Author: therawinformant

  • Saudi Arabia Moved $40 Billion in Reserves to Sovereign Fund

    Saudi Arabia Moved $40 Billion in Reserves to Sovereign Fund(Bloomberg) — Saudi Arabia transferred 150 billion riyals ($40 billion) from its central bank to its sovereign wealth fund as it went on an investment spree seeking to take advantage of recent market turmoil.The transfers from the kingdom’s foreign-currency reserves to its Public Investment Fund were made in March and April on an “exceptional” basis, and will “strengthen the investment capacity of the fund,” Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said in a statement published by the official Saudi Press Agency on Friday.The move comes as the world’s largest crude exporter faces exceptional fiscal pressure from a crash in global oil markets. Al-Jadaan said the central bank transfer contributed to a historic drop in Saudi Arabia’s net foreign assets, which fell at the fastest rate in two decades in March, and will also have an impact on April’s central bank data, expected to be released on Sunday.“This procedure was taken after comprehensive study and taking into consideration the sufficient level for foreign-currency reserves,” Al-Jadaan said. The PIF has an “important role in diversifying and strengthening economic growth,” he said, noting that the fund’s investment returns “will be available to support public finances if needed.”A regulatory filing earlier this month showed that the sovereign fund has spent billions of dollars this year buying equities, including stakes in cruise operator Carnival as well as BP Plc, Boeing Co., Citigroup Inc and Facebook Inc.READ MORE: Saudi Arabia Wealth Fund Buys Boeing, Citi, Disney StakesIn his statement on Friday, Al-Jadaan said the fund was capitalizing on “a range of investment opportunities that presented themselves in light of the current circumstances global financial markets are passing through.”The news of the fund’s buying spree abroad coincided with the government cutting back on spending at home. Al-Jadaan has said that the kingdom will need to trim expenses this year to redirect resources to health care and supporting businesses as the coronavirus pandemic hobbles economic growth.Earlier this month, the government cut back state worker allowances and announced it will triple a value-added tax, shocking citizens and business owners. Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy is expected to contract this year for the first time in three decades.READ MORE: Saudi Arabia Triples VAT, Cuts State Allowances Amid Crisis (2)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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  • How to be an ASX 200 share millionaire in 15 years

    $1 million with fireworks and streamers, millionaire, ASX shares

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has been on a rollercoaster in 2020 but it could be the perfect time to be an ASX 200 share millionaire.

    A number of blue-chip shares have been smashed lower but I think there are good buying opportunities. Here’s how to make your millions from buying and holding high-quality shares for decades.

    How to be an ASX 200 share millionaire in 15 years

    Dividend yields can be a little bit misleading in times like these. However, I think any dividend cuts will be temporary while valuations have slumped lower.

    If we look at a traditional valuation method of discounted cash flows, one year of lost earnings should only lower ASX 200 prices by 10% or so.

    However, there are some absolute bargain shares trading much lower than that right now. 

    Some of the Aussie real estate investment trusts (REITs) could be the key to becoming a millionaire in 15 years. REITs like Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) are down almost 42% in 2020 and are yielding 9.50% at the time of writing.

    National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares have slumped 27.91% this year amid the coronavirus pandemic triggering a bear market.

    NAB shares are yielding 6.01% and just posted a $1.4 billion half-year profit. I think the ASX company can continue to churn out strong dividends. That income could quickly compound if reinvested and make you a millionaire within 15 years.

    For some retail exposure, Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) shares are down 22% in 2020. The Aussie retailer’s shares are yielding 9.70% today and could build your share portfolio quickly.

    Let’s say we start with a $75,000 share portfolio in 2020. If our ASX dividend shares can yield 7% per year and still get an average of 5% capital appreciation per year, we could be netting a 12% per year total return.

    If we stash away $20,000 per year and reinvest our returns for 15 years, becoming an ASX 200 millionaire could happen sooner than expected.

    That $75,000 portfolio could grow to $1,014,385 within 15 years and set the investor up for retirement. 

    Foolish takeaway

    Clearly, this is a simplified example and there are many variables to take into account when investing in real life.

    However, a combination of luck and disciplined savings can go a long way in building your wealth. If you want to be an ASX 200 share millionaire, the best way to start is by building a diversified portfolio for the decades ahead.

    To help you get started in 2020, here are a few top shares to buy for a good price!

    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 Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Scentre 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.

    The post How to be an ASX 200 share millionaire in 15 years appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

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  • Why Philanthropy Is Good for Business?

    Some small businesses and other corporate entities have figured out a great way to add more success to their portfolios, through charitable giving. While the heart of a business lies within building a customer base and making a profit, there are many unique benefits for businesses that support a charity. Philanthropy isn’t just something that is good for the people or the planet. It also offers a company big bonuses that can support its mission and business plan. Here are the reasons why philanthropy is good for business.

    The Right Thing To Do

    The top reason to support philanthropy is that it’s the right thing to do. Business leaders have the ability to support great charities and give back to their communities. While making money and achieving financial success does feel good, the act of regularly helping the poor, the vulnerable, and the downtrodden can make someone feel completely fulfilled. Making a difference in the world may give a business owner a greater sense of purpose in life. Repeated generosity, such as giving to charity periodically, makes people feel happy. This happiness is greater than the joy felt after receiving a gift.

    Improves Company Recognition

    Giving back and supporting a charity also helps a company improve its name recognition and brand awareness. Companies that regularly support different charitable organizations may be more well known than other ventures. In today’s world of social media, stories about businesses offering philanthropic support to different causes tend to be shared more than other corporate news. As more people find out about a company’s philanthropic work, the company’s brand gets a big boost.

    Boosts Reputation

    Companies that are known to support their communities and the people in them also experience a boost in their reputation. At some point in a business’s lifetime, it could get bad publicity or a negative review. The best way to fight negative feedback is to have plenty of positive, feel-good stories about the business. Getting out there and offering support to local charities and other philanthropies shows the company’s human side. It also carves out a reputation of kindness and positivity for a business.

    Rallies Employee Morale

    Just like business owners and the community benefit from corporate philanthropy, the employees of an organization also experience positive feelings with charitable giving. Employees who work for a company that helps make the world a better place may experience increased morale. The benefits of venture capitalist Mark Stevens charity giving is also felt by the staff members of the companies he leads, such as Nvidia.

    Attracts Potential Customers

    Businesses that have established a reputation for charitable giving and helping the world in times of crisis also attract more potential customers. In some ways, supporting philanthropy feels like an investment in the company’s future. It builds up the business’ reputation so that customers can associate the company with kindness and doing the right thing. Companies that have made charitable giving a big part of their mission have experienced boosts in sales and the number of new customers.

    Offers Tax Benefits

    Corporate charity also offers a company tax benefits. One way to take advantage of the financial benefits of supporting philanthropy is to claim a tax deduction for a charitable donation. It’s possible to get a deduction if a business gives to a qualifying organization. Businesses can claim the dollar amount of the donation if it’s cash, or they can claim the fair market value of the goods donated if it’s some other type of donation. Doing this helps a company save money on its taxes for the year due to lowering the overall taxable income of the corporation.

    Allows for Free Advertising

    Charity also offers an opportunity for a company to get free publicity for its good deeds. When an organization makes a big donation, there is often some sort of press release or news story accompanying it. The charity itself may create a publicity of the charitable donation for its own audiences. Instead of investing in a large advertising campaign, the company gets free, positive news stories on social media or television about its charitable work, which helps subtly spread the word about its products and services.

    Supports the Community

    Finally, the best reason to support a charity as a business is because it supports the community the company is part of. Doing business in a depressed community is a challenge, but a thriving business setting makes it easier to turn a profit. Companies should do whatever they can to ensure their local community has opportunities to thrive. There are many projects that businesses can support to improve the entrepreneurship and atmosphere in their town or city. Sometimes that means taking the lead and helping other organizations find their own successes.

    Philanthropy and charitable giving are great ways to give a company a big boost in reputation, customer support, and employee satisfaction. Once a company is off to a good, successful start, it should begin considering how it will support its community in the form of philanthropy.

    The post Why Philanthropy Is Good for Business? appeared first on Wall Street Survivor.

    source https://blog.wallstreetsurvivor.com/2020/05/29/why-philanthropy-is-good-for-business/

  • Are You Practicing Workplace Safety?

    Workplace safety is good for employers and their crews; practicing safety around the warehouse, shop, and plant prevents injuries, the loss of time, workers’ compensation claims, and increased insurance costs. Employers have a legal and moral obligation to provide a safe workplace, protect employees from injury, and keep the community safe from business-related hazards. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you maintain safety in your workplace even when your employees are handling potentially hazardous materials and machinery.

    Electricity

    Safety must never be compromised, so paying attention to the basic safety guidelines when handling electricity is crucial. Proper workplace safety begins with the top administrators and doesn’t end until individual workers practice safety at all times:

    • Stay away from any amount of water when working with electricity. Hands, equipment, wiring, and surfaces must be dry.
    • Repair frayed cords, broken outlets and plugs, and damaged electrical insulation immediately.
    • Turn off the main power source before handling electrical wiring or appliances. Put up a sign near the service panel, so other workers don’t turn the switch on until it’s safe.
    • Train employees to recognize and understand warning signs on equipment, so they are compliant with local and federal electrical and wire codes.
    • Use insulated tools, rubber gloves, goggles, and other appropriate personal protective equipment.

    There are many potential risks when working with electricity. Train your employees to abide by safety protocols and make sure that safety signage is current and accurate.

    Hot Work

    Hot work operations include the use of an open flame or equipment that generates sparks. Some examples of hot work include cutting, soldering, welding, grinding, and brazing. This type of work can be dangerous, especially when the work is done around combustible materials. Some tips for maintaining safety including setting up designated spaces with fire-safe and hot work safety protocols. In some communities, permits are required, and in some situations, businesses must abide by a Hot Work Permit Program.

    Hazardous Materials

    There are many safety rules regarding the handling of chemicals and other hazardous materials. These begin with making sure that employees adhere to the protocols you’ve established. Your workers must use the appropriate PPE and be cautious around the materials. Other rules for safety include

    • Maintaining proper labeling and replacing damaged containers or labels immediately.
    • Only using materials, containers, and labels for their appropriate purposes.
    • Keeping food, drink, and cosmetics away from all materials.
    • Avoid touching glasses, contact lenses, and anything else on the face.
    • Keep the work area clean and re-clean areas at least once during a shift.

    The Department of Transportation has authority over these materials while they are transported and has established nine categories that are based on chemical and physical properties. Your employees must be aware of the regulations regarding packaging, labeling, and marking of products before they are shipped.

    Explosives

    When professionals handle explosives and participate in blasting projects, there’s a potential for hard to those workers involved, people in and around the area, any property in the vicinity, and the environment. There are, of course, several steps involved in maintaining safety during these activities:

    • Ongoing training for employees
    • The use of appropriate PPE
    • Enhanced site security
    • Strict supervision and oversight of employees, equipment, keys, and explosives
    • Clear communication between all related parties
    • The use of prominent warning signs, barricades, and guards
    • Procedures in place for reporting suspicious behavior

    Much of the danger when using explosives comes from the theft of materials by employees, vendors, customers, and others. On-site dangers may increase when employees aren’t cautious or get distracted when handling explosives. It is also vital that signs are clear, prominent, and up to date.

    Overall Safety Procedures

    Proper training should be consistent when employees use or work in and around hazardous situations. Classes should include information about emergency procedures, such as evacuation, first aid, and emergency reporting. Additionally, regulatory signs and labels are required for compliance with OSHA and DOT requirements. Your employees must understand how to read, understand, use, and replace those signs. This task is easier when working with a sign and label manufacturer that understands the requirements for workplace safety and offers helpful services, such as the EZMAKE Sign System.

    When it comes to the safety of your workers, your workplace, and the surrounding community, there are no shortcuts. The right protocols, signage, training, and attitudes toward safety can prevent injuries, property damage, and worst-case scenarios. Are there corrective steps you should take at your workplace?

    The post Are You Practicing Workplace Safety? appeared first on Wall Street Survivor.

    source https://blog.wallstreetsurvivor.com/2020/05/29/are-you-practicing-workplace-safety/

  • 2 ASX shares to buy for strong retirement income

    Man in deck chair on a beach at sunset with laptop and arms outstretched

    Are you currently in or, perhaps, nearing retirement? Are you looking for a good strategy to get some extra income?

    I believe that investing in ASX shares which pay high dividends is an excellent strategy for generating retirement income. 

    They are also a much better alternative to keeping your money in a savings account or term deposit. The interest earned with these options often doesn’t even cover inflation.

    So, with that said, here are 2 of my top ASX dividend share picks to buy now to provide you with extra income in retirement: BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

    BHP

    BHP is my pick of mining shares on the ASX right now.

    It has diversified operations across a range of divisions including iron ore, copper and aluminium, underpinned by a strong balance sheet.

    The mining giant recently revealed that it expects to continue generating solid cash flow in its April quarterly activities report. It also revealed that its production guidance for the current financial year remains unchanged, despite the challenges faced by the coronavirus crisis.

    Although demand for its products has slowed somewhat in key markets like the US, there are signs of recovery in China.

    There are also early signs that economic conditions in Australia are starting to look increasingly favourable.

    Therefore the demand for iron ore, in particular, could pick up in the second half of the year. Also, the Australian Government’s intention to stimulate our local economy with a range of new infrastructure projects could generate further local demand.

    Based on current earnings, BHP also offers a very attractive forward fully franked dividend yield of around 6%. This would add nicely to your retirement income stream.

    Macquarie

    Macquarie is a global financial services business with a core focus on international investment banking.

    I prefer Macquarie over Australia’s big four major banks: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ).

    Over the past few years, Macquarie has become a more balanced and diversified business rather than being too focused on a small product set. This was a key reason why its share price was hit so hard during the global financial crisis.

    Based on current earnings, Macquarie also offers a healthy forward fully franked dividend yield of around 3.8%. This could provide you with an attractive additional retirement share income stream. 

    For more shares to consider for wealth well into the years ahead, check out our top picks 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 Phil Harpur owns shares of Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and Westpac Banking. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie 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.

    The post 2 ASX shares to buy for strong retirement income appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

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  • 2 ASX shares to watch as sport returns

    Pile of sporting equipment against a white background

    Sport fans across Australia are rejoicing as major football codes restart their season, following a hiatus enforced by the coronavirus pandemic. The NRL rebooted its season on Thursday, while AFL is set to start on 11 June.

    Here are 2 ASX shares to keep your eyes on as elite and social sport returns.

    Pointsbet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH)

    PointsBet is a corporate bookmaker that has operations in both Australia and the US. The company offers its services through a cloud-based platform that allows clients to wager on a slew of sports and racing products. Despite being sold-off earlier this year, the PointsBet share price has bounced a monster 400% from its March lows.

    Earlier this week, PointsBet released a trading update that highlighted how the return of NRL and AFL will boost business operations. Despite the disruption of the coronavirus pandemic on these sporting codes, the company was able to record ‘net wins’ for both February and March. PointsBet calculates ‘net win’ as the dollar amount received from clients who placed losing bets, less the dollar amount paid to clients who placed winning bets, less client promotional costs such as money-back offers and bonus bets. 

    PointsBet also informed the market that its Australian trading business is continuing a positive trend in the 4th quarter, having achieved a net win of $18.2 million for the period 1 April to 25 May.

    In addition to strong Australian operations, PointsBet also elaborated on the company’s agreement to become the exclusive wagering partner for Fox Sports AFL (Fox Footy) for the 2020 season. The agreement will allow PointsBet to target its media assets which will hopefully lead to the acquisition of more clients and increased wagering volumes.

    PointsBet also elaborated on its US operations, noting a $0.3 million net win for the period 1 April to 25 May as major sporting leagues closed. Although the PGA has already announced it will return in June, the timeline for other major sports remains uncertain.

    Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL)

    Another auxiliary service that could benefit from the return to sport could be Super Retail Group. The group owns prominent retail outlets such as Supercheap Auto, BCF and Rebel. Despite being one of the most shorted stocks on the ASX, the Super Retail share price has bounced more than 139% from its March lows.

    As elite and community sport returns, the company’s sporting outlets like Rebel could see renewed demand. In an earlier trading update, Super Retail informed the market that the company has maintained positive sales momentum during the pandemic thanks to a strong online presence. The group’s Rebel sports stores also saw a surge in demand as the shutdown of gyms drove consumers to stock up on home fitness gear.

    Foolish takeaway

    The restarting of sports in Australia after a prolonged period of social distancing and isolation could reignite demand across all services. In my opinion, sports and related services will be an interesting sector to watch for growth in 2020 and beyond.

    Take a look at this free report for more stocks with great growth potential.

    5 “Bounce Back” Stocks To Tame The Bear Market (FREE REPORT)

    Master investor Scott Phillips has sifted through the wreckage and identified the 5 stocks he thinks could bounce back the hardest once the coronavirus is contained.

    Given how far some of them have fallen, the upside potential could be enormous.

    The report is called 5 Stocks For Building Wealth after 50, and you can grab a copy for FREE for a limited time only.

    But you will have to hurry — history has shown the market could bounce significantly higher before the virus is contained, meaning the cheap prices on offer today might not last for long.

    See the 5 stocks

    More reading

    Nikhil Gangaram has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Super Retail Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pointsbet Holdings 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.

    The post 2 ASX shares to watch as sport returns appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

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  • United Airlines cutting 13 top jobs, adding international flights in July

    United Airlines cutting 13 top jobs, adding international flights in JulyChicago-based United said it is increasing trans-Atlantic service from Washington, D.C. and San Francisco to cities across Europe in July thanks to a modest rise in demand, and re-starting service to Tokyo-Haneda, Hong Kong, Singapore and Seoul.

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  • Westpac isn’t ruling out negative interest rates in Australia

    On Tuesday of next week the Reserve Bank is scheduled to hold its next cash rate meeting.

    At present, cash rate futures reveal that the market is divided on what the central bank will do.

    Futures are pointing to a 53% probability of rates remaining on hold and a 47% probability of rates being cut to zero.

    Could rates go lower?

    According to the latest weekly economic update by Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), its team has suggested that there is a real possibility that the Reserve Bank could not only take rates lower, but also take them into negative territory in the future.

    Although the bank maintains is forecast for rates to stay at 0.25% for the foreseeable future, it isn’t ruling out further cuts.

    Chief Economist Bill Evans commented: “[A] serious case can be made for the RBA to consider further cuts and entering negative territory for the cash rate if it becomes apparent that the economy is deteriorating even more than is currently expected.”

    Mr Evans sees positives in a move to negative rates.

    “A small open economy with significant foreign liabilities would certainly see a substantial improvement in the competitiveness of the currency with further rate cuts when other major markets are anchored at their effective lower bounds,” he added.

    What are the negatives of negative rates?

    It is worth noting that Westpac’s chief economist does have a few concerns over negative rates.

    This is mainly the impact they could have on expectations and confidence.

    Evans explained: “Is there some nonlinear impact on expectations as rates move into negative – a ‘sticker shock’ even though the same policies have been seen abroad – or does such a bold move strengthen perceptions of the RBA’s determination to deliver on its objectives?”

    But Evans believes the Reserve Bank can avoid this by communicating its objectives to avoid any shocks.

    “The risks are as much about framing and communication as the policy itself. As we have already seen with the move to ultra-low rates and then QE, if moves come as too much of a surprise, they can exacerbate concerns about the economy and cast doubt on the ability of policymakers to achieve better outcomes,” he said.

    Mr Evan concluded: “Although there is a clear current message from the RBA, circumstances can change and astute policy makers (as the RBA has proven to be over many decades) can change with them.”

    Foolish takeaway

    I would be surprised if rates went lower from here, but anything is certainly possible in the current environment.

    But one thing that is for sure, is that in looks set to be many years until rates return to normal levels again.

    In light of this, income investors might want to consider buying the highly rated dividend share named 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 James Mickleboro owns shares of Westpac Banking. 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 Westpac isn’t ruling out negative interest rates in Australia appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

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  • Where to invest $20,000 in ASX 200 shares today

    Bear and bull colliding over man holding an umbrella, asx 200 bull market

    It’s been a wild ride for ASX 200 shares in 2020 as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has gone from bull to bear to bull again.

    So if you’ve got $20,000 burning a hole in your pocket right now, here’s a couple of investment ideas to get you started.

    Where to invest $20,000 in ASX 200 shares today

    I like the look of large-cap dividend shares right now. That means BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares could be in the buy zone for me.

    The resources sector could be set to boom in the next year or so. Governments are looking to kickstart their economies and infrastructure is a great way to do that. That means steel (and iron ore) could be in high demand which is good for BHP earnings.

    If you’re not bullish on BHP, there are other ASX 200 shares I like right now. I think AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) could offer defensive exposure which is valuable in the current market.

    AGL shares have fallen sharply in 2020 and still offer a solid dividend yield. While I wouldn’t bank on dividend yields ahead of the August reporting season, I think AGL is well-placed in the Aussie energy market.

    There are some headwinds, like lower corporate energy use, but higher residential consumption could help to offset that. If you’re buying for the long-term, I think AGL could also be a major renewables player in the next decade or so.

    Finally, I think Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) is another ASX 200 share worth watching. There are certainly challenges facing Telstra this year but we could see the 5G network push accelerated.

    More working from home means more reliance on network infrastructure. That could be good news for Telstra as it looks to re-shape itself and re-define its strategy for the decades ahead.

    Foolish takeaway

    These are just a few of the ASX 200 shares that I like the look of right now. If you have $20,000 to invest, it might be wise to focus on portfolio construction.

    No two scenarios are the same which means you have to create a portfolio that suits your needs and investment horizon.

    For other long-term buys right now, check out these 5 shares for a good price today!

    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 Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra 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.

    The post Where to invest $20,000 in ASX 200 shares today appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

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  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

    Last week saw a large number of broker notes hitting the wires once again. Three buy ratings that caught my eye are summarised below.

    Here’s why brokers think investors ought to buy them next week:

    Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

    According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts have upgraded this homewares retailer’s shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $2.40. The broker likes Adairs due to its strong online business, solid product offering, and improving supply chain. It also believes its shares are very cheap at 13x forward earnings. I think Goldman Sachs makes some great points and Adairs  could be a good option for investors.

    Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA)

    Analysts at Citi have retained their buy rating and lifted the price target on this aerial imagery technology and location data company’s shares to $2.60. According to the note, the broker was pleased with its market update and was impressed with the resilience of the business. And while it suspects that FY 2021 will be tough, it remains positive on its longer term outlook. I agree with Citi and think Nearmap would be a great buy and hold option.

    Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)

    A note out of Credit Suisse reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating but trimmed the price target on this telco giant’s shares to $4.10. Although the broker expects the pandemic to negatively impacts its earnings, the damage isn’t enough for it to change its bullish stance. It feels its shares are cheap at the current level and continues to forecast a 16 cents per share dividend over the near term. I think Credit Suisse is spot on and would be a buyer of Telstra’s shares.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Nearmap Ltd. and Telstra 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.

    The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

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