Author: therawinformant

  • 3 top ASX dividend shares to buy now

    safe dividends

    Once reliable S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and All Ordinaries (ASX: XAO) dividend shares have come under fire, following uncertain earnings and challenging business conditions amidst the coronavirus pandemic. However, there are many dynamic businesses out there, surviving or even thriving in today’s unprecedented economic conditions.

    Here are 3 ASX dividend shares that you could add to your income portfolio. 

    1. Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) 

    Fortescue is positioned front and centre to benefit from the strong iron ore spot price and weak Australian dollar. This follows mounting supply concerns for Brazil, one of China’s biggest sources of iron ore. Brazil’s confirmed coronavirus cases have soared to more than 300,000, second only to the US. 

    From a demand perspective, Chinese steel mills have been ramping up production since April. Exhausting iron ore inventories will place further pressure on the iron ore spot price. While the Fortescue share price might be near record all-time highs, the resilient iron ore spot price and China’s commodity intensive recovery should see this continue. Fortescue currently pays a whopping 7.19% dividend yield, which may make it one of the most desirable and resilient ASX dividend shares to watch out for. 

    2. Money3 Corporation Limited (ASX: MNY) 

    Money3 provides automotive finance for the purchase and maintenance of vehicles. It estimates that approximately one in every 500 vehicles in Australia have a current Money3 loan. One in every 800 vehicles in New Zealand have a current Go Car Finance loan (the New Zealand-based auto loan company Money3 acquired in 2019). 

    In a recent conference presentation, the company provided unaudited financial results for YTD March 2020. It has so far seen a 44.4% increase in revenue and 43.6% increase in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) compared to the prior corresponding period.

    Despite the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on the Australian economy, Money3 has seen minimal impact on cash collections. It believes that government stimulus will have a positive impact on customers’ ability to continue to make payments towards their loans. It confirmed that in its New Zealand market customers continued to seek loan pre-approval during lockdown, with digital signup and contactless delivery occurring.

    The minimal impact that COVID-19 has had on Money3’s cash flows and the expected rebound in the vehicle market could make the company a very strong ASX dividend share to own. Money3 currently pays a market-leading dividend yield of 5.97%. 

    3. People Infrastructure Ltd (ASX: PPE) 

    People Infrastructure operates in the workforce management sector, providing support to 3 main industries: health and community services, information technology, and general staffing/specialist services. The company raised $17.6 million in April to provide additional balance sheet support for the period that the business impacted by COVID-19. The funds are also marked for potential future acquisition opportunities as a result of the current volatile economic situation. 

    The company provided another update to the market in May. This highlighted an expected FY20 normalised EBITDA to be in the range of $24–25 million. This would represent an approximate 35% increase on FY19 figures. It also pointed to factors that may support or increase the company’s 2020 performance. This includes continued demand for staff services across its divisions, in particular, an increase in demand for staffing in its general staffing business, a recovery in its information technology and nursing businesses. With potential tailwinds in mind, PPE also pays a 2.91% dividend yield.

    Fortescue, Money3 and People Infrastructure are leading dividend paying shares in robust sectors. If investors want to discover the cream of the crop for ASX dividend shares, check out our free report below.

    NEW: Expert names top dividend stock for 2020 (free report)

    When our resident dividend expert Edward Vesely has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, he’s the investing genius that runs Motley Fool Dividend Investor, the newsletter service that has picked huge winners like Dicker Data (+92%), SDI Limited (+53%) and National Storage (+35%).*

    Edward has just named what he believes is the number one ASX dividend stock to buy for 2020.

    This fully franked “under the radar” company is currently trading more than 24% below its all-time high and paying a 6.7% grossed-up dividend.

    The name of this dividend dynamo and the full investment case is revealed in this brand new free report.

    But you will have to hurry — history has shown it can pay dividends to get in early to some of Edward’s stock picks, and this dividend stock is already on the move.

    See the top dividend stock for 2020

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Lina Lim has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended People Infrastructure Ltd. 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.

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  • 3 ASX 200 shares to watch this week

    ASX share

    ASX 200 shares enjoyed a bumper performance last week as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) jumped 4.71% higher. There’s growing optimism about the global economy in 2020 and investors have been pouring money into shares. 

    Last week I was watching CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) and Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP).

    It was a tough week for CSL shareholders as the biotech giant’s shares slumped 5.06% to $276.22. A2 Milk shares edged 0.85% higher last week while the Stockland share price surged 16.29% higher by Friday’s close.

    After a big week for last week’s top picks, here are the 3 ASX 200 shares I’ll be keeping my eye on in the week ahead.

    3 ASX 200 shares to watch this week

    I think Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) shares are worth watching this week. The ASX 200 bank’s share price rocketed 10.41% last week after the company provided an update on COVID-19 impacts on Thursday. Bendigo reported a strong capital position, despite the pandemic, which looks to have boosted investors’ optimism. I think any share that rockets higher is worth watching to see if it continues to climb and outperform its peers or slump back to earth.

    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) shares are also on my weekly watch list. The ASX 200 travel share rocketed 15.85% higher and could be climbing even further this week. Travel restrictions continue to ease which is good news for Flight Centre’s earnings. If the good news continues here in Australia, I think the Flight Centre share price could be heading higher in 2020.

    Finally, the St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) share price is one to watch this week. The Aussie gold miner’s shares fell 1.29% last week as many of its ASX 200 peers rocketed. Gold tends to underperform when investors are bullish which was the case last week. Despite some optimism about the current environment, however, I think there could be more volatility on the way. This could bode well for St Barbara and its gold mining compatriots.

    If St Barbara isn’t the share for you right now, check out these 5 ASX shares to help build your wealth in 2020!

    NEW. The Motley Fool AU Releases Five Cheap and Good Stocks to Buy for 2020 and beyond!….

    Our experts here at The Motley Fool Australia have just released a fantastic report, detailing 5 dirt cheap shares that you can buy in 2020.

    One stock is an Australian internet darling with a rock solid reputation and an exciting new business line that promises years (or even decades) of growth… while trading at an ultra-low price…

    Another is a diversified conglomerate trading over 40% off its high, all while offering a fully franked dividend yield over 3%…

    Plus 3 more cheap bets that could position you to profit over the next 12 months!

    See for yourself now. Simply click here or the link below to scoop up your FREE copy and discover all 5 shares. But you will want to hurry – this free report is available for a brief time only.

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    More reading

    Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of A2 Milk. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. 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.

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  • Is the Woolworths share price cheap today?

    shopping trolley filled with coins, woolworths share price, coles share price

    The Woolworths Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price could be trading cheaply right now. Shares in the Aussie retailer are down 2.27% this year having hit a new 52-week high on 20 February. So, with all the volatility in the market right now, is the Aussie retailer in the buy zone?

    Is the Woolworths share price cheap today?

    I think there’s a lot to like about Woolworths right now. The group’s supermarket division is going strong as sales have surged in 2020. That continues to underpin a strong business model which is starting to look more strategically aligned by the year.

    There is the ailing pubs business that is weighing on the Woolworths share price right now: ALH Group. ALH operates 323 licensed venues and over 537 retail liquor outlets across Australia. That encompasses restaurants, bistros and other establishments. However, the coronavirus pandemic has hit that business hard as restrictions have led to temporary closures.

    However, restrictions are starting to ease and things could be looking up for Woolworths and its share price. I think it’s fair that Woolworths’ value has dropped in 2020 as the economic environment has changed. However, I think $35.34 may be a little low for a company that has traded as high as $43.96 per share in mid-February.

    But Woolworths is trading roughly on par with the Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price in 2020. That indicates to me that its supermarket performance is being valued similarly to its peers. If we compare conglomerate to conglomerate, the Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price is down 2.49% this year. 

    If we assume the market is correctly pricing in the current economy, then the Woolworths share price is trading in line with its peers. I think if restrictions continue to ease and Woolworths’ pubs business bounces back quickly, that could make the current $35.34 valuation look cheap.

    Foolish takeaway

    The Woolworths share price has been on a rollercoaster in 2020. I think the company could be undervalued right now but only if restrictions continue to beat expectations. I’m not willing to speculate at the current price given it’s trading roughly in line with its closest peers.

    If you like dividend shares like Woolworths, check out this top income pick for a solid buy today!

    NEW: Expert names top dividend stock for 2020 (free report)

    When our resident dividend expert Edward Vesely has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, he’s the investing genius that runs Motley Fool Dividend Investor, the newsletter service that has picked huge winners like Dicker Data (+92%), SDI Limited (+53%) and National Storage (+35%).*

    Edward has just named what he believes is the number one ASX dividend stock to buy for 2020.

    This fully franked “under the radar” company is currently trading more than 24% below its all-time high and paying a 6.7% grossed-up dividend.

    The name of this dividend dynamo and the full investment case is revealed in this brand new free report.

    But you will have to hurry — history has shown it can pay dividends to get in early to some of Edward’s stock picks, and this dividend stock is already on the move.

    See the top dividend stock for 2020

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of COLESGROUP DEF SET, Wesfarmers Limited, and Woolworths Limited. 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.

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  • Qantas share price lower on ACCC investigation

    Qantas

    In morning trade on Monday the Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price has hit a bit of turbulence.

    At the time of writing the airline operator’s shares are down almost 2% to $3.92.

    Why is the Qantas share price dropping lower?

    This morning the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced that it is continuing to investigate the airline’s acquisition of a 19.9% stake in Alliance Aviation Services Ltd (ASX: AQZ).

    The competition watchdog notes that Qantas acquired the stake last year, becoming Alliance’s single biggest shareholder.

    This led to the ACCC issuing a statement of issues, which set out its competition concerns with the minority stake.

    In response to queries by various stakeholders, this morning the ACCC provided the market with an update on its investigation.

    ACCC Chair Rod Sims commented: “Qantas’ decision to complete the acquisition of the 19.9 per cent stake in Alliance without first seeking ACCC clearance means this is an enforcement investigation rather than a standard merger review.”

    “The Australian aviation industry remains highly concentrated and it is crucial that competition provided by smaller airlines is maintained long-term,” he added.

    As such, the competition watchdog is looking very closely at Qantas’ shareholding.

    Mr Sims explained: “The ACCC has been closely scrutinising the effects of the acquisition of this shareholding by Qantas. Acquiring a strategic stake in a close competitor in such a concentrated market raises clear competition concerns.”

    What now?

    The ACCC’s investigation will now focus on the competitive dynamics between Qantas and Alliance. It will examine whether the stake affects Alliance’s ability to raise funds, consider takeovers, or participate in commercial ventures.

    It will also look to see whether Qantas is attempting to exert influence on Alliance’s decision-making or operations.

    “We will consider enforcement action if there is evidence that the Qantas shareholding is compromising Alliance’s ability to be a strong competitor to Qantas, now and in the future,” Mr Sims added.

    The ACCC also revealed that it isn’t keen on Qantas increasing its stake further, as it has suggested it plans to do.

     “Our current view is that any further increase in Qantas’ stake in Alliance is very likely to raise significant competition concerns under the Competition and Consumer Act,” Mr Sims concluded.

    Not sure about Qantas right now? Then the five dirt cheap shares recommended below might be the ones to buy…

    NEW. The Motley Fool AU Releases Five Cheap and Good Stocks to Buy for 2020 and beyond!….

    Our experts here at The Motley Fool Australia have just released a fantastic report, detailing 5 dirt cheap shares that you can buy in 2020.

    One stock is an Australian internet darling with a rock solid reputation and an exciting new business line that promises years (or even decades) of growth… while trading at an ultra-low price…

    Another is a diversified conglomerate trading over 40% off its high, all while offering a fully franked dividend yield over 3%…

    Plus 3 more cheap bets that could position you to profit over the next 12 months!

    See for yourself now. Simply click here or the link below to scoop up your FREE copy and discover all 5 shares. But you will want to hurry – this free report is available for a brief time only.

    CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE REPORT!

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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.

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  • 3 very reliable dividend shares to buy for income

    dividends

    The ASX is a great place to invest to boost your income with very reliable dividend shares.

    Not every ASX share with a high dividend yield is going to be a very reliable dividend share to buy.

    In my opinion, a quality dividend share is one that is able to maintain, and hopefully increase, the dividend every year including through economic issues. The coronavirus is a unique, horrible situation. Many dividend shares have cut their dividends like National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) and Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD).

    Here are three very reliable dividend shares to buy for income:

    Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) 

    I think that Soul Patts is the best option on the ASX for dividends.

    It’s an investment conglomerate that’s invested in a variety of businesses in different industries such as TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM), Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW), Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ASX: API) and Clover Corporation Limited (ASX: CLV).

    It has been going for over a century and is steadily increasing its diversification in its investments. Its latest forays include retirement living and perhaps data centres.

    Soul Patts is a very reliable dividend share. It has grown its dividend every year since 2000. It has also paid a dividend every in its listing in the early 1900s. Soul Patts currently offers a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.5%.

    APA Group (ASX: APA) 

    APA is my favourite infrastructure dividend idea. Sydney Airport and Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) are more popular but I think APA is more defensive.

    It owns a vast network of 15,000km of natural gas pipelines around Australia with a presence in every mainland state and the Northern Territory. It also owns or has interests in gas storage facilities, gas-fired power stations and renewable energy generation (wind and solar farms). APA owns, or manages and operates, a portfolio of assets worth more than $21 billion and delivers half the nation’s natural gas usage.

    I think APA Group is a very reliable dividend share. The energy giant funds its distribution from its annual cashflow. It continues to invest in new opportunities, which will hopefully increase future cashflow and therefore fund even higher distributions.

    APA has grown its distribution every year for a decade and a half. It currently offers a distribution yield of 4.3%.

    Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

    Rural Funds is a real estate investment trust (REIT) which owns a variety of farm types including cattle, cotton, almonds, macadamias and vineyards.

    All of its farms have rental indexation built into the contracts. Those increases are linked to either a fixed 2.5% increase, or CPI inflation, plus market reviews. This is a large reason why management think the distribution can keep growing by 4% per annum.

    Currently the REIT is also investing in productivity improvements at its farms. This boosts the rental potential and value of the farm.

    I think Rural Funds is a very reliable dividend share. It has increased its distribution each year since it started paying one several years ago. It currently offers a FY21 distribution yield of 5.6%.

    Foolish takeaway

    In my opinion, each of these income ideas are very reliable dividend shares. That’s why I already Rural Funds and Soul Patts in my portfolio. APA is a great option too, I just don’t think it looks as cheap as Soul Patts.

    There are some businesses in some industries which can also provide very reliable dividends in the coming years, such as these top income ideas…

    NEW: Expert names top dividend stock for 2020 (free report)

    When our resident dividend expert Edward Vesely has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, he’s the investing genius that runs Motley Fool Dividend Investor, the newsletter service that has picked huge winners like Dicker Data (+92%), SDI Limited (+53%) and National Storage (+35%).*

    Edward has just named what he believes is the number one ASX dividend stock to buy for 2020.

    This fully franked “under the radar” company is currently trading more than 24% below its all-time high and paying a 6.7% grossed-up dividend.

    The name of this dividend dynamo and the full investment case is revealed in this brand new free report.

    But you will have to hurry — history has shown it can pay dividends to get in early to some of Edward’s stock picks, and this dividend stock is already on the move.

    See the top dividend stock for 2020

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison owns shares of RURALFUNDS STAPLED and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended RURALFUNDS STAPLED and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Transurban Group. 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.

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  • Why these ASX retail shares surged over 25% in the past 2 weeks

    Man opening Walmart package in home office

    It has been a difficult time for the Australian retail industry and, ultimately, ASX retail shares over the past few months.

    The closure of retail stores has hit bricks and mortar retailers hard with store foot traffic coming to an almost grinding halt.

    Many people have temporarily lost their jobs due to the coronavirus lockdown restrictions. This has dramatically reduced consumer confidence, leading to a further slow in sales.

    However, consumers are now beginning to feel a bit more optimistic, as lockdown restrictions begin to ease.

    Retail stores are now opening and this has breathed more enthusiasm into the Australian retail industry. This has led to strong recent share price gains for ASX retail giants after many were heavily sold off.

    Here are 3 ASX retail shares that have seen strong share price growth over the past two weeks.

    Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

    Accent Group is the footwear group behind store brands such as Hype DC and Platypus.

    It has an impressive share price rise of 25.5% over the past two weeks.

    The Group had previously announced plans to progressively reopen all its stores by early May.

    Although it has suffered a significant loss of trade due to store closures during the pandemic, its online sales have surged.

    In fact, online sales soared by nearly 350% during the last two weeks of April. Also, during April, stores were progressively opened to enable a click and collect service for customers, further boosting sales.

    With lockdown restrictions now easing, and instore foot traffic looking to pick up soon, this could provide a further boost to sales in the months ahead.

    I believe that this is a significant reason why investors have been buying Accent Group’s retail shares in recent weeks.

    Baby Bunting Group Ltd (ASX: BBN)

    The Baby Bunting share price has surged around 29.3% over the past two weeks, driven in a large way by a very positive business update on 19 May.

    All its stores were able to remain open during the harsh coronavirus pandemic restrictions as its products are seen to provide an essential community service. Therefore, physical store sales were not hit as badly as many of the discretionary retailers.

    Like the Accent Group, online sales have been a recent winner for Baby Bunting.

    The company revealed that online sales for the period between 30 December 2019 and 17 May 2020, surged by a massive 66%.

    Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN)

    As purely an online retailer, Kogan hasn’t had to deal with the issues faced by bricks and mortar retailers during the coronavirus crisis.

    In fact, Kogan has seen a recent surge in online sales. Sales grew by more than 100% during the months of April.

    Profits were even more impressive during April, with gross profit growing by more than 150%.

    Consumers have been gravitating towards the online channel during the lockdown. This trend has helped to drive its retail share price higher over the past few months.

    For more share options to build your wealth outside of ASX retailers, take a look at the ones we suggest in this free report.

    NEW. The Motley Fool AU Releases Five Cheap and Good Stocks to Buy for 2020 and beyond!….

    Our experts here at The Motley Fool Australia have just released a fantastic report, detailing 5 dirt cheap shares that you can buy in 2020.

    One stock is an Australian internet darling with a rock solid reputation and an exciting new business line that promises years (or even decades) of growth… while trading at an ultra-low price…

    Another is a diversified conglomerate trading over 40% off its high, all while offering a fully franked dividend yield over 3%…

    Plus 3 more cheap bets that could position you to profit over the next 12 months!

    See for yourself now. Simply click here or the link below to scoop up your FREE copy and discover all 5 shares. But you will want to hurry – this free report is available for a brief time only.

    CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE REPORT!

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Phil Harpur owns shares of Kogan.com ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Kogan.com ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Accent Group. 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.

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  • 5 ASX 200 winners and 3 losers from last week

    abstract technology chart graphic

    Over the past week, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose 4.7%, making it one of the best weeks of the calendar year so far. There were several double-digit ASX 200 winners last week.

    The market was led early in the week by optimism about the loosening of pandemic restrictions. ASX travel and tourism shares led early in the week. The major ASX bank shares led throughout the week with some minor profit-taking on Friday.

    This is against a backdrop of continuing international tensions and warnings that Western Australia is headed into a recession. Unrest in Hong Kong likely worked to weigh the market down towards the end of the week.

    5 ASX 200 winners

    Overall, the market started to price in a return to normalcy across several sectors. While still fragile, I believe this trend is likely to continue over the coming weeks. Albeit with a few minor stumbles along the way.

    Mid-cap ASX bank share Virgin Money UK (ASX: VUK) was one of the largest ASX 200 winners last week. The company’s share price rose by 20.73% across the week from Monday’s open, carried upwards by the rally in ASX banking shares across the board. Of the banking majors, the Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ) share price rose the most at 16.17%. 

    The Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) share price rose by 19.29% over the week. The shipbuilder announced on Friday that it was increasing its full-year earnings guidance. Austal is still trading below its 10-year average price-to-earnings ratio.

    The Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) share price rose by 15.42% this week. Across the month of May, the Kogan share price shot up by an impressive 40.55%. On 15 May, the company announced it had purchased furniture outlet Matt Blatt

    Finally, the Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price rose by 13.74% over the course of the week. Over May, the company’s share price has jumped by 19.02%.

    ASX decliners

    Unlike the ASX 200 winners, large scale decliners were not common. The market appeared to decline generally across Thursday and Friday in response to global tensions. 

    One of the few ASX shares to decline by double figures was Freedom Foods Group Ltd (ASX: FNP). The company’s share price fell by 11.64% from Monday’s open, predominantly on Friday. This was in response to an announcement of falls across its revenue channels during the COVID-19 lockdown.

    Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited (ASX: SAR) fell by 7.43% over the week, likely due to profit-taking in the gold mining sector. Falls in the AUD gold price have been due to the rising Australian dollar. The US gold price remains at near record-high levels. 

    Healthcare giant and the ASX’s reigning largest company, CSL Limited (ASX: CSL), saw its share price fall by 6.74% from Monday’s opening price. With a very well-received presentation on future strategic direction, the company slumped on profit-taking on Thursday and Friday.

    And before you go, check out the expert report on 5 ASX shares likely to roar after COVID-19.

    NEW. The Motley Fool AU Releases Five Cheap and Good Stocks to Buy for 2020 and beyond!….

    Our experts here at The Motley Fool Australia have just released a fantastic report, detailing 5 dirt cheap shares that you can buy in 2020.

    One stock is an Australian internet darling with a rock solid reputation and an exciting new business line that promises years (or even decades) of growth… while trading at an ultra-low price…

    Another is a diversified conglomerate trading over 40% off its high, all while offering a fully franked dividend yield over 3%…

    Plus 3 more cheap bets that could position you to profit over the next 12 months!

    See for yourself now. Simply click here or the link below to scoop up your FREE copy and discover all 5 shares. But you will want to hurry – this free report is available for a brief time only.

    CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE REPORT!

    More reading

    Daryl Mather owns shares of Austal Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Austal Limited and CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Kogan.com ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited and Freedom Foods Group Limited. 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.

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  • AUD sees a rise following President Trump’s speech

    AUD sees a rise following President Trump’s speechPosted by OFX AUD – Australian Dollar The Aussie dollar rose against the USD last trading session to open at 0.6669 gaining some traction after a speech by President Trump about China early Saturday morning. The US President has stated that the United States will move to sanction Chinese officials over what … Continue reading "AUD sees a rise following President Trump’s speech"The post AUD sees a rise following President Trump’s speech appeared first on .

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  • Security Law Sends Hong Kong Residents Dashing for the Exit

    Security Law Sends Hong Kong Residents Dashing for the Exit(Bloomberg) — Phyllis Lam has lived in Hong Kong for 42 years. It’s where she was born, went to school, met her husband and planned to raise her two children.But like a growing number of Hongkongers disillusioned by China’s tightening grip on the city, Lam now feels she has little choice but to leave. “I have no confidence in Hong Kong’s future,” she said in an interview. “I have two young kids, so I have to plan for them.”For many in Hong Kong who’ve long feared an erosion of their freedoms under Chinese rule, last week marked a tipping point. Spurred to action by Beijing’s decision to impose controversial national security legislation on the former British colony, residents have been flooding migration consultants with questions on how to move their families overseas.“We get an inquiry every 2 to 3 minutes,” said Gary Leung, chief executive officer of Global Home, a property and migration consultancy. The firm’s client requests have swelled to about 20 times normal levels, with Taiwan and Europe among the most asked-about destinations, Leung said.With many countries still enforcing travel restrictions to fight the coronavirus, it’s too early to gauge how many Hongkongers will ultimately move out. But consultants say the odds of an eventual exodus are growing as lawmakers from the U.K., the U.S. and Taiwan signal they may ease entry requirements for some Hong Kong citizens.A wave of emigration could erode Hong Kong’s attractiveness to multinational companies, hundreds of which rely on local talent to drive their growth across the Greater China region and the rest of Asia. The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong has warned that retaining top-tier employees in the city may become more difficult.Signs that more Hongkongers are planning to leave have been increasing since last year, when a now-scrapped extradition bill sparked mass protests and violent clashes with police in the heart of the city’s central business district.While Hong Kong doesn’t publish high-frequency immigration statistics, applications for good citizenship cards — which certify a person doesn’t have a criminal record — serve as a proxy because they’re often needed to apply for foreign visas. The monthly number of applications averaged 2,935 from June 2019 to April 2020, a 50% jump versus 2018.It’s not the first time the city has faced the prospect of a brain drain. An estimated 300,000 people left between 1990 and 1994, fearing Hong Kong’s handover to China from Britain would destroy the city’s civil liberties and capitalist system. Yet predictions of Hong Kong’s demise ultimately proved unfounded, with its status as Asia’s premier financial hub only becoming more entrenched over the following two decades.Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Friday that the security law will only target “an extremely small minority of illegal and criminal acts” and that the “life and property, basic rights and freedoms of the overwhelming majority of citizens will be protected.” China’s central government has made similar remarks in the past week.Jolie Lo, an administrative executive, is among Hongkongers who plan to stay. She wants to be close to her aging parents and is wary of the challenges she might face overseas.“I may encounter other problems such as racial discrimination,” said Lo, who has studied in New York and worked in Beijing. “I won’t say I regret my decision to come back to Hong Kong. Since we are here now, we should just try our best to preserve our homes.”Read more: What Are the New Laws China Is Pushing for Hong Kong?Others see emigration as their best option. David Hui, managing director at Centaline Immigration Consultants (HK) Ltd., said his firm is now receiving as many as 100 inquiries a day from Hongkongers interested in moving to countries including Australia, the U.K. and Canada. Taiwan, Malaysia and Portugal are also becoming increasingly popular. “The national security law is definitely a push factor,” Hui said.Critics of China’s Communist Party worry that it will use the law to crack down on dissent and undermine the “one country, two systems” principle that has kept Hong Kong’s judiciary separate from the mainland’s since the 1997 handover. In a survey of 9,477 pro-democracy supporters last week by the Hong Kong Public Opinion Program, 96% said they opposed the law. Among those who said they weren’t pro-democracy, 29% opposed it and 62% supported it.“Now I fear censorship could be even more serious in Hong Kong,” said Ming, 30, who works in the art world and declined to give her surname, citing the sensitivity of the subject. “I don’t see a future here anymore, so it’s time to look for options.”Phyllis Lam and her husband, who are both holders of British National (Overseas) passports, haven’t decided yet where they’ll move. Canada is high on the list, but their top choice is the U.K. The country’s Home Office has said it may open a path to citizenship for almost 3 million Hong Kong residents who have BN(O) status.“In any case, we will send the kids away,” Lam said. “We don’t think the current environment in Hong Kong is good for them.”(Updates links under fifth paragraph.)For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.©2020 Bloomberg L.P.

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  • Why ASX iron ore miners may outperform this morning

    business men digging up dollar sign

    Our market is likely to drop this morning but there’s one group of ASX stocks that are poised to buck the downtrend.

    The futures market is predicting a 0.4% fall in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) as unbridled  violence in the US, geopolitical tensions with China and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic takes the wind out of our sails.

    The thin silver lining to the global coronavirus outbreak is that it’s pushed the iron ore price to over US$100 a tonne on the weekend.

    Can bulls fly?

    This might be enough to see the BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price, Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share price and Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price jumping higher when the market opens.

    I say “might” because there are doubts that the commodity bull run may be very short lived and that prices could start correcting as soon as next month. I wonder what is the reverse analogy of a “dead cat bounce”? Maybe “bulls growing wings”?

    But the uncertain outlook hasn’t stopped the iron ore benchmark from jumping to US$101.05, according to Bloomberg.

    Why iron ore miners may outperform still

    Our biggest iron ore rival, Brazil, is quickly becoming the epicentre of the COVID-19 crisis as it recorded another surge in new infections.

    This is anticipated to cause major disruption to ore exports from that country with Vale SA downgrading its full year shipment forecast for the commodity in April.

    At the same time, China’s industries are reopening as the country overcomes the pandemic. This is driving up demand for the steel-making ingredient.

    Chinese stimulus

    Chinese leaders have also announced a 3.6 trillion yuan ($760 billion) stimulus package to help pull its economy out of the coronavirus rut.

    While the package was smaller than what the market was hoping for, it will still bolster infrastructure construction – a key driver for iron ore demand.

    The Chinese government said expenditure on investment projects will rise by 22.4 billion yuan this calendar year to 600 billion yuan.

    Is a market correction looming?

    However, this isn’t enough to stop some experts from predicting a downturn in the iron ore price in the second half of 2020 after it hit its highest level since August last year.

    Bloomberg Intelligence expects a 34-million-ton surplus in the second half on higher supply and stagnating demand, compared to a 25-million-ton deficit in the first half.

    Other experts like Credit Suisse have also warned that we are currently in “peak tightness” and that rising output from Brazil and Australia will ease the shortage in July or August.

    Foolish takeaway

    On the other hand, it’s hard to predict what impact the COVID-19 fallout will have on Brazil over the coming weeks or months.

    There’s also the belief that China will inject another round (or three) of stimulus if its economy starts to sputter – whether from the pandemic, the trade war with the US, or both.

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    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of BHP Billiton Limited and Rio Tinto Ltd. 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 ASX iron ore miners may outperform this morning appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

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