Category: Stock Market

It was a bumpy and ultimately disappointing start to the trading week for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Monday. After breaking a depressing losing streak on Friday with an optimistic rise, it seems investors came back from the weekend with colder feet.

Despite a brief foray into positive territory this morning, the ASX 200 couldn’t quite hold it together and closed with a 0.37% loss. That leaves the index at 8,697.1 points.

This Garfield-esque start to the Australian trading week follows a mixed end to the American trading week on Friday night (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) gave up an early lead to close 0.31% lower.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was more upbeat, though, rising a confident 0.89%.

But let’s get back to this week and our local markets now by taking a deeper dive into how today’s trading affected the various ASX sectors this session.

Winners and losers

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Austal wins extra $136m patrol boat contract, lifts order book above $17.7bn
• Why this struggling ASX tech giant is finding buyers again
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Why did DroneShield shares tumble more than 7% in April?
• Viva Energy updates investors on Geelong Refinery operations

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 DroneShield, Life360, Pinnacle Investment Management Group, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360, Pinnacle Investment Management Group, and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

As we enter May of 2026, it’s pretty clear that we are in one of the most uncertain investing periods investors have seen in a long time, arguably since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. We have wars raging around the world, one of the worst oil supply shocks in history still unfolding, and uncomfortably high inflation, here in Australia and internationally.

Despite all of this, markets remain relatively excited.

Over in the United States, the flagship S&P 500 Index is pretty much at its record high, after resetting this record several times in recent weeks.

Things aren’t quite so jubilant on the ASX boards. Even so, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and the ASX ETFs that track it, remain elevated, and 5.5% below its own record high that we saw earlier in the year.

Investors might find these facts comforting. However, they make me wary. Broadly speaking, I think we can assume the markets are baking in a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude to the current state of the world. If things are indeed as rosy as the market seems to be assuming, we might have a little bit more upside to look forward to. If things aren’t so peachy, there’s a lot of downside to fear.

Of course, I am no Nostrodamus, and I hope that the market has the correct read of these situations. But I am a ‘hope for the best, prepare for the worst’ kind of investor.

That’s why an investment I’m eyeing off for a 2026 buy is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT).

Why moats matter for this ASX ETF

Why this ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF)? Well, it follows a very specific investing methodology, inspired by the legendary Warren Buffett, that aims to only invest in the most resilient US stocks. This methodology revolves around identifying companies that possess a wide economic ‘moat‘. This moat, a term first coined by Buffett himself, refers to an inbuilt and durable advantage a company can possess that helps it maintain sales and dominance against threats such as competitors or economic adversity.

This moat can come in several forms. It could be a strong and powerful brand that commands loyalty from consumers. It could be a product or service that customers find difficult to avoid using. Or it could be a cost advantage that enables it to sell products at consistently low prices.

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF only holds stocks that display some indications that they possess at least one of these moats. This means, at least in theory, that the companies found in MOAT will be able to weather whatever 2026 throws at the global economy, whether that be high inflation, an oil shock, or other obstacles, better than most. This makes this ASX ETF, in my view at least, the perfect investment for the uncertain world we find ourselves in.

Some examples of the companies that MOAT currently holds include Airbnb, Cadbury-owner Mondelez International, NVIDIA, Nike, Clorox, Walt Disney Co and PepsiCo.

No ASX share, or share-based ETF, can provide absolute protection from volatility or adverse economic events. But I think this ASX ETF has proven itself to be an effective all-weather investment in the past, and will do so again.

The post Here’s why I’d buy this Buffett-inspired ASX ETF today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How to become a millionaire on a $60,000 salary
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs in May
• Are these the best ASX ETFs to buy with $1,000 in May?
• Stagflation: How to position an ASX stock portfolio
• This ASX ETF has generated returns of almost 15% per year!

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Berkshire Hathaway, Mondelez International, PepsiCo, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Airbnb, Berkshire Hathaway, Nike, Nvidia, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Airbnb, Berkshire Hathaway, Nike, Nvidia, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Shares in Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) are moving higher on Monday, with investors reacting to the latest change out of the business.

At the time of writing, the Xero share price is up 3.50% to $83.39.

That builds on a decent run over the past few weeks, with the stock up around 12% in the past month.

Nonetheless, the longer-term trend still looks very different. Xero shares are down more than 50% over the past year and remain well below their June 2025 high of $196.52.

So, what is behind today’s move?

Price increases give investors something to work with

According to a report from The Australian, Xero is lifting prices across its Australian business and partner plans.

The increases are set to take effect from July 1, with pricing rising between 4% and 13% depending on the plan.

In dollar terms, most customers are expected to pay around $3 to $7 more per month.

It may not seem like much on its own, but across the entire customer base it starts to add up and feed into revenue.

Citi estimates the move could lift Australian revenue per user by roughly 4%, which helps explain the positive reaction in the share price.

A sign of confidence despite competition

There is another part to this that investors are likely picking up on.

Xero is not just lifting prices on higher-tier plans. It is also increasing pricing on its entry-level Ignite plan.

That is notable because entry-level products are usually where competition is most intense.

Pushing through increases in that segment suggests management is comfortable with its positioning, even as rivals continue to compete on price and features.

It also tells us that Xero is focused on protecting margins at a time when costs across the sector remain elevated.

There is still more to watch here

While the market has welcomed the update, it does not change the broader context around the stock.

Xero has been under pressure for much of the past year, with valuation, growth expectations, and global tech sentiment all weighing on the share price.

Even after the recent bounce, the stock is still a long way from its previous highs.

All eyes will be on whether pricing gains translate into sustained revenue growth without affecting customer retention.

The upcoming full-year result on 14 May could give a clearer read on how these changes are flowing through the business.

Until then, I’ll be keeping my powder dry.

The post Why this struggling ASX tech giant is finding buyers again appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• 10 excellent ASX shares to buy in May
• How to build a $500,000 ASX share portfolio in 25 years
• These beaten down ASX 200 tech stocks could rise 55% to 60%
• 3 super cheap ASX 200 shares I’d buy right now

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

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) released its half-year results on Monday, and I think there was a lot for investors to work through.

At face value, the numbers looked messy because of a large software-related accounting charge. But once that is stripped out, I think the result showed a bank that is still performing reasonably well, while also preparing for a tougher and more uncertain environment.

Here are my three key takeaways.

The underlying business is still moving forward

The first thing that stood out to me was that NAB’s underlying performance was better than the headline profit number suggested.

Cash earnings came in at $2.64 billion, but excluding large notable items, cash earnings were $3.59 billion. That was up 2.3% on the second half of FY25 and broadly flat compared with the prior corresponding period. Underlying profit, excluding large notable items, increased 6.4%.

I think that is a decent outcome in the current environment.

The large notable item related to changes in NAB’s software capitalisation policy, which lowered cash earnings by $949 million after tax.

That is important context. It makes the statutory result look weaker, but I do not think it changes the basic story of the bank’s operating momentum.

NAB continues to lean into the areas where it wants to win: business banking, deposits, and proprietary home lending. The update showed growth in Australian business lending, stronger transaction account balances, and a lift in proprietary home loan drawdowns.

For me, that suggests management is executing on the right parts of the business.

Business banking remains the main strength

The second takeaway is that NAB’s business banking franchise still looks like the standout part of the group.

Business & Private Banking cash earnings rose 9.9% compared with the second half of FY25, helped by higher underlying profit and lower credit impairment charges.

I think this division is where NAB has its clearest edge.

The bank has long had a strong position with business customers, particularly small and medium enterprises. In the latest half, it continued to grow business lending balances and gain market share in SME and total business lending.

That gives NAB a slightly different profile from some of the other major banks, which can be more heavily judged on mortgage competition.

I also like that NAB is investing in making business banking simpler and faster. More than 80% of first-half lending applications were submitted digitally, according to the summary, which should help improve efficiency and customer experience over time.

The bank is preparing for more uncertainty

The third takeaway is that NAB is clearly becoming more cautious about the outlook.

Credit impairment charges rose to $706 million from $485 million in the previous half. The bank also increased forward-looking provisions by $300 million, partly due to potential stress linked to the Middle East conflict and the risk of fuel supply and cost pressures across certain sectors.

I do not see that as a reason to panic.

In fact, I would rather see a bank build resilience early than wait until problems show up more clearly.

NAB’s capital position also looks solid. Its CET1 ratio was 11.65% at the end of March, with a pro forma ratio of 12.05% after the expected impact of the discounted and partially underwritten dividend reinvestment plan.

The interim dividend was held at 85 cents per share, fully franked.

Are NAB shares a buy?

I think NAB is a quality bank with a strong business banking franchise, a sound dividend, and a clear strategy.

But after a strong period for bank shares, I would class NAB as a hold rather than a buy today.

The result was solid enough, but the outlook is less certain, credit costs are rising, and I do not think the stock looks obviously cheap.

Foolish takeaway

Overall, I think NAB’s half-year result was respectable once the software charge is put in context.

The underlying bank is still moving forward, business banking remains a real strength, and the balance sheet looks prepared for a more volatile period.

For existing shareholders, I think there is enough here to stay patient. For new investors, I would be more selective at current prices.

The post 3 key takeaways from NAB’s half-year results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Viva Energy, Transurban and NAB shares are turning heads on Monday
• Everything you need to know about the latest NAB dividend
• NAB shares fall despite $3.59 billion cash profit
• NAB posts higher cash earnings, keeps dividend firm
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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.

With so many shares to choose from on the Australian share market, it can be difficult to decide which ones to buy. The good news is that brokers across the country are doing a lot of the hard work for you.

Three top ASX shares that leading brokers have named as buys this week are outlined below. Here’s why they are bullish on them:

Gentrack Group Ltd (ASX: GTK)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this utilities software company’s shares with a reduced price target of $8.80. This follows the announcement of the bolt-on acquisition of Middle East airport technology and services provider, Dubai Technology Partners (DTP), for US$10 million. Bell Potter is positive on the news and believes that broader trends are supportive of the acquisition. Outside this, it remains upbeat on Gentrack due to the large secular tailwinds in rapidly shifting energy production and consumption trends. It expects these to drive increased complexity within grids, billing platform requirements, and broader digital transformations. The Gentrack share price is trading at $4.85 on Monday.

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this sleep disorder treatment company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $41.72. This follows the release of a third-quarter update which Morgans described as solid. It highlights that the company delivered double-digit revenue and earnings growth, further margin expansion, and strong cash flow generation. The broker also points out investors are seemingly focusing on variability in US device growth while pondering if the Noctrix acquisition is merely a plug to a slowing core. However, it views these concerns as myopic and manageable. As a result, Morgans thinks now could be an opportune time to invest. The ResMed share price is fetching $28.89 at the time of writing.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Analysts at Citi have retained their buy rating and $112.65 price target on this cloud accounting platform provider’s shares. According to the note, the broker was pleased to see news that Xero has lifted its prices in Australia. Citi expects this to boost its revenue per user metric in the market. And while it suspects the increase could cause some level of churn, it is supportive of the move and remains bullish on the investment opportunity here. The Xero share price is trading at $82.86 on Monday afternoon.

The post Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this struggling ASX tech giant is finding buyers again
• Why this ASX tech stock could rocket 80% according to a top broker
• 3 ASX blue chip shares to buy with $10,000
• Why I’d buy and hold these ASX 200 blue-chip shares for at least 5 years
• 10 excellent ASX shares to buy in May

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

May is now underway, and I think it is a good time to look at a couple of ASX 200 shares that could be worth buying for the long term.

The market has been shifting around quickly, with some sectors under pressure and others still trading strongly. In that kind of environment, I like looking for businesses with clear strengths and enough quality to hold through different conditions.

Two ASX shares I would be happy to buy this month are Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN).

CBA shares

Commonwealth Bank is one of the highest-quality businesses on the ASX, in my view.

It is the largest bank in Australia and has a powerful position across mortgages, deposits, business banking, and digital banking. That scale gives it advantages that smaller competitors can struggle to match.

One thing I like about CBA is the consistency of its customer franchise. The bank has spent years investing in its technology and app experience, and I think that has helped it maintain a strong connection with customers.

This is important because banking can be a fairly competitive industry. Customers can move, pricing can be tight, and margins can shift. But CBA’s brand, distribution, and digital strength give it a good platform to defend its position.

Another reason I would consider buying CBA shares is income.

The bank has long been popular with dividend investors, and I think it remains one of the more reliable dividend payers on the ASX. The dividend yield may not always be the highest among the major banks, especially when the share price is strong, but I believe the quality of the business helps justify that.

I also think CBA can benefit from a resilient Australian economy. If employment remains solid and credit quality holds up reasonably well, the bank should remain in a strong position to generate profits and return capital to shareholders over time.

Qantas shares

Qantas is another ASX share I would consider in May.

It certainly isn’t risk-free. The airline industry can be affected by fuel costs, competition, regulation, and economic cycles. Even so, I think Qantas has a few things working in its favour.

The domestic market remains highly valuable, and Qantas has a strong position across both leisure and corporate travel. Its loyalty program also adds something different to the investment case. It gives the company a recurring, data-rich earnings stream that is not tied purely to seat sales.

I also think the fleet renewal story is important. Newer aircraft can improve efficiency, customer experience, and route flexibility. That can help Qantas strengthen its network over time and support better returns if management executes well.

There is also the broader travel backdrop to consider. Australians continue to value travel highly, and Qantas remains one of the country’s most recognised brands. If demand holds up, I think the business can keep generating solid cash flow.

The share price can be sensitive to oil prices and travel sentiment, so I would expect some volatility along the way. However, I believe the business has more going for it than many investors give it credit for.

Foolish Takeaway

So, should I buy CBA and Qantas shares this month?

For me, the answer is yes.

CBA offers quality, scale, dividends, and one of the strongest banking franchises in the country. Qantas offers exposure to travel demand, a valuable loyalty business, and potential benefits from fleet renewal.

They are very different, but I think both have enough long-term appeal to be worth considering in May.

The post Should I buy CBA and Qantas shares this month? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: CBA, South32, and Worley shares
• Are CBA shares a buy amid record $5.5 billion first-half cash profits?
• What happened with ASX 200 banks stocks NAB and CBA in April?
• How to shave a decade off retirement with 3 ASX stocks and ETFs
• 3 ASX dividend stocks with 4% yields to buy for a winning income portfolio

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. 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.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares were on fire in April and were among the best performers on the ASX 200 index.

During the month, the buy now pay later (BNPL) provider’s shares rocketed approximately 55%.

Let’s see why investors were fighting to get hold of them.

Why did Zip shares rocket in April?

Investors were bidding its shares higher last month after it released an impressive quarterly update.

At a time when many in the market were expecting the BNPL provider to be struggling, it outperformed expectations and even upgraded its guidance.

According to the update, Zip achieved record cash EBTDA of $65.1 million for the third quarter, which is a 41.5% increase on the prior corresponding period.

The key driver of this was its strong total transaction volume growth. Zip revealed growth of 22.4% year on year to $4 billion. This underpinned total income growth of 20.2% to $335.2 million for the three months.

Another positive was that Zip reported an expansion in its operating margin to 19.4%. This is up from 16.5% a year earlier.

Commenting on its performance, Zip’s CEO and managing director, Cynthia Scott, said:

Zip’s resilient business model continues to drive increased profitability at scale, delivering record cash earnings of $65.1m, up 41.5% year on year. Operating margin expanded 292bps to 19.4%, reflecting strong unit economics and significant operating leverage. Momentum continued across both markets, underpinned by deepened customer engagement and disciplined execution.

But as mentioned above, the major highlight was arguably the guidance upgrade.

It now expects group cash EBTDA of at least $260 million for the full year. This is a 4.6% increase on its previous guidance of approximately $248.6 million.

Cynthia Scott added:

Following a strong third quarter performance, we have upgraded our FY26 Group cash EBTDA guidance to be no less than $260.0m, while reconfirming each of our FY26 target ranges.

Where next for its shares?

Despite rising strongly in April, a number of brokers see significant upside for Zip shares. One of them is Ord Minnett, which responded to the update by retaining its buy rating with an improved price target of $4.00.

Based on its current share price of $2.46, this implies potential upside of over 60% for investors over the next 12 months.

Elsewhere, the team at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) has an outperform rating and $3.40 price target on Zip shares. This suggests that upside of almost 40% is possible from current levels.

The post Why Zip shares rocketed 55% in April (and could keep rising) appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• These ASX financial stocks are bouncing, is it just the start?
• The five best ASX 200 stocks to buy and hold in April revealed
• Why these ASX shares jumped 15%+ in April
• Prediction: Zip shares could fly another 121% higher

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

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares have been very strong performers over the past 12 months.

During this time, the mining giant’s shares have risen an impressive 45%.

While this is great for shareholders, it could mean that non-shareholders have missed the boat.

But don’t worry, because Bell Potter believes another ASX mining stock could be a top buy this month.

Which ASX mining stock?

The stock that Bell Potter is tipping as a buy this month is Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP).

It operates a hybrid model as an underground mining contractor and operator of three mining assets. These are the Woodlawn Zinc-Copper Mine, the Sulphur Springs Zinc-Copper Project, and Pioneer Dome.

It is the latter project that has caught the eye of Bell Potter. It said:

We believe a spodumene DSO mining operation at Pioneer Dome is optimal with respect to the group’s capital management while delivering the fastest route to market for the project. Observed variability in DSO demand during prior cycles suggests acute sensitivities to lithium chemical and spodumene concentrate prices.

As such, we envisage Pioneer Dome production cadence to be highly responsive to lithium chemical supply-demand imbalances. A relatively simple mine, crush and haul operation at Pioneer Dome would have a relatively short ramp-up and ramp-down timeline. We therefore see Pioneer Dome’s economics based on favourable short-term lithium market fundamentals, operating only when DSO offtake and pricing underwrite a restart.

Bell Potter notes that Pioneer Dome could be important for the ASX mining stock. It points out that the cash flow it generates could be used to pay down debt at Woodlawn and fund the construction of Sulphur Springs. The broker explains:

Pioneer Dome’s importance should be seen through the lens of short-term operating cash flow generation. Pioneer Dome operating cash flows could be used to settle outstanding Woodlawn debt, partly finance the construction of Sulphur Springs’ processing plant and provide balance sheet flexibility to enable another mining asset acquisition.

Strong potential returns

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating and $6.60 price target on the ASX mining stock.

Based on its current share price of $5.38, this implies potential upside of 23% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

Pioneer Dome’s importance lies in its ability to provide timely liquidity for the Group, supporting de-leveraging and financing of Sulphur Springs construction. The resulting financial flexibility would allow DVP to act nimbly on any forthcoming organic and inorganic opportunities.

The post Forget BHP shares, this ASX mining stock could rise 20%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Buying ASX 200 mining shares? Here’s how Rio Tinto, Fortescue and BHP stacked up in April
• I’d buy BHP and these ASX 200 shares with $5,000 in May
• Big gains for BHP shares in April, but is the best still to come?
• How are Australia’s biggest ASX stocks really tracking in 2026?

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

It has been another rough session for Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1), with heavy selling following a fresh update to the market.

At the time of writing, the retailer’s shares are down 14.11% to 53.3 cents.

That drop has pushed the stock back to levels not seen since June 2013, wiping out years of gains.

Shares are now down around 25% over the past month and roughly 71% over the past year.

The move comes after the company released a trading update alongside news of an ASIC investigation.

Let’s take a closer look at the announcement.

Profit outlook cut after tough April

In its release, Accent said trading was broadly in line with expectations through to the end of March, but conditions became more difficult as April progressed.

The company pointed to weaker consumer confidence, higher fuel prices, and geopolitical tensions as key factors hitting both sales and margins.

For the first 18 weeks of the second half, total sales rose 7.1%, though like-for-like retail sales slipped 1%, while gross margin also eased to 54.2%, down 80 basis points on last year.

Those pressures are now starting to show up in the earnings outlook.

Accent now expects the second-half EBIT to land between $23 million and $28 million, including $2 million in restructuring costs tied to a planned cost-out program.

Full-year EBIT is now expected to come in between $79.5 million and $84.5 million.

Back in February, the company was guiding to $30 million to $35 million for the second half, so this has been a clear step down.

ASIC investigation adds uncertainty

Alongside the trading update, Accent confirmed it has received notices from ASIC requesting information as part of an investigation.

The probe relates to suspected contraventions of the Corporations Act tied to trading in the company’s securities between 23 May and 10 June 2025.

The investigation involves CEO Daniel Agostinelli, Non-executive director Michael Hapgood, and another senior employee.

No charges have been laid, and the company said there are no allegations against the business itself.

Accent also noted that Agostinelli’s share sales were pre-approved and that he retains the full support of the board. Hapgood has advised that he did not trade during the relevant period.

The company said it is cooperating with ASIC.

Foolish bottom line

There are a few moving parts here, but the downgrade looks to be doing most of the damage.

The retail environment is already a tough space, and the latest update shows how quickly conditions can turn against the business.

Sales growth is still positive on the surface, but margins and like-for-like performance are going the other way.

The ASIC investigation adds another issue for investors to weigh up, even if no wrongdoing has been alleged.

Personally, I would stay away until things start to stabilise and margins improve.

The post Why Accent shares just crashed to a 13-year low appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why A2 Milk, Accent, Endeavour, and Woodside shares are falling today
• Down 65%: Is this ASX 300 stock a cheap buy?
• 3 oversold ASX shares to buy with $10,000

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

If you are on the lookout for some new portfolio additions, then it could be worth hearing what analysts are saying about the ASX shares named below, courtesy of The Bull.

Are they bullish, bearish, or something in between? Let’s find out.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

The team at Alto Capital has named Australia’s largest bank as a sell this week.

Due to the bank’s premium valuation, it thinks the risk-reward balance favours taking profit on CBA shares now. It explains:

Australia’s largest retail bank enjoys a dominant position across mortgages, deposits and consumer banking. The company recently reported a record first half cash net profit after tax in 2026 of $5.445 billion, supported by lending growth and strong deposit volumes.

Recently, the share price had re-rated significantly and traded at a premium to domestic peers and global banking counterparts. With much of the operational strength already reflected in the valuation, the risk-reward balance favours taking profits at current levels.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

Over at Fairmont Equities, it has named this mining giant’s shares as a hold this week.

However, the equities firm does believe that South32 shares have potential to rally strongly in the future. It said:

S32 is a diversified mining company. I expect base metals prices to continue trending higher this year to the benefit of S32. After a share price sell-down in February, the stock had mostly recovered by the end of March. I see a clear resistance zone around $4.80. Buyers are also stepping in on any dips. I’m confident S32 will rally strongly moving forward. The shares were trading at $3.935 on April 30.

Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR)

The team at Baker Young is positive on this engineering and construction services company and is tipping it as a buy this week.

It believes that Worley has a positive outlook thanks to its exposure to structural trends such as the de-globalisation of supply chains and energy efficiency. It explains:

Worley is an engineering and construction group. It recently stepped back from underlying earnings before interest and tax growth due to delays on Middle East projects. However, we believe the longer term outlook remains supportive. Structural trends, such as de-globalisation of supply chains and increasing investment in energy efficiency, align closely with WOR’s core capabilities.

Earnings volatility and missed expectations have weighed on sentiment. But the company is trading on an undemanding valuation relative to its medium term growth potential.

The post Buy, hold, sell: CBA, South32, and Worley shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are CBA shares a buy amid record $5.5 billion first half cash profits?
• What happened with ASX 200 banks stocks NAB and CBA in April?
• How to shave a decade off retirement with 3 ASX stocks and ETFs
• 3 ASX dividend stocks with 4% yields to buy for a winning income portfolio
• How are Australia’s biggest ASX stocks really tracking in 2026?

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.