Category: Stock Market

  • I think they can! 3 ASX shares that can keep chugging higher

    An ASX investor relaxes on her couch as the Harvey Norman share price drops due to the shares trading ex-dividend from today.An ASX investor relaxes on her couch as the Harvey Norman share price drops due to the shares trading ex-dividend from today.

    It has been a great time to be an investor in the ASX share market. Lots of businesses have seen their share prices climb – I think there are some that can keep rising and outperforming.

    ASX shares that are delivering good underlying operational growth are appealing to me because I think they can keep driving shareholder value higher.

    Despite their recent strong performance, I rate the ASX shares below as buys.

    Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA)

    The Tuas share price has climbed 82% in the last six months.

    The Asian ASX telco share is making great progress – in FY23 it generated $86.1 million of revenue and $31.1 million of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA). Then, in the first quarter of FY24, it made $26.7 million of revenue and $11 million of EBITDA.

    If we annualise those quarterly numbers, it’s already on track to deliver good growth compared to FY23.

    But, I don’t think it’s finished growing – the business reported ongoing active services growth – it has added more than 50,000 active services each quarter in the last three quarters. The average revenue per user (ARPU) keeps growing too – FY23 ARPU was $9.37, while the FY24 first quarter ARPU was $9.53.

    If users, ARPU and profitability keep growing, I think the ASX share has a very promising future. Growth into other Asian countries is also a possibility, in my mind.

    Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK)

    Nick Scali is a growing furniture retailer, which operates both the Nick Scali business and Plush. The Nick Scali share price is up 33% from 1 December 2023 as it recovers from investor pessimism about retail spending and the economy due to the cost of living.

    But, things are looking more positive for the company with the economy remaining resilient and demand holding up. In its HY24 result, the company reported that written sales orders of $58.9 million were up 3.6% compared to January 2023.

    It has a promising future with its ongoing store rollout for both of its businesses in Australia and New Zealand. Online sales growth is also promising because of the high potential profit margin.

    Nick Scali normally has a generous dividend yield, which can add to the potential returns.

    GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

    GQG is a large and growing fund manager that offers investors a few different investment strategies, including US shares, global shares, international shares and emerging market shares. The GQG share price is up around 40% in six months.

    It has done an impressive job of outperforming its global benchmarks over the long term with its investment funds, which are attracting net funds under management (FUM) inflows every month.

    In the ASX share’s update for February 2024, GQG revealed its FUM had grown to US$137.5 billion, up from US$127 billion at January 2024. For the year to date, meaning the first two months of 2024, it saw US$3 billion of net inflows.

    If FUM keeps rising, then growing revenue and profit can keep powering the business higher, in my opinion.

    The post I think they can! 3 ASX shares that can keep chugging higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nick Scali. 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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  • Arafura share price halted ahead of blockbuster funding news

    A young woman with her mouth open and her hands out showing surprise and delight as uranium share prices skyrocket

    A young woman with her mouth open and her hands out showing surprise and delight as uranium share prices skyrocket

    The Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) share price is expected to be out of action on Thursday.

    That’s because yesterday the rare earths developer requested a trading halt until the market open on Friday.

    Why is the Arafura share price halted?

    The company requested the trading halt so that it could prepare an announcement relating to debt funding for the Nolans Project in the Northern Territory. Its request states:

    The Company is seeking a trading halt pending an announcement to the market regarding debt financing support; b) The Company requests the trading halt remain in place until the earlier of the Company releasing an announcement in relation to debt financing support or the commencement of trading on Friday 15 March 2024.

    What’s going on?

    While the details of the debt funding have not been released to the market yet, there are reports claiming that Arafura is about to get a huge cash injection from the government.

    According to the AFR, the Albanese government is expected to announce an $840 million package of loans and grants to support the development of the Nolans Project.

    This will be the Labor government’s largest single financial commitment in the critical minerals sector and brings taxpayers’ exposure to rare earths mining and processing to over $2 billion. Previously the government has supported the development of the Eneabba project owned by Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU) in Western Australia.

    Arafura’s funding reportedly includes approximately $495 million in loans from the Critical Minerals Facility, $200 million from the revamped Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, and upwards of $115 million in federal export financing.

    Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, is quoted saying:

    This will create local jobs and economic opportunities, helping Australian and Territory companies and workers capture more value from the game-changing critical minerals deposits we have here.

    The Arafura share price is down 72% over the last 12 months.

    The post Arafura share price halted ahead of blockbuster funding news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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

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  • Could Liontown shares really rally another 32%?

    Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.

    Middle age caucasian man smiling confident drinking coffee at home.

    Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) shares were on form on Wednesday.

    The lithium developer’s shares were up as much as 18% at one stage before ending the day with a 6% gain to $1.40.

    Investors were buying the company’s shares after it entered into a $550 million debt facility agreement.

    These funds will be used to ensure the Kathleen Valley Lithium Project is funded through to its first production and the ramp-up to the company’s three million tonnes per year base case.

    Can Liontown shares keep rising?

    One leading broker that believes the worst is over for the company is Wilsons.

    In response to its debt funding news, the broker upgraded Liontown’s shares to an overweight rating. It also lifted its price target massively to $1.85 from 85 cents.

    Based on where its shares ended yesterday’s session, this implies potential upside of 32% for investors.

    The broker believes that this agreement means that the company is now fully funded through to positive cash flow in early 2025.

    It also highlights that “now that funding has been finalized, another major de-risking hurdle has been cleared on that way to commissioning.”

    Sitting on the fence

    One broker that doesn’t think investors should jump in just yet is Goldman Sachs.

    This morning, the broker responded to the news by retaining its neutral rating and $1.45 price target on its shares. This is largely in line with where they trade today.

    Though, it agrees with the view that Liontown will be generating positive free cash flow next year. Goldman said:

    We forecast Kathleen Valley turning FCF positive from mid-CY25 on our spodumene price forecast, which we expect to support any refinancing of the debt if not already agreed prior, where LTR is continuing to explore options for a longer-term funding solution in parallel to provide future flexibility and optionality beyond the 3Mtpa base case.

    The post Could Liontown shares really rally another 32%? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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

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  • Analysts say these ASX dividend shares are strong buys

    A man leans back with his hands behind his head and feet on his desk with a big smile on his face at his success.

    A man leans back with his hands behind his head and feet on his desk with a big smile on his face at his success.

    Are you searching for ASX dividend shares to buy?

    If you are then you may want to check out these two listed below that analysts think are best buys at present.

    Here’s what they are saying about them:

    Healthco Healthcare and Wellness REIT (ASX: HCW)

    The team at Bell Potter has this healthcare and wellness focused property company on its preferred list. It has a buy rating and $1.70 price target on the ASX dividend share.

    The broker likes the company due its attractive valuation and huge addressable market. It said:

    HCW has underperformed the REIT sector last 3 months (-10% vs. +22% XPJ) following bond yield reversion and is attractively priced at 20% discount to NTA (but only REIT to record flat to positive valuation movement at 1H24) with double digit 3 year EPS CAGR given high relative sector debt hedging and ability to grow its $1bn development pipeline via attractive YoC spread to marginal cost of debt. Longer term, HCW has significant scope for growth with an estimated $218 billion addressable market where an ageing and growing population should underpin long-term sector demand.

    Bell Potter is forecasting dividends per share of 8 cents in FY 2024 and 8.3 cents in FY 2025. This equates to dividend yields of 5.6% and 5.8%, respectively.

    QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

    Morgans has insurance giant QBE on its best ideas list with an add rating and $17.96 price target on its shares.

    The broker is feeling positive about the company due to rate increases and cost reductions. It said:

    With strong rate increases still flowing through QBE’s insurance book, and further cost-out benefits to come, we expect QBE’s earnings profile to improve strongly over the next few years. The stock also has a robust balance sheet and remains relatively inexpensive overall trading on 8x FY24F PE.

    Morgans expects this to underpin partially franked dividends of 99 cents per share in FY 2024 and 108 cents per share in FY 2025. This equates to yields of 5.7% and 6.2%, respectively.

    The post Analysts say these ASX dividend shares are strong buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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

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  • Is the Vanguard Australian Property Securities Index ETF (VAP) a good investment?

    a man sits on a ridge high above a large city full of high rise buildings as though he is thinking, contemplating the vista below.a man sits on a ridge high above a large city full of high rise buildings as though he is thinking, contemplating the vista below.

    The Vanguard Australian Property Securities Index ETF (ASX: VAP) has a number of appealing qualities as an exchange-traded fund (ETF). But, is it a good buy today?

    For readers who don’t know, Vanguard is one of the world’s largest fund managers, with several trillion (US) dollars under management. An ETF allows us to buy a basket of shares (or other assets) in a single investment.

    The VAP ETF looks to invest in property businesses within the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO). Let’s look at some of the positives.

    Diversification

    There are many different types of commercial property including industrial, office, retail, healthcare and social, storage units, farmland and hotels.

    Within the VAP ETF are a total of 33 different ASX shares, with each of these businesses owning a property portfolio.

    Looking at the holdings, these are some of the biggest positions: Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), Scentre Group (ASX: SCG), Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP), GPT Group (ASX: GPT), Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR), Dexus (ASX: DXS), Vicinity Centres (ASX: VCX), Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC) and National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR).

    Vanguard said around a third of the VAP ETF is allocated to industrial real estate investment trusts (REITs), just over a quarter is focused on ‘diversified’ REITs and retail REITs make up another quarter. The other types of REITs account for the rest of the portfolio.

    Low management fees

    One of the most attractive elements of investing in a Vanguard ETF is the low management fee, which helps reduce leakage of the portfolio’s value. Some active managers can charge a lot more, putting a dent in the wealth-building efforts.

    While it’s not the cheapest Vanguard ETF around, the VAP ETF does have a low annual cost of 0.23%.

    Good tailwinds

    Vanguard Australian Property Securities Index ETF is invested in a range of businesses that have appealing tailwinds.

    Australia’s population continues to grow, which means more potential customers at shopping centres, and it creates indirect demand for more logistics.

    More people in the country require more housing, which is good for businesses like Mirvac and Stockland. There should also be more overall demand for storage units, farmland, healthcare, and so on.

    Interest rates are currently high, which is painful for the cost of debt, and has caused a share price decline for a number of the names within the VAP ETF portfolio. However, if/when interest rate cuts do occur, that could prove to be a catalyst for share prices to go higher.

    Foolish takeaway

    The VAP ETF is a great way to invest in the Australian commercial property market if you want exposure to the whole sector, or if you’re not sure which name(s) you want to own.

    It has a decent record of producing returns – the total return over the past decade has been an average of 9.3%, with passive income making up a significant part of that return.

    However, I’d suggest this isn’t likely to be the sort of investment that achieves a high rate of compounding capital returns.

    In my eyes, there are other ASX shares that could deliver stronger growth. Rental growth is normally fairly low, while some companies can be capable of quick national (or global) expansion.

    The post Is the Vanguard Australian Property Securities Index ETF (VAP) a good investment? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. 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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  • Here’s the iron ore price forecast through to 2027

    Three miners stand together at a mine site studying documents with equipment in the background

    Three miners stand together at a mine site studying documents with equipment in the background

    Mining giants BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG), and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) have come under pressure this month after the iron ore price tumbled.

    This weakness continued overnight and saw the benchmark iron ore price fall a further 3.6% to US$105.35 a tonne.

    This is down materially from around US$140 a tonne at the end of 2023, and has been driven by concerns over demand from China.

    But what is next for the steel-making ingredient? Is this just a temporary blip or the start of greater declines?

    Let’s take a look what the commodities team at Goldman Sachs is expecting for the iron ore price in the coming years.

    Iron ore price forecast

    Firstly, let’s start with a quarterly view on prices during 2024.

    Goldman has been expecting a pullback in prices, but the speed of recent declines appears to have caught it by surprise. It is expecting the following average prices for 2024:

    • Q1 US$120 a tonne
    • Q2 US$115 a tonne
    • Q3 US$105 a tonne
    • Q4 US$100 a tonne

    This leads to an average price of US$110 a tonne for 2024.

    Weakness to continue

    The broker expects the trend to continue in the years to come.

    As a result, it is forecasting an average benchmark iron ore price of US$95 a tonne in 2025.

    After which, it expects further softening to an average of US$93 a tonne in 2026.

    Finally, the following year the broker expects a slightly weaker average price of US$92 a tonne in 2027 for the benchmark price.

    What about Fortescue’s low grade iron ore?

    The bad news for Fortescue is that the broker believes that the discount will widen on its low grade iron ore in the coming years.

    And given how much the miner is planning to spend on its decarbonisation plans, this could have consequences for its free cash flow and ultimately its dividends.

    Goldman expects Fortescue’s discount to the benchmark price to be 89% in 2024, 86% in 2025, and 83% in 2026 and 2027.

    Should you buy these miners?

    Despite forecasting these iron ore price declines, Goldman Sachs remains positive on BHP and Rio Tinto.

    It currently has buy ratings on both mining shares with price targets of $49.40 and $138.30, respectively.

    The post Here’s the iron ore price forecast through to 2027 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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

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  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

    Contented looking man leans back in his chair at his desk and smiles.

    Contented looking man leans back in his chair at his desk and smiles.

    On Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form and recorded a small gain. The benchmark index rose 0.2% to 7,729.4 points.

    Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:

    ASX 200 expected to rise again

    The Australian share market looks for a positive session on Thursday despite a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 37 points or 0.5% higher this morning. In late trade on Wall Street, the Dow Jones is up 0.1%, but the S&P 500 has fallen 0.25% and the Nasdaq is down 0.55%.

    Oil prices rise

    ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a good session after oil prices stormed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 2.9% to US$79.81 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 2.7% to US$84.13 a barrel. Oil prices rose after Ukraine hit Russian oil refineries.

    Sell Core Lithium shares

    Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) shares are a sell according to Goldman Sachs. This morning, the broker has retained its sell rating on the lithium miner’s shares with a trimmed price target of 13 cents. This follows the release of the company’s half-year results. It said: “We note that with the mining contract terminated and notice given on the processing contract, we expect that a near-term restart of the Finniss operation is increasingly unlikely.”

    Gold price rebounds

    ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session after the gold price rebounded overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 0.6% to US$2,179 an ounce. A softer US dollar boosted the precious metal.

    ASX 200 shares going ex-dividend

    Another group of ASX 200 shares will be going ex-dividend this morning and could trade lower. This includes appliance manufacturer Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG), auto retailer Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE), poultry producer Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING), and telco TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG).

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

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

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

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

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Eagers Automotive Ltd. 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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  • This is the next ASX ETF I plan to buy

    Cybersecurity professional man inspects server room and works on ipad

    Cybersecurity professional man inspects server room and works on ipad

    I love investing in exchange-traded funds (ETFs). ASX ETFs give us an easy way to gain exposure to an entire index, such as the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), for one. But they can also provide easy access to sectors or entire markets that are difficult or impossible to invest in directly on the ASX.

    I already invested in quite a few ASX ETFs. The Vanguard Australian Share Index ETF (ASX: VAS) is a core component of my portfolio. As is its bolt-on companion, the Vanguard MSCI Australian Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VSO).

    I also invest in more actively managed ETFs like the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT) for a shot at some market-beating returns.

    But there’s one ASX ETF out there that I still don’t own in my portfolio. My regret over this fact grows by the day.

    It’s the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK). This ASX ETF does pretty much what it says on the tin. It offers investors access to a portfolio of companies from around the world that are all major players in the cybersecurity industry.

    The Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF does pull companies from many different markets. Saying that though, the vast majority of its holdings (79.8% at the last count) are US-based stocks.

    They include names like Broadcom, Crowdstrike Holdings, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Okta and Juniper Networks.

    Apart from having one of the best ticker codes on the ASX, why should I want to add this ETF to my own portfolio?

    Why would I want to HACK my portfolio with this ASX ETF?

    Well, there are two factors worth discussing here.

    The first is the growing importance of cybersecurity to most facets of modern life. Every few months, it seems like we’re reminded of this fact. Major government departments, as well as multiple prominent ASX shares, have been hit by cyberattacks in recent years. Just one successful cyberattack is enough to severely damage a company’s reputation. Particularly if sensitive customer information is stolen.

    As such, it is my belief that individuals, businesses and governments are all going to be prepared to pay more and more for cybersecurity services that keep their online information secure.

    The second is this ASX ETF’s past performance.

    You should never judge an investment on its past performance alone. However, I think in this case, it quantifies the ever-rising importance of this industry. Over the past five years, HACK units have returned an average of 18.69% per annum (including dividend distributions). Since this ASX ETF’s inception in 2016, that return rises to 19.31% per annum.

    I wouldn’t be too surprised if HACK keeps banging out numbers like this going forward. As such, this ETF is one that I’d be more than happy to buy today, and that I hope to add to my portfolio in the near future.

    The post This is the next ASX ETF I plan to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF, and Vanguard Msci Australian Small Companies Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, CrowdStrike, Fortinet, Okta, and Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Broadcom. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CrowdStrike, Okta, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. 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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  • Selling your investment property due to land tax hikes? 5 ASX shares I’d buy with the proceeds

    five people in colourful blow up tubes in a resort style pool gather and smile in a relaxed holiday picture.

    five people in colourful blow up tubes in a resort style pool gather and smile in a relaxed holiday picture.

    Owning an investment property in the state of Victoria became far more expensive in 2024. Thanks to changes announced last year, landowners have faced a significant hike in land tax since 1 January.

    According to reporting in The Age, even owners of second homes or investment properties worth between $50,000 and $100,000 will now have to pay a flat $500 annual land tax. For anyone owning a second home or investment property worth more than $1 million, the land tax hike is reportedly worth up to $1,675 in additional annual costs.

    As such, many property investors may be deciding to sell down or out of their real estate portfolios, and move into ASX shares instead.

    I can’t admit to owning any property in Victoria. But if I did and I was currently selling some land thanks to these tax hikes, here are the five ASX shares I’d consider buying instead. Property has historically delivered both income and capital growth, so that’s what I’d be seeking from my ASX shares as well.

    5 ASX shares to buy for investors hit by land tax hikes

    Starting off, my first choice would be Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL). This ASX 200 investing house is a long-term favourite of mine, and a share that I would happily recommend to any investor, not just those affected by the land tax hikes.

    Soul Patts runs a huge portfolio of different assets on behalf of its investors. These include other ASX shares, as well as property, private credit and venture capital investments.

    This company has delivered significant capital growth over the past two decades, as well as a 23-year streak of annual dividend pay rises.

    Next, I’d consider National Storage REIT (ASX: NSR). This real estate investment trust (REIT) allows investors to get exposure to property assets without the risk of any direct land tax hikes. National Storage owns a vast network of personal storage facilities around Australia. It is the largest single provider of such services in the country.

    With low overhead costs and reasonably consistent demand, I think this is a great business to get a slice of. National Storage units are currently offering a distribution yield of around 4.7%.

    MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF) is number three on our list of land tax hike replacements. This listed investment company (LIC) is another one of my favourite personal investments. It holds a portfolio of mostly US shares on behalf of its shareholders. These US shares are selected on their high quality and include names like American Express, Mastercard, Amazon and Alphabet.

    Investors have enjoyed some pleasing returns in recent years, with MFF shares up more than 38% since March 2023. The company has been steadily increasing its dividend every year as well, with MFF shares today offering a fully-franked yield of 2.73%.

    Chasing both growth and income

    Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) is another stock investors who are selling up their properties to avoid those land tax hikes may want to take a look at. Wesfarmers is one of the most diversified blue chip shares on the ASX. It owns retail icons like Bunnings, Target, Kmart and OfficeWorks. But it also has its fingers in many other pies, including lithium, gas distribution, work wear and chemical and fertiliser production.

    It has a long history of delivering both healthy capital growth and reliable dividend income to its shareholders. It also offers diversification that few other single ASX shares can match.

    Finally, I think property investors who are fleeing land tax hikes can happily invest in an ASX index fund like the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS). This exchange-traded fund (ETF) gives investors exposure to the largest 30 companies on the ASX. That’s everything from Wesfarmers and Soul Patts to JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) and AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL).

    An index fund like VAS can be expected to deliver a return that is in line with the average of the entire Australian share market. Investors have enjoyed an almost even split between capital growth and franked dividend income from this index fund over many years. What more could you want from an investment to replace your property?

    The post Selling your investment property due to land tax hikes? 5 ASX shares I’d buy with the proceeds appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. American Express is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, American Express, Mastercard, Mff Capital Investments, Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF, Wesfarmers and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Mastercard, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2025 $370 calls on Mastercard and short January 2025 $380 calls on Mastercard. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Jb Hi-Fi, and Mastercard. 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 shares I think are set to soar in 2024

    Man holds young girl out in a flying motion as mum watches on, all in front of a motorhome.Man holds young girl out in a flying motion as mum watches on, all in front of a motorhome.

    With the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rocketing more than 14% since the start of November, stock selection has now become critical.

    After all, you don’t want to be buying an ASX stock after it has already become expensive. Every cent you overpay eats into your future profit.

    So here’s my take on three ASX shares that I think still have plenty of room to impress:

    Exposure to mining without buying mining stocks

    The trouble with mining shares is their cyclicality and volatility.

    Commodity prices can fluctuate wildly up and down, so the fortunes of the companies that produce minerals are unpredictable.

    However, if you still want to be exposed to that sector, buying shares in a supplier might be a more reliable way to go.

    RPMGlobal Holdings Ltd (ASX: RUL) provides technology and solutions to clients in the resources sector.

    Over the past five years, even through COVID-19 and the inflation crisis, the RPMGlobal stock price has rocketed 313%.

    And with both western and Chinese economies bound to improve in the coming years, I like the chances of this stock rising further.

    Analysts at both Moelis Australia and Veritas Securities agree with me by rating RPMGlobal as a strong buy right now, according to CMC Invest.

    The ASX shares that are never cheap are cheap right now

    Camplify Holdings Ltd (ASX: CHL) might be very much a small cap at the moment, but its addressable market is huge.

    The company operates a peer-to-peer platform that allows campervan owners to rent out their vehicles when not in use.

    The startup, hailing from Newcastle in NSW, grew its revenue for the first half by a whopping 95.4%.

    The market reacted negatively though, which the analysts at Morgans put down to “some seasonality” in a few metrics, such as future bookings and gross margins.

    That team, plus Canaccord and Ord Minnett, are not the least bit worried about the future trajectory. All three are maintaining strong buy ratings for Camplify, as shown on CMC Invest.

    This could mean that the current dip is a golden buying opportunity.

    Bringing in revenue while developing future products

    Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) continues to score goals in the tough industry of biotechnology and pharmaceutical development.

    The shares are already up 11.8% so far this year, and 68% if you go back 12 months.

    The great ace up its sleeve is that it already has one cancer product, Illucix, on commercial sale. This brings in revenue while it’s working on other cancer diagnosis and treatment solutions.

    The company recently announced its plan to acquire Canadian business ARTMS inc.

    “The acquisition is crucial for the supply of 89Z and the pending rollout of Zircaix for renal cancer imaging,” Bell Potter analysts said in a memo.

    “Telix is validating multiple production locations for 89Zr in the US using the ARTMS core technology. The company also owns significant quantities of ultra-pure 89Y, being the raw material for production of 89Zr.”

    The post 3 ASX shares I think are set to soar in 2024 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 1 February 2024

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    Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has positions in Camplify and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended RPMGlobal and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Camplify. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Camplify, RPMGlobal, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. 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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