Author: therawinformant

  • Why I think this ASX 200 rally is fake

    Street signs stating 'Winners' and 'Losers' in front of urban backdrop

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is rallying hard today. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is up a hefty 4.10% and back over 5,954 points.

    As of yesterday, ASX 200 shares were down more than 7% since last Wednesday. But now it seems whatever brought this panic about has suddenly abated. Hallelujah… right?

    Don’t get me wrong, I’m an investor who enjoys seeing ASX shares rise. Rising shares normally translates into rising wealth for me and anyone else who is invested in the ASX share market.

    But this ASX market rally today has got me worried.

    To understand what’s occurring, let’s look at the could-be reasons for the market’s rally. We can never be absolutely certain with these things, but signs point to the announcement by the US Federal Reserve overnight as the primary catalyst for today’s market moves.

    Risk-on, risk-off for ASX market rally

    According to reporting in the Australian Financial Review (AFR), last night (our time), the US Fed announced that it will be buying corporate bonds on the secondary bond market. In English, this means that the US central bank is now purchasing the debt of individual companies on the bond markets.

    Now, this state of play is highly unusual, if not unprecedented. Normally, central banks like the Fed have stuck with tinkering in the government bond markets. This does have an impact on financial markets, albeit not directly. But buying bonds of individual companies do. Normally, a company’s debt is priced using a classic risk and reward market mechanism. ‘Safer’ companies offer less interest on their debt, and ‘risky’ companies more. If no one wants to pay for a company’s debt, it could be the start of bankruptcy.

    But the Fed stepping in and buying up corporate bonds immediately distorts the normal market operation. In my opinion, it signals to companies that they don’t have to worry about being prudent with their capital. It gives hope that the government will always be there to lend them money. Of course, investors (both in the USA and Australia) are cheering this on and sending ASX shares up today.

    But I don’t think it’s a cause for celebration. Historically, government intervention in financial markets doesn’t end well. We have a market for a reason – it’s the most efficient (although not completely) mechanism to regulate risk and reward on the bond markets and price and value on the share markets. Messing around with these mechanisms may bring a short-term sugar hit for asset prices, but I see it as a long-term problem.

    I’m still investing in ASX shares, of course. History has also taught us that trying to move your money around based on what you think might happen is fraught with danger. But I’m not excited about the Fed buying corporate debt. And I’m certainly not cheering today’s ASX market rally as a result.

    That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be looking for ASX shares though! Try the 5 named below as a start.

    5 stocks under $5

    We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Altium or Afterpay when they were first recommended by The Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true.

    And while Altium and Afterpay have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $5 a share!

    *Extreme Opportunities returns as of June 5th 2020

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    The post Why I think this ASX 200 rally is fake appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

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  • Risk on; AUD shoots through 0.69 US cents

    Risk on; AUD shoots through 0.69 US centsPosted by OFX AUD – Australian Dollar The Australian dollar rallied overnight having slipped back below 0.68 US cents throughout the domestic session. Risk assets suffered early as investors grappled with reports out of the US and Beijing citing new coronavirus hotspots. In the US 20 states recorded an increase in the … Continue reading "Risk on; AUD shoots through 0.69 US cents"The post Risk on; AUD shoots through 0.69 US cents appeared first on .

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  • Is Exela Technologies, Inc. (XELA) A Good Stock To Buy?

    Is Exela Technologies, Inc. (XELA) A Good Stock To Buy?The latest 13F reporting period has come and gone, and Insider Monkey is again at the forefront when it comes to making use of this gold mine of data. We at Insider Monkey have plowed through 821 13F filings that hedge funds and well-known value investors are required to file by the SEC. The 13F […]

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  • Hedge Funds Distancing Themselves From Marathon Oil Corporation (MRO)

    Hedge Funds Distancing Themselves From Marathon Oil Corporation (MRO)In this article we will check out the progression of hedge fund sentiment towards Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE:MRO) and determine whether it is a good investment right now. We at Insider Monkey like to examine what billionaires and hedge funds think of a company before spending days of research on it. Given their 2 and […]

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  • Here’s How Much Investing $1,000 In MGM Resorts Stock Back In 2010 Would Be Worth Today

    Here's How Much Investing $1,000 In MGM Resorts Stock Back In 2010 Would Be Worth TodayInvestors who owned stocks in the 2010s generally experienced some big gains. In fact, the SPDR S&P 500's (NYSE: SPY) total return for the decade was 250.5%. But there's no question some big-name stocks did much better than others along the way.MGM's Difficult Decade: One underperformer of the last decade was casino operator MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM).The first big headlines of the 2010s for MGM was China's 2014 crackdown on gambling corruption in Macau, China. MGM Resorts has a 56% ownership stake in MGM China and its subsidiaries MGM Cotai and MGM Macau.In addition, MGM reduced its debt by more than $4 billion in 2016 when it spun off 10 of its U.S. casino properties into a new real estate investment trust called MGM Growth Properties LLC (NYSE: MGP).MGM shares started the 2010s trading at $9.73 and spent the first three-plus years of the decade trading mostly in a wide range between around $9 and $16. MGM shares then went on a tear starting in 2013, peaking at $28.75 in early 2014 before the Macau crackdown derailed the rally.From there, MGM spent the two years drifting steadily lower, eventually bottoming at $16.18 in early 2016. The stock finally broke out to the upside in late 2016. MGM ultimately peaked at $38.41 in early 2018, its high point of the decade.2020 And Beyond: MGM shares were hammered in early 2020 when casinos were shut down due to COVID-19, and the stock dropped to as low as $5.90, its low point of the past decade. While the stock has since rebounded to around $19, it has still delivered underwhelming overall performance over the past 10 years.In fact, $1,000 worth of MGM stock in 2010 would be worth about $1,700 today, assuming reinvested dividends.Looking ahead, analysts expect MGM's struggles to continue in the coming months. The average price target among the 19 analysts covering the stock is $18, suggesting 5.7% downside from current levels.Related Links:Here's How Much Investing ,000 In Adobe Stock Back In 2010 Would Be Worth Today Here's How Much Investing ,000 In Marathon Oil Stock Back In 2010 Would Be Worth TodaySee more from Benzinga * More Las Vegas Casinos Reopen, Demand 'Still Appears Low' * 'Long Lines And Packed Flights': Casino Stocks Rise Following Vegas Reopening * Las Vegas Casinos Reopen This Week, And Here's What Investors Should Expect(C) 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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  • Zynerba Pharmaceuticals Inc (ZYNE): Hedge Funds Are Nibbling

    Zynerba Pharmaceuticals Inc (ZYNE): Hedge Funds Are NibblingThe latest 13F reporting period has come and gone, and Insider Monkey is again at the forefront when it comes to making use of this gold mine of data. Insider Monkey finished processing 821 13F filings submitted by hedge funds and prominent investors. These filings show these funds' portfolio positions as of March 31st, 2020. […]

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  • Analysts Say These 3 Stocks Are Their Top Picks for Post-Pandemic Gains

    Analysts Say These 3 Stocks Are Their Top Picks for Post-Pandemic GainsIt looks like we’re back to a market roller coaster. The first question, of course, is what spooked investors? After two weeks of mass protests devolving into riots, the coronavirus spiked again – but this time, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin has said that in light of recent experience, there will be no further lockdowns imposed from the Federal level, and even in blue states, public pressure is mounting to reopen economies.Credit Suisse US equity strategist Jonathan Golub sees last week’s slide as a pullback, nothing more. He notes, “…the factors that boosted the market in recent weeks are still almost entirely in place: a flood of liquidity from the Fed, what’s expected to be better incoming economic data, and consumers and corporations adjusting to life and business in a coronavirus world. Together, they point to improving corporate earnings and justify high valuation multiples.”In line with Golub’s upbeat look at the market’s forward prospects, Credit Suisse’s stock analysts have been publishing their Top Picks for the rest of the year. We’ve used the TipRanks database to unpack the details on three compelling stocks – each with substantial upside potential.TreeHouse Foods (THS)First up is TreeHouse Foods, a $2.6 billion food processing company based in Illinois. The company markets private label brands in a wide range of food products – pasta, baby food, dairy, snacks – to a worldwide customer base. TreeHouse’s niche is secure, and the essential nature of the company’s products allowed it to weather the coronavirus storm.In the first quarter THS showed positive earnings that beat the forecast. The company reported 37 cents EPS, against estimates of 32 cents. Revenues, too, were above expectations at $1.08 billion. While the Q1 revenues were down sharply from Q4, that was part of the expectation – historically, THS’ lowest-earning quarter is the calendar first.Robert Moskow covers this stock for Credit Suisse, and rates it a Buy. His $60 price target suggests a potential upside of 25% in the coming year. (To watch Moskow's track record, click here)Backing his stance, Moskow writes of fours points that indicate strength for the stock. His first two points are particularly worth noting: “1) Retail tracking data indicates private label food and beverage grew 22% in the 4- weeks ending April 4, which outpaced branded growth of 19%; 2) We estimate at least 80% of TreeHouse’s categories are geared toward stronger at-home food consumption, especially pasta, broth, single-serve coffee, and snacks…” Overall, THS shares have a Strong Buy rating from the analyst consensus, showing that Wall Street agrees with Moskow’s assessment. The rating is based on 8 Buys and 2 Holds set in the past month. TreeHouse shares are selling for $48.08, and the average price target, at $57.25, is almost as bullish as Moskow’s, implying an upside of 19% this year. (See TreeHouse stock analysis on TipRanks)Delta Airlines, Inc. (DAL)Next up is the world’s second largest airline, Delta. Delta boasts a $19.5 billion market cap and ended 2019 with $47 billion in annual revenue. Despite the heavy hit the travel industry has taken due to the coronavirus pandemic, Delta’s position is secure. The company operates nine US hubs and several regional subsidiaries. This firm foundation will allow the company to rebound as the pandemic restrictions are, hopefully, lifted in 2H20.Delta managed to beat the earnings expectations in Q1, reporting at 51-cent loss per share, instead of the 72 cents forecast, but that is expected to deepen in the second quarter, to more than $4.To meet the crisis, Delta made moves back in March to shore up its liquidity. This has been a priority in the airline industry, as expenses remain – aircraft maintenance, fuel, labor, etc. – but revenues are far, far, down. Delta drew $3 billion from its revolving credit facility back in March, and in April announced both a $1.5 billion issue of senior secured notes and a further $1.5 billion in a new credit facility. Delta has also suspended its share buyback and dividend programs for the time being, to preserve cash for operations.Credit Suisse’s airline expert Jose Caiado is bullish about the company’s ability to survive the current crisis. He writes, “The current Coronavirus crisis represents the most severe crisis in airline industry history, and not even the strongest balance sheets such as DAL were able to navigate it without government assistance and recapitalization. Following the latest proactive actions to shore up cash balances, we believe that DAL’s current liquidity should prove adequate to bridge to a return in demand, later in 2020.”Caiado gives DAL shares a $42 price target to back his Buy rating, implying a one-year upside of 38%. (To watch Caiado’s track record, click here)Delta’s Strong Buy analyst consensus rating comes from 11 reviews, breaking down to 9 Buys and 2 Holds. DAL shares have an average price target of $38, indicating a possible premium of 25% from the $30.46 current share price. (See Delta stock analysis on TipRanks)KBR, Inc. (KBR)Houston-based KBR is primarily a government contractor. The company, which provides, construction, engineering, and support services for public sector, energy, and petrochemical sectors around the world, is the largest private contractor hired by the US government in Iraq. KBR also holds numerous logistic contracts supporting the US military in Afghanistan.Contracting for Uncle Sam is big business, and has helped to support KBR’s earnings. The company beat the forecast in Q1, reporting a 39-cent EPS against the estimated 37 cents. KBR also reported, in Q1, an operating cash flow of $41 million and described an existing $500 million revolving credit facility as ‘essentially untapped.’Jamie Cook, in his notes on KBR for Credit Suisse, writes, “KBR’s government business offers above average earnings visibility, reflective of the long-term nature of the contracts and stable cash flow… Recently, KBR’s stock has overcorrected, in our view, despite significantly reduced and de-risked energy exposure. We believe KBR should trade more in line with the Government Services peer group rather than the energy exposed names.”Cook rates KBR shares a Buy along with a $31 price target. This shows his confidence in a 21% upside potential. (To watch Cook’s track record, click here)KBR has the distinction of a unanimous analyst consensus rating – 8 Buys give it a Strong Buy from the Wall Street analyst corps. It’s the lowest priced stock on our list here, trading at $25.67, and the $29.38 average price target implies an upside potential of 14.5%. (See KBR's stock-forecast at TipRanks)To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights.

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  • Should You Buy Fluor Corporation (FLR)?

    Should You Buy Fluor Corporation (FLR)?In this article we will check out the progression of hedge fund sentiment towards Fluor Corporation (NYSE:FLR) and determine whether it is a good investment right now. We at Insider Monkey like to examine what billionaires and hedge funds think of a company before spending days of research on it. Given their 2 and 20 […]

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  • Why the Wisr share price is surging 32% higher today

    shares higher, growth shares

    The Wisr Ltd (ASX: WZR) share price is is flying higher today after the small-cap ASX fintech released a promising trading update.

    At the time of writing, Wisr shares have rocketed 32.26% to 20.5 cents. This takes the company’s year-to-date share price gain to just over 30%.

    Wisr is an online lender that originates personal loans between $5,000 and $50,000 with 3, 5 and 7 year maturities to Australian consumers. These loans are either retained to maturity or on-sold to retail, wholesale and institutional investors.

    What did Wisr announce?

    This morning, Wisr revealed that the company has returned to pre-COVID-19 loan origination levels. Wisr attributed this to its rapid response to COVID-19 trading conditions and its low exposure to high-risk COVID-19 sectors.

    Despite the company’s tight credit policy, Wisr reported $23.1 million in new loans originated in the first two months of Q4FY20. This comprises $9.3 million in April and $13.8 million in May, which represents 48% month over month growth.

    Along with May marking a return to pre-COVID-19 loan origination levels, May also saw new records in total weekly settled loan volume.

    Wisr noted that it retains support from all of its funders, with the majority of loan originations in April and May settled into the new Wisr Warehouse. This loan facility is backed by National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) and went live at the end of November 2019.

    As at 31 May, $10.3 million or 6.7% of total portfolio loan balances are on a COVID-19 related payment referral. This comes as the company provided 395 customers (5.8%) with COVID-19 relief packages during the period 1 March to 31 May 2020. Wisr highlighted these loan deferral rates compare favourably to industry-wide deferral rates for residential mortgages and business loans.

    Hiccup in new product launch

    Additionally, Wisr reported a slight delay to the launch of its secured vehicle product. The company was poised to launch this product to market in Q4FY20, however, plans have changed in the wake of COVID-19.

    “As widely reported, the entire auto sector experienced significant disruption in April and May due to COVID-19 social distancing measures, including inability of buyers to inspect vehicles,” Wisr stated.

    As a result, Wisr will roll-out the secured vehicle product across all channels in Q1FY21 in order to maximise the impact of the launch.

    Management commentary

    Commenting on recent trading conditions, chief executive Anthony Nantes said:

    “Our key origination and risk metrics are showing that Wisr’s purpose-led model is driving growth and revenue in line with risk appetite and above management expectations.”

    “We expected a period of heightened customer hardship stemming from COVID-19. However, this impact has been very manageable in light of the Company’s very small balance sheet loan exposure, prime customer base and exceptionally low exposure to high risk sectors. We are now back to pre-COVID-19 levels for customer support requests.”

    If you’re searching for ASX growth shares primed to flourish in the long-term, don’t miss the report below.

    3 “Double Down” Stocks To Ride The Bull Market

    Motley Fool resident tech stock expert Dr. Anirban Mahanti has stumbled upon three under-the-radar stock picks he believes could be some of the greatest discoveries of his investing career.

    He’s so confident in their future prospects that he has issued “double down” buy alerts on each of these three stocks to members of his Motley Fool Extreme Opportunities stock picking service.

    *Extreme Opportunities returns as of June 5th 2020

    More reading

    The post Why the Wisr share price is surging 32% higher today appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

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  • Huawei CFO raises new argument to fight U.S. extradition in Canada court

    Huawei CFO raises new argument to fight U.S. extradition in Canada courtHuawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou is raising a new argument in a Canadian court in a bid to fight extradition to the United States on bank fraud charges, court documents released on Monday showed. Meng’s lawyers claim the case that the United States submitted to Canada is “so replete with intentional and reckless error” that it violates her rights. Meng, 48, was detained in Vancouver on Dec. 1, 2018, at the request of the United States, where she is charged with bank fraud and accused of misleading HSBC Holdings Plc about Huawei Technologies Co Ltd’s business in Iran.

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