Category: Stock Market

  • Global warming play: Expert reveals the ASX share he’d stash for next 4 years

    a man wearing a hard hat, a shirt and a tie, lays a brick on a wall he is building with a look of happy joy on his face.a man wearing a hard hat, a shirt and a tie, lays a brick on a wall he is building with a look of happy joy on his face.

    Ask A Fund Manager

    The Motley Fool chats with the best in the industry so that you can get an insight into how the professionals think. In this edition, Tribeca Investment Partners portfolio manager Simon Brown picks the stock that would let him sleep soundly for years to come.

    The ASX share for a comfortable night’s sleep

    The Motley Fool: If the market closed tomorrow for four years, which stock would you want to hold?

    Simon Brown: Always a curly one, isn’t it? 

    I’m just having a look at the portfolio. I’d be comfortable with a lot of them. 

    Look, I would say Johns Lyng Group Ltd (ASX: JLG). Have you heard of them?

    MF: Yes, I own those shares.

    SB: That’s a business that’s got that growth premium because it has been growing very strongly. But a name like that, I think that the runway for growth is quite long and there will be periods of multiple expansion and contraction, as those discount rates go up and down with the level of interest rates. 

    Arguably, interest rates may have seen their lows for some time — 12, 18 months ago. We exist in a higher rate environment than we were 18 months ago. But I think that a business such as this has such a strong level of underlying growth, particularly now they’ve got exposure in the US. It is just such a huge market.

    They’ve got a flag in the ground over there, so to speak. The ability for them to keep expanding and use the type of strategy that they’ve used here in Australia, to be successful over there. It just makes 100% sense to continue to expand and partner with insurance companies and, essentially, replicate the model that they’ve had here over there. 

    So I think that’s a business that you could be very comfortable in a four-year growth outlook. And earnings would be much higher in four years’ time than we currently sit today.

    MF: Some say it’s a climate change play because they get much business from big natural disasters, don’t they?

    SB: Cat — catastrophes — they call them.

    Yeah. If you talk to some people in the insurance industry, they’re of the view that these catastrophes are, due to climate change, going to be a little bit more recurrent than they have been in the past. Which should mean that there’s more reconstruction work required from people such as Johns Lyng.

    The post Global warming play: Expert reveals the ASX share he’d stash for next 4 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    FREE Guide for New Investors

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    For over a decade, we’ve been helping everyday Aussies get started on their journey.

    And to help even more people cut through some of the confusion “experts’” seem to want to perpetuate – we’ve created a brand-new “how to” guide.

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    Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has positions in Johns Lyng Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Johns Lyng Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Johns Lyng 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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  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

    Smiling man with phone in wheelchair watching stocks and trends on computer

    Smiling man with phone in wheelchair watching stocks and trends on computer

    On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had another tough day and dropped deep into the red. The benchmark index fell 0.75% to 7,175.5 points.

    Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

    ASX 200 expected to rise

    The Australian share market looks set to end the week on a positive note after a decent session on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 19 points or 0.25% higher this morning. In late trade in the United States, the Dow Jones is up 0.35%, the S&P 500 has risen 0.6%, and the Nasdaq is up 0.95%.

    Oil prices down

    Energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a subdued finish to the week after oil prices dropped again. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.35% to US$71.74 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 0.85% to US$76.56 a barrel. Demand concerns continue to weigh on prices.

    BHP shares downgraded

    The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price could be fully valued now according to analysts at Morgans. This morning the broker has downgraded the mining giant’s shares to a hold rating with a $44.80 price target. It commented: “While hopeful of a China growth recovery, which would be positive for steel/iron ore demand, we are less comfortable with the equity market already moving to price in the recovery before it unfolds.” Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares were also downgraded for the same reason.

    Gold price rises

    Gold miners including Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) could have a positive finish to the week after the gold price rose overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 0.2% to US$1,800.8 an ounce. Traders were buying gold after the US dollar weakened.

    Technology One rated neutral

    The TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) share price could also be fully valued according to Goldman Sachs. This morning the broker reiterated its neutral rating with an improved price target of $14.45. It said: “We are attracted to TNE’s potential earnings upside in coming years (price increases, cross-sell execution, UK growth, margin expansion) and defensive public sector end markets, but see valuation as relatively full at current levels.”

    The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday 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. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now

    See The 5 Stocks
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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 recommended Technology One. 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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  • AVZ Minerals share price remains halted amid fresh legal action

    Two miners standing together.Two miners standing together.

    The AVZ Minerals Ltd (ASX: AVZ) share price has been frozen since May amid a legal dispute that is holding up mining at its lithium and tin project in Africa.

    The lithium developer first requested a trading halt in relation to a legal wrangle on 9 May.

    The dispute is delaying the finalisation of the mining and exploration rights for the Manono Lithium and Tin Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    As my Fool colleague James reported in May, the issue centres around AVZ’s ownership of the project.

    Briefly, the Manono Lithium and Tin Project is owned by a company called Dathcom Mining SA.

    AVZ Minerals owns 75% and Dathomir Mining Resources SARL, otherwise known as La Congolaise D’Exploitation Miniere SA (Cominiere), owns 25%.

    Part of the deal for gaining a mining licence was Dathomir ceding 10% of its interest to the DRC Government.

    AVZ believed it had first right of refusal to buy the remaining 15% owned by Dathomir, in accordance with binding contracts signed by both parties in 2019 and 2020.

    However, in May 2021, Dathomir sent a letter to AVZ Minerals terminating the agreement. AVZ Minerals maintains this was unlawful.

    In August, AVZ Minerals executed their rights under the agreement to purchase the 15% stake and made payment for it.

    Dathomir is purported to have transferred its remaining 15% interest to China’s Jin Cheng Mining Company Limited. Jin Cheng is a subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group Company Limited (HKG: ZJM0W).

    AVZ is now fighting to claim ownership of that 15%.

    What’s happening with the AVZ share price today?

    In short, absolutely nothing. The saga simply continues but AVZ Minerals has made a statement today.

    AVZ has informed ASX investors that on 1 December, it filed the first of two arbitrations against Dathomir with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

    In its statement, AVZ Minerals said:

    The purpose of the Dathomir Arbitrations is to seek a declaration affirming [AVZ’s] legal title to the 15% stake in the Manono Project …

    AVZ is already in the midst of separate ICC arbitration proceedings brought by Jin Cheng.

    Jin Cheng wants the ICC to recognise that it is now the owner of the 15% stake in Dathcom.

    AVZ Minerals said:

    The Company considers it has strong prospects of success in the Dathomir Arbitrations and Jin Cheng
    ICC Arbitration Proceedings and will vigorously pursue its claims to vindication.

    What now for AVZ Minerals shareholders?

    It continues to be a waiting game for AVZ Minerals shareholders.

    However, those invested in the company for the long haul are probably looking on the bright side.

    As my Fool colleague Brooke recently reported, AVZ Minerals is one of three ASX mining shares that have turned a $10,000 investment made 10 years ago into $500,000 today.

    The AVZ Minerals share price is up a grand total of 7,700% over the past decade.

    The post AVZ Minerals share price remains halted amid fresh legal action appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    FREE Beginners Investing Guide

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    For over a decade, we’ve been helping everyday Aussies get started on their journey.

    And to help even more people cut through some of the confusion “experts’” seem to want to perpetuate – we’ve created a brand-new “how to” guide.

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    *Returns as of November 7 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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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  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    Top ten gold trophy.Top ten gold trophy.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had another shocker today, notching up its third loss in a row for the week. The index finished up at 7,175.5 points, down 0.75% for the day. Since Monday, the ASX 200 has already lost a nasty 2%.

    These losses were led by ASX 200 energy shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) ended up falling by a nasty 2.42%, led by Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) falling by almost 3.7%. Leading coal miner Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) was down by 2.59%.  

    This was induced by sharp falls in energy and commodity prices. Oil is now back under US$80 a barrel, with WTI crude down 3.48% to US$74.25 a barrel on the latest numbers.

    Meanwhile, the best-performing sector today was utilities, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) rising 0.97%. In total, only three of the ASX 200’s 11 sectors were in the green today.

    Countdown to the top 10 ASX 200 shares on Thursday

    Our top-performing ASX 200 share today was Chalice Mining Ltd (ASX: CHN), which finished the session up a healthy 13.11% at $6.30 a share. This came after the miner indicated that it has uncovered some new copper and nickel reserves at its Julimar Project in Western Australia.

    Here are the top ten shares from this Thursday’s trading session:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Chalice Mining Ltd (ASX: CHN) $6.30 13.11%
    West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) $1.13 4.65%
    Silver Lake Resources Limited (ASX: SLR) $1.34 3.88%
    Ramelius Resources Limited (ASX: RMS) $0.99 3.68%
    Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) $2.90 3.57%
    St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) $0.64 3.23%
    Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC) $12.77 2.98%
    Imugene Limited (ASX: IMU) $0.19 2.78%
    TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) $13.79 2.53%
    Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF) $6.35 2.42%

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today 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. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of December 1 2022

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    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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. 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 high-yielding ASX dividend shares that have surged more than 50% this year

    a woman holds her hands up in delight as she sits in front of her lapa woman holds her hands up in delight as she sits in front of her lap

    It’s certainly been a wild year for ASX shares as inflation prints and interest rate hikes have pulled markets in every direction.

    Despite a recent rally, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is down around 7% since the start of 2022.

    Amidst the volatility and uncertainty, investors have been flocking to defensive ASX shares, along with those that pay a dividend.

    But high dividend yields don’t necessarily have to come with modest capital growth.

    Here are three high-flying ASX All Ords shares that have delivered juicy dividends and big share price gains in 2022.

    New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC)

    New Hope has been one of the best-performing ASX All Ords shares this year. With the New Hope share price currently fetching $5.64, shares have sky-rocketed 153% in the year to date.

    The ASX 200 coal miner has been a major beneficiary of sky-high coal prices, which have surged on the back of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

    In FY22, New Hope’s revenue soared by 143% to $2.6 billion. Meanwhile, profit went through the roof, rocketing 1,139% to $983 million. 

    This came despite New Hope producing 18% less saleable coal compared to the prior year. It was all made possible by record-high coal prices, with New Hope’s average realised prices surging from $101.36/tonne in FY21 to $281.84/tonne in FY22. 

    These booming results helped New Hope to crank up its annual dividends by 681%, declaring fully franked dividends of 86 cents per share. At current prices, this puts New Hope shares on an eye-watering trailing dividend yield of 15.2%.

    Looking ahead, Morgans believes New Hope’s dividends will head further north in FY23. The broker is forecasting annual dividends of $1.00 per share, which spins up a forward dividend yield of 17.7%. Morgans currently has an add rating on New Hope shares with a 12-month price target of $6.80.

    Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

    Next up, Woodside is another ASX 200 share that’s delivered lucrative dividend income this year in tandem with bumper share price gains.

    With Woodside shares last changing hands at $34.45, its shares have punched 57% higher since the beginning of 2022.

    Woodside has been another big winner from record-high oil and gas prices. The company’s financial year runs until 31 December, so it’s yet to hand in its FY22 report. 

    But Woodside’s strength was on full display in its first-half results, delivering a 132% increase in operating revenue which came in at US$5.8 billion. Underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) enjoyed an even bigger boost, leaping 414% to US$1.8 billion.

    This was largely thanks to higher realised prices, which more than doubled year-on-year to US$96.40 per barrel of oil equivalent.

    Woodside’s multi-billion-dollar merger with BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)’s oil and gas portfolio was completed on 1 June 2022. So, these assets had one month’s contribution to Woodside’s first-half results.

    As part of the deal, Woodside received a merger completion payment of around US$1.1 billion in cash.

    In August, Woodside declared an interim dividend of US$1.09. This payout was based on 80% of underlying NPAT plus 80% of the merger completion payment adjusted for working capital.

    Excluding the merger completion payment, Woodside’s ordinary interim dividend came in at 76 US cents, up 153% from the 30 US cent interim dividend declared in 1H21.

    Over the last 12 months, Woodside has dished out fully franked dividends of US$2.14. As a result, Woodside shares are currently printing a trailing dividend yield of roughly 8.9%.

    Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR)

    Turning our attention away from ASX resources shares, Myer has been a surprise packet this year.

    Consumers have been feeling the pinch of rising interest rates and cost of living, which has made life difficult for ASX retail shares.

    But while most ASX retail shares flounder, the Myer share price has defied gravity, shooting up 56% this year to perch itself at 70 cents.

    Myer is delivering on its turnaround, recently recording its highest second-half profit result in nearly a decade.

    In FY22, the ASX retailer achieved comparable store sales growth of 15% while underlying NPAT doubled to $60 million.

    Myer’s bottom line has been bolstered by strong multi-channel execution, particularly from its online business.

    It appears momentum is only gathering pace, with the first six weeks of FY23 seeing Myer achieve its best sales start to a financial year since 2006.

    In terms of dividends, Myer shelled out an annual payment of 4 cents per share in FY22, fully franked. This translates to a trailing dividend yield of 5.7%, which grosses up to 8.2% including franking credits.

    This is a marked turnaround for a company that, prior to this year, hadn’t paid a dividend since 2017.

    The post 3 high-yielding ASX dividend shares that have surged more than 50% this year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Where should you invest $1,000 right now? 3 Dividend Stocks To Help Beat Inflation

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    *Returns as of December 1 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Cathryn Goh 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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  • 3 passive income ASX 200 dividend shares that can help make you richer

    A man in business pants, a shirt and a tie lies in the shallows of a beautiful beach as he consults his laptop on the shore, just out of the water's reach.

    A man in business pants, a shirt and a tie lies in the shallows of a beautiful beach as he consults his laptop on the shore, just out of the water's reach.

    ASX shares that pay dividend income are a great place to look if you’re after passive income. ASX shares will pay you dividends whether you work or not, whether you are old or young, sick or healthy. But there are hundreds to choose from on the ASX. So which should an investor seeking passive income choose?

    When it comes to picking dividend shares, it can be a good idea to look for shares that have a big yield, or else have a strong record of increasing their payouts over a long period of time. Or perhaps even both. So here are three ASX dividend shares worth considering using these criteria today.

    3 ASX dividend shares that can help build passive income

    Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

    Westpac is an ASX share that needs little introduction. It is of course one of the big four major ASX banks in Australia. Westpac is also one of the oldest companies in the country, having started out as the Bank of New South Wales back in 1817.

    Westpac’s dividends have been recovering nicely since the COVID-induced drought. It is on track to pay out $1.25 in dividends per share this year, which is a nice increase over 2021’s $1.18. These dividends come with full franking too. Today, Westpac shares offer a trailing dividend yield of 5.36%.

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

    ASX investing conglomerate Soul Patts is next up. This company is a rather unique one on the ASX. Most of its business involves investing in a portfolio of other ASX 200 shares for the benefit of its shareholders.

    Soul Patts’ dividend credentials are unbeatable. It is the only ASX share that has a 21-year streak of increasing its annual dividend payments. That is a mighty helpful trait to have in a passive income portfolio. As such, this is another share well worth considering today.

    Brickworks Ltd (ASX: BKW)

    Brickworks is another ASX 200 dividend share worth a look at. Brickworks, as its name implies, is in the business of providing bricks and other construction materials. But it also has a few other revenue avenues.

    It has made a profitable habit out of leasing out unused land after it is finished using it for manufacturing, which often happens to be in great locations. Brickworks also has an investment portfolio as well, dominated by a massive stake in none other than Washington H. Soul Pattinson shares.

    Brickworks also has an enviable dividend record to boast of. It has not yet achieved a 21-year streak of annual rises like Soul Patts. But it hasn’t cut its dividend in more than four decades. As such, it’s an ideal candidate for ongoing passive income today.

    Right now, Brickworks shares have a fully franked trailing yield of 2.86%

    The post 3 passive income ASX 200 dividend shares that can help make you richer appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Looking to buy dividend shares to help fight inflation?

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson And. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson And. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson And. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Westpac Banking. 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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  • Should cash be part of your ASX shares portfolio?

    A woman has a thoughtful look on her face as she studies a fan of Australian 20 dollar bills she is holding on one hand while he rest her other hand on her chin in thought.A woman has a thoughtful look on her face as she studies a fan of Australian 20 dollar bills she is holding on one hand while he rest her other hand on her chin in thought.

    Whether to keep some cash aside as part of your ASX shares investment strategy is a contentious issue.

    In recent years, it’s made less sense to do so because interest rates have been at historical lows.

    During this time, some investors figured they might as well go all in on ASX shares because even if stock prices dropped, their after-tax dividend payments would exceed savings interest by a long shot.

    But keeping cash as part of your ASX shares portfolio is now more appealing. This follows a 3% increase in Australia’s official cash rate in 2022.

    According to ratecity.com.au today, some banks are offering savings accounts at 4.5% interest.

    But there’s another reason to keep cash on the side.

    Cash is my top ASX share pick, says expert

    At the recent Sohn Hearts & Minds Investment Leaders Conference, cash was the ‘best idea’ brought by Hermitage Capital UK CEO Bill Browder.

    Hearts & Minds conference speakers are asked to bring their best idea or top pick among ASX shares to discuss with attendees.

    According to The Weekend Australian, Browder went rogue. He nominated cash as his best investment idea, for the moment at least, due to rising inflation and interest rates.

    Browder said:

    We’re in a world with high inflation and central banks need to do something about that … they’re going to raise interest rates and so the value of assets will go down.

    We’ve seen this in the performance of ASX shares this year. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was hit hardest in the first six months of 2022 when inflation and rates first began to rise.

    The benchmark index lost 15% of its value between the first trading day of 2022 and the mid-June bottom.

    Invest in cash and wait, says expert

    To be clear, Browder doesn’t think you should invest in cash because it’s now offering a decent yield.

    He recommends cash so investors will be ready to pounce on beaten-up ASX shares once this inflationary cycle turns the corner.

    Browder continued:

    Once we get to a point when rates are peaking and inflation starts to go down I think there’s going to be a great opportunity to buy assets.

    Has inflation peaked?

    As we reported recently, inflation growth in Australia has softened from an annual growth rate of 7.3% over the September quarter to 6.9% in the month of October.

    HSBC Australia chief economist, Paul Bloxham reckons inflation has “passed its peak”.

    So, the time to buy ASX shares with that cash on hand might be just around the corner.

    Should cash be part of your portfolio?

    Whether cash should be part of your ASX shares investment strategy is discussed by our Education Hub writer, Kate O’Brien.

    As Kate reports, having some cash on hand will “enable you to top up your portfolio when suitable buying opportunities arise”.

    Kate writes:

    Share prices are volatile, and the ASX moves with the economic cycle. Down periods in the cycle can provide abundant buying opportunities for long-term investors seeking quality shares. This will help build your portfolio over time while allowing you to take advantage of market dips. 

    Kate points out that long-term investors who buy the dip have the advantage of time to accumulate returns. 

    She writes:

    It can take time for the market to recover from a downturn – it took the ASX 200 14 months to return to its pre-COVID levels from its March 2020 dip. 

    But investors who bought the dip would have made a return of 47% over that period. For this reason, many investors like to keep some cash on hand to take advantage of unexpected buying opportunities.

    The post Should cash be part of your ASX shares portfolio? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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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  • Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Thursday

    A man sitting at a computer is blown away by what he's seeing on the screen, hair and tie whooshing back as he screams argh in panic.A man sitting at a computer is blown away by what he's seeing on the screen, hair and tie whooshing back as he screams argh in panic.

    It’s shaping up to be another torrid day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and ASX shares so far this Thursday. After falling for most of the week, the markets are keeping the ball rolling today, with the ASX 200 down another 0.6% at the time of writing to just over 7,180 points.

    But rather than dwelling on all that, let’s instead take a look at the ASX 200 shares that are currently topping the share market’s trading volume charts, according to investing.com.

    The 3 most traded ASX 200 shares by volume this Thursday

    Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

    Our first cab off the rank today is the ASX 200 lithium producer Pilbara Minerals. So far this Thursday, a notable 22.9 million Pilbara shares have found a new home. There’s been no news out of the company today that explains this high volume.

    Saying that though, the Pilbara share price has been absolutely roasted this session. Pilbara shares are presently down a painful 4.03% to $4.52 a share:

    This comes after a top ASX broker warned that lithium prices could start trending lower over the next few years. It’s probably these share price falls that have resulted in the high volumes we are seeing.

    Downer EDI Ltd (ASX: DOW)

    Our second ASX 200 share of the day is a rare guest appearance on this list. Downer EDI has had a large 23.83 million of its shares swap hands as it currently stands. Unfortunately, this elevated volume looks like a direct consequence of Downer’s painful 21.46% drop we’ve seen today, putting the company at $3.77 a share:

    This comes after Downer shares fell to just $3.31 this morning, a new 52-week low. These falls come after Downer announced a guidance revision this morning, which included an accounting error that could see a $40 million hit to the company’s books. Evidently, investors have not been impressed.

    Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO)

    Finally today we have another ASX 200 lithium share in Core Lithium. This Thursday has seen a whopping 46.3 million Core shares cross the proverbial Rubicon. This seems to be along similar lines to Pilbara, with the added distinction that Goldman Sachs has slapped a sell rating on Core Lithium shares specifically.

    The broker reckons that Core Lithium’s shares are overvalued compared to its peers. The Core Lithium share price has been whacked by a depressing 9.01% down to $1.19 a share so far today:

    The post Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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    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 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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  • Oil price slides again. How are ASX 200 energy shares holding up?

    A little girl is about to launch down the slide with a blue sky and white clouds in the sky behind her.A little girl is about to launch down the slide with a blue sky and white clouds in the sky behind her.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy shares are trailing the benchmark today.

    In afternoon trade the ASX 200 is down 0.58%. But the big energy stocks are doing it far tougher, as witnessed by the 2.55% fall in the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ). 

    Oil and gas giant Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) is down 3.78%, while rival ASX 200 energy share Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) has slipped 1.12%.

    This comes as crude oil prices fell again overnight.

    What’s happening with the oil price?

    ASX 200 energy shares are under pressure today as crude oil prices fell overnight to reach fresh lows for 2022.

    International benchmark Brent crude oil is down 2.4% since this time yesterday, currently trading for US$77.44 (AU$115.50) per barrel.

    Brent crude was trading for just under US$79 per barrel on 3 January this year.

    Then Russia’s invasion of Ukraine saw prices spike to some US$128 per barrel in early March. This sent Santos and Woodside shares soaring, resulting in record profits and some outsized dividend payouts.

    But the ASX 200 energy shares have struggled to maintain that share price momentum amid sliding oil prices in recent months.

    There has been some bullish analysis on rising energy demand from China as the nation moves away from its COVID-zero policies. But that looks to be overshadowed by investor jitters over the price cap imposed on Russian oil exports by G7 nations, and the outlook for a slowing global economy in 2023 dampening overall oil and gas demand.

    According to Rebecca Babin, a senior energy trader at CIBC Private Wealth Management (quoted by Bloomberg), “There is literally no risk appetite to buy the dip in crude right now. This is just snowballing into outsize moves.”

    That risk aversion could continue throwing up some headwinds for the big oil and gas stocks.

    How have these ASX 200 energy shares been tracking?

    As you can see in the charts below, both ASX 200 energy shares have outperformed in 2022.

    The Woodside share price has charged 54% higher while Santos shares have gained a more modest 7%. They both compare quite favourably to the ASX 200, with the benchmark index down 5% year to date.

    The post Oil price slides again. How are ASX 200 energy shares holding up? 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. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of December 1 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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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  • 2 ASX dividend shares that have raised their payouts by 20% in 5 years

    A couple sits in their lounge room with a large piggy bank on the coffee table. They smile while the male partner feeds some money into the slot while the female partner looks on with an iPad style device in her hands as though they are budgeting.A couple sits in their lounge room with a large piggy bank on the coffee table. They smile while the male partner feeds some money into the slot while the female partner looks on with an iPad style device in her hands as though they are budgeting.

    Finding an ASX dividend share paying out a healthy dividend yield is one thing on the ASX. But finding a company that manages to consistently and generously raise its annual dividend payouts to investors is another.

    Long-term income investors know that the best way to build generous dividend income is by finding rising dividends, not just high ones.

    So with that in mind, let’s discuss two ASX dividend shares that have grown their shareholder payouts by 20% in five years.

    2 dividend shares that have hiked payouts by 20% since 2017

    Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF)

    Rural Funds Group is an agriculture-focused ASX real estate investment trust (REIT). It invests in a variety of farmland assets and passes on the rental income from said assets to its investors. At present, it owns interests in a variety of agricultural products, including almonds, beef, macadamias and vineyards.

    Rural Funds targets a 4% growth rate for its annual dividend distributions. Back in 2017, it doled out a quarterly dividend distribution of 2.41 cents per unit. But back in October, Rural Funds paid its investors its latest quarterly distribution which was worth 11.72 cents per unit. That’s a five-year increase of 21.58%.

    Rural Funds shares have dipped over 2022, as you can see below:

    This has helped push up Rural Funds’ dividend distribution yield to the 4.76% we see today.

    APA Group (ASX: APA)

    Next up is ASX gas pipeline operator APA Group. APA has one of the steadiest dividend graphs on the ASX, helped in part by reliable rental income from the use of its gas pipeline network.

    In 2017, this company doled out 43.5 cents per share in dividend income. In 2022, APA has paid its shareholders a total of 53 cents per share in dividends. That represents a five-year growth rate of 21.84%.

    The APA share price is a bouncy one, as is evident below:

    The current share price gives APA shares a trailing dividend yield of 4.8% right now.

    The post 2 ASX dividend shares that have raised their payouts by 20% in 5 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group and Rural Funds 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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