forms one of the strongest core portfolio foundations on the ASX. It’s built for income, growth, and long-term resilience.

The post The biggest ASX ETFs revealed – are they still buys? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 amazing ASX ETFs that are beginner-friendly
• How to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio
• 3 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for the next decade
• Has the ASX 200 or S&P 500 been a better investment this year?
• 10 years to retirement? Here’s how to build a solid income

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Apple, BHP Group, Microsoft, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Morgan Stanley has recently run the ruler over the major ASX banks and, for three of the big four, has downgraded its price targets.

Time to tread carefully

In a recent research note sent to its clients, the broker said it had a “more cautious outlook” on the banks.

As they said:

We’ve adjusted our loan growth and loan loss forecasts to reflect the initial impact of a weaker economic outlook.

The broker was not ringing the alarm bells, adding that the next reporting season “should demonstrate a continuation of recent trends: good volume growth, stable margins, no surprises on costs, and sound credit quality”.

But they said a shift in operating conditions meant the outlook for loan growth and credit quality would be important.

Their note of caution related in part to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) flagging the potential for a “stagflationary shock”, in which the economy experiences flat growth coupled with inflation.

Morgan Stanley said National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) was the most vulnerable of the big four.

As they said:

In our view, NAB is the most vulnerable of the major banks to the shift in operating conditions. At the 1H26 result, we expect close scrutiny of outlook commentary, the business lending pipeline, credit quality lead indicators, collective provision coverage … capital buffers, and capital management decisions.

Morgan Stanley has marginally reduced its price target on NAB shares from $39.80 down to $39.30.

Economic factors weighing

Overall, Morgan Stanley is expecting slower loan growth, as it said:

We believe the combination of RBA rate hikes, higher fuel costs, softer consumer sentiment, and a deterioration in business conditions point to a slowdown in loan growth. Our Macro+ team’s lead indicators suggest that housing loan growth has peaked and that business loan growth will be weaker. We have downgraded our major bank Australian housing loan growth forecasts by about 1% in FY26 and about 0.5% in FY27.

Among the other banks, Morgan Stanley has reduced its price target on Commonwealth Bank of Australia Ltd (ASX: CBA) shares by just 20 cents to $131.

They are forecasting the third-quarter profit to come in at $2.74 billion, down 1.5% compared with the average of the past two quarters.

Morgan Stanley’s price target for ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares has been reduced by 80 cents to $37, adding “we think investors are more cautious than consensus about margin trends and mortgage/SME loan growth”.

For Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), Morgan Stanley kept its price target stable at $34.40.

The post In the midst of economic turmoil, what does Morgan Stanley say the ASX banks are worth? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Forget Westpac, this ASX financials share could have 30%+ upside
• ANZ, NAB, Westpac, and CBA shares: Analysts rate 3 to sell, and 1 to buy
• Why I’d buy these ASX 200 stocks if I were a beginner
• Buy, hold, sell: Bank of Queensland, Koala, and Westpac shares
• $5,000 invested in CBA shares two years ago is now worth…

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.

It’s been a volatile stretch for two of the most closely watched ASX stocks.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) surged 8% on Thursday, extending its five-day gain to 22%, while Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) added another 3%.

Yet despite the recent bounce, both remain firmly in the red for the year. Pro Medicus is still down around 33%, while Aristocrat has slipped 15%.

Hectic? Absolutely. But for long-term investors, the bigger question is simple: has the market created opportunity in two high-quality operators?

Let’s break it down.

Pro Medicus: high-margin healthcare tech with global reach

This ASX healthcare stock sits in a rare category on the ASX — a pure-play, high-margin healthcare technology company with global scale.

Its flagship Visage platform is used by major hospitals and medical institutions to rapidly process and interpret medical imaging. That might sound niche, but it’s exactly this focus that has created its competitive advantage.

High switching costs, long contracts, and deep integration into hospital systems make its revenue base sticky and highly scalable. Once embedded, customers rarely leave.

Despite recent volatility, analysts remain constructive. Bell Potter just retained its buy rating on Pro Medicus, albeit with a slightly reduced price target of $226 (from $240). At current levels around $148.88, that implies potential upside of roughly 52% over the next 12 months.

Of course, risks remain. Valuation sensitivity is high, and any slowdown in contract wins or hospital spending could quickly weigh on sentiment. But the long-term growth story — driven by digitisation of healthcare — remains firmly intact.

Aristocrat: gaming dominance with global scale

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd is another ASX heavyweight that has found itself under pressure this year.

But beneath the share price volatility, the core business continues to deliver.

Aristocrat generates strong earnings from gaming machines, digital gaming content, and its fast-growing online segment, particularly in the US. That mix gives it exposure to both traditional casino demand and the structural growth of digital entertainment.

Importantly, underlying demand trends in US gaming remain resilient, even as sentiment has cooled.

Macquarie remains bullish on the ASX stock. The broker has maintained its outperform rating and set a $63.00 price target, implying potential upside of around 28% from current levels.

In other words, the market may be underestimating the strength and consistency of Aristocrat’s earnings engine.

There are risks, of course. Gaming is cyclical, regulation can shift, and consumer spending can fluctuate. But Aristocrat’s scale, content pipeline, and global footprint help cushion those swings.

Foolish Takeaway

Both Pro Medicus and Aristocrat have been hit by volatility this year. But neither ASX stock has lost its competitive edge.

For investors willing to look beyond short-term noise, these two ASX leaders still offer something rare: high-quality businesses trading in less-than-perfect sentiment. And that’s often where long-term opportunities begin.

The post 2 high-quality ASX stocks to buy and hold long term appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX growth shares to buy with $10,000
• Down 38% this year, is it finally time to buy low on CSL, ResMed and Pro Medicus shares?
• One ASX share to double, one yielding 11% — ASX picks for April
• 5 ASX growth shares to buy and hold for 5 years
• Down 20%, are these ASX gaming stocks ready to surge?

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

While Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares have been a successful investment over the past 12 months, its upside from here could be limited according to analysts.

For example, the team at Morgans put a sell rating and $34.06 price target on the big four bank’s shares this week, while Ord Minnett put a sell rating and $31.00 price target on them. This implies potential downside of 15% to 20%.

In light of this, investors may find better returns from other ASX financials shares. But which one?

Well, Bell Potter has named one share this week and is predicting strong returns by this time next year.

Which ASX financials share?

The share that Bell Potter is bullish on is Cuscal Ltd (ASX: CCL).

It is a licensed authorised deposit-taking institution that provides payment and regulated data services in Australia.

Bell Potter notes that the ASX financials share has announced the acquisition of Paymark for $27 million cash consideration. This will be funded through an equity raising under its existing placement capacity.

The broker is positive on the acquisition, even though it only expects it to be modestly accretive. It said:

The newest acquisition provides CCL with immediate scale into the New Zealand market without overpaying. While the accretion numbers look more modest this time, the standout takeaway is a strong execution track record and proven ability to win deals. The price equates to 5x deal forecast Paymark earnings in FY27 net of an investment program to upgrade its switch technology for $21m ending FY30. This is the total replenishment cost on $19.8m pro-forma annualised EBITDA.

We view CCL as unique in being able to clear hurdle rates and extract accretion from scale. For instance, Paymark is expected to generate $5.4m NPAT on a like-for-like basis which is lower than the historical $6.4m and equates to an FY27 ROIC of 18%. This rises to 25% following project completion and value extraction does not factor in cost synergies. The raising will keep the Group CET1 ratio in the range of 18-19% and is expected to deliver mid-single digit EPS accretion FY27. The vendor is rationalising its portfolio, and we understand the bidding process was competitive.

Major upside potential

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating on the ASX financials share with an improved price target of $5.80 (from $5.10).

Based on its current share price of $4.50, this implies potential upside of almost 30% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

The deal looks similar to 2014 SPS acquisition, with expanded customer cross-sell. There is no technology integration risk and Paymark relates to a different capability.

The post Forget Westpac, this ASX financials share could have 30%+ upside appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ANZ, NAB, Westpac, and CBA shares: Analysts rate 3 to sell, and 1 to buy
• Buy, hold, sell: Bank of Queensland, Koala, and Westpac shares
• Are Westpac and Bank of Queensland shares a buy, hold or sell?
• Why Clarity, Qantas, Universal Store, and Westpac shares are falling today
• This ASX stock is locked after a major Tuesday update

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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.4% lower on Thursday after an explosion and fire at the Geelong oil refinery.

Australia has just two oil refineries, both of which have been running full tilt since the Iran war began.

The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has created a significant energy shock, with oil and gas prices soaring.

This has sparked fears of higher inflation and further increases in interest rates in Australia.

Meanwhile, some ASX 200 shares have attracted upgrades from the experts this week.

Let’s take a look.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

The Whitehaven share price is $8.42, down 0.9% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 coal share has fallen 9%.

Morgan Stanley upgraded Whitehaven shares to a buy rating today.

But the broker shaved its 12-month price target from $9.80 to $9.75.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The Evolution share price is $13.89, down 3.9%.

Over the past month, the ASX 200 gold mining share has lifted 6%.

Morgans upgraded Evolution shares from hold to accumulate yesterday.

However, the broker reduced its 12-month target from $17.16 to $16.10.

Morgans said:

We upgrade to an ACCUMULATE (from HOLD) following recent weakness across the gold sector which we believe has uncovered value in a high-quality name, despite a strong share price reaction post the result.

The gold price fell 21% during the first three weeks of the Iran war.

The A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

The A2 Milk share price is $7.56, down 2%.

Over the past month, the ASX 200 consumer staples share has tumbled 20%.

Morgans upgraded A2 Milk shares from a hold rating to accumulate on Monday.

However, the broker lowered its share price target from $9.50 to $8.70.

This followed a trading update from A2 Milk.

Morgans said:

A2M’s FY26 earnings downgrade was due to factors largely out of its own control, being higher freight/supply chain costs associated with the conflict in the Middle East and delays getting product released (enhanced testing and customs clearance) following peer recalls.

Importantly, the demand for its products is strong.

Guidance has been revised due to supply constraints (lower sales and product mix issues dilute margins) and higher costs.

In our view, while some of the issues are one-off in nature, increased costs associated with the conflict are likely to continue into FY27.

Despite this, we still expect strong growth in FY27 given A2 Pokeno is expected to break even and new China label (CL) IF products will be launched.

Ingenia Communities Group (ASX: INA)

The Ingenia Communities share price is $4.11, up 1.1%.

Over the past month, the ASX 200 property share has eased 0.4%.

UBS upgraded Ingenia shares to a buy rating today.

The broker has a 12-month price target of $4.60.

The post 4 ASX 200 shares newly upgraded this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is the ASX 200 tech wreck over amid a 6% rise in shares today?
• Interest rate rise expectations firm on jobs data as Aussie dollar hits 4-year high
• Court approves Insignia Financial scheme: $4.80 per share for holders
• Whitehaven shares are up 80% in a year. Here’s why investors still see upside
• Whitehaven Coal announces US$900m notes issue and debt refinancing

Motley Fool contributor ass=”yoast-text-mark”>ass=”yoast-text-mark”>ef=”https://www.fool.com.au/author/TMFBronwyn/”>Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

After hitting new 52-week highs in earlier trade today, Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) shares have edged into the red.

In afternoon trade on Thursday, shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) Aussie fuel supplier are swapping hands for $33.06 apiece, down 0.2%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.3% at this same time.

Taking a step back, Ampol shares have surged 60.1% over the past 12 months, smashing the 15.4% one-year gains delivered by the benchmark index. And that’s not including the 10 cents a share in fully franked dividends the company paid to eligible stockholders over the year.

Ampol stock currently trades on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 3.0%.

And looking ahead, DP Wealth Advisory’s Andrew Wielandt believes the stock is well-positioned for more outperformance (courtesy of The Bull).

Here’s why.

Should you buy Ampol shares today?

“Ampol is Australia’s largest petrol and convenience network. It serves about three million customers a week across about 1800 branded sites,” Wielandt noted.

Citing the first reason he’s bullish on Ampol shares, he said, “Ampol is increasingly rolling out a network of unstaffed U-GO fuel sites operating 24 hours a day, which are gaining popularity.”

Then there’s the company refinery, one of just two refineries still operating in Australia.

“Ampol also owns the Lytton oil refinery in Queensland, and it was a major contributor to earnings in full year 2025,” Wielandt said.

Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) owns and operates Australia’s only other refinery. And, as you may have heard, operations at Viva Energy’s Geelong refinery in Victoria are likely to be impacted for some time by a major fire that broke out at the site last night.

Which brings us to the third reason Wielandt has a buy rating on Ampol shares.

“The convenience retail segment grew earnings in 2025 and provides the benefit of diversification,” he concluded.

What’s been happening with the ASX 200 energy stock?

It wasn’t just Ampol’s convenience retail segment that grew earnings in 2025.

The company’s fuels and infrastructure, and New Zealand segments both delivered earnings growth as well.

On a group level, Ampol shares caught investor interest with the company reporting 2025 calendar year earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $1.44 billion, up 20% from 2024.

And on the bottom line, Ampol’s underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) was up 83% to $429 million.

“The financial performance in 2025 is a high quality and broad-based result that reflects the steps taken in recent years to strengthen our delivery and increase our exposure to the more stable and growing business segments,” Ampol CEO Matt Halliday said.

The post Up 60% in a year, 3 reasons to buy Ampol shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Ampol shares just hit a multi-year high as Australia’s fuel squeeze deepens
• Why is everyone talking about New Hope, PLS and Viva Energy shares on Thursday?
• Viva Energy shares frozen as overnight refinery fire puts fuel markets on edge
• Viva Energy share price halted pending update on Geelong Refinery fire
• Oil is surging and this ASX fuel stock is one of Monday’s winners

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.

Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) shares are back in the spotlight on Thursday as the lithium comeback recovery keeps gathering pace.

In afternoon trade, the Core Lithium share price is up 8.07% to 33.5 cents after earlier touching 35 cents. That leaves the stock just below its January multi-year high of 36 cents.

The move extends what has already been a remarkable rebound, with the shares up 45% over the past month and an eye-catching 415% over 12 months.

With the stock back near its highs, buying interest is building around the Finniss restart.

Here’s what is supporting the latest move.

Finniss restart momentum keeps building

The main catalyst remains continued progress toward restarting the Finniss lithium project in the Northern Territory.

Recent updates show Core has moved beyond outlining a restart and into active execution.

The company recently reached final investment decision (FID) on the Finniss restart, with work expected to commence within weeks and first ore from the Grants deposit targeted shortly after.

The move from study work to on-site activity appears to be giving investors more confidence in the restart.

The Grants open pit offers a faster and lower-risk route back into production, while BP33 underground development continues alongside it. The staged restart lowers upfront risk while preserving the longer-term mine life opportunity.

A recent stockpile sale agreement with Glencore has also supported liquidity and helped re-establish logistics through Darwin Port. This is yet again another sign that the restart is edging closer to production.

Lithium prices are adding fuel

The commodity backdrop is also doing plenty of the heavy lifting.

Lithium carbonate prices in China have risen to around CNY 167,500 per tonne, up more than 134% over the past year.

Higher lithium prices improve the earnings outlook for Core Lithium because Finniss was one of the first Australian lithium operations to shut during the downturn.

As battery material sentiment improves, investors are now returning to lithium stocks with restart potential.

Foolish takeaway

I think today’s move reflects growing confidence that Finniss is getting closer to generating cash again.

The mix of higher lithium prices, restart progress, and the stock trading just below its January high is keeping momentum with Core Lithium.

After a 415% gain over 12 months, the easy re-rating has likely already played out.

The next move likely depends on whether management can deliver the restart on time into supportive lithium prices.

If those milestones keep landing, a move through 36 cents and into a fresh multi-year high looks very achievable.

The post This ASX lithium rocket is closing in on a multi-year breakout again appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this ASX lithium stock is charging higher after a major breakthrough
• ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities
• Why A2 Milk, BWP, Core Lithium, and Newmont shares are sinking today
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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.

Amidst broader market volatility in 2026, there have been ASX 200 stocks that have hit 52-week highs recently. 

In 2026 alone: 

• Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares are up 25% to $36.78
• Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) shares have risen nearly 33% to $238.37
• Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) have lifted 20% to $5.32

When stocks roar to new highs, it can be difficult for investors to pinpoint fair value. 

Those who have owned the shares might be considering taking their profits and seeking more opportunities elsewhere. 

Those on the outside looking in might be wondering if there is any more upside. 

Let’s look at what’s pushing these shares to 52-week highs and how experts are viewing them. 

Woolworths

Woolworths holds the largest market share in the Australian supermarket industry. 

This dominance puts it firmly in the defensive sector.

Put simply, people still need the essential goods and services Woolworths provides regardless of economic conditions. 

Investors often push into defensive positions amid global economic, political unrest, or high inflation environments. 

This year, consumers have dealt with all three, which has led to a strong performance from Woolworths shares. 

Today, it is trading at $36.80 per share, just below 52-week highs. 

So, is there any further upside?

According to 15 analyst forecasts via TradingView, it is hovering right around fair value. 

However, it’s worth noting that if inflation and interest rates continue to rise, it may continue to benefit as a defensive option. 

Macquarie

Macquarie provides banking, financial, advisory, investment, and fund management services across 34 markets globally.

It is charging even higher today, hitting a fresh 52-week high around $239. 

This growth has been driven by strong financial results and good market momentum. 

Based on 13 analyst ratings via TradingView, Macquarie Group shares are also close to fair value. 

Of these forecasts, the lowest is just 8% lower than current levels, while the highest is $270 per share. 

If they were to reach that price, it would be a further 13% rise. 

Telstra

Telstra shares have benefited from the same defensive attributes as previously discussed for Woolworths. 

It is Australia’s largest and longest-running provider of telecommunications and information products and services. 

This means its earnings are largely tied to essential services. 

It also has a reputation as one of Australia’s most reliable dividend shares.

Today, shares are trading at approximately $5.33 each, just below recent 52-week highs. 

Based on 13 analyst ratings on TradingView, there is limited further upside, with the average price target at $5.26. 

The post Are these ASX stocks hitting 52-week highs a buy, hold, or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Macquarie shares soar 21% to a 52-week high: Buy, sell or hold?
• How to invest $300 a month in Australian shares to target a $50,000 annual second income
• The ASX shares I’d buy for passive income in April and beyond

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