Category: Stock Market

  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    Three children wearing athletic short and singlets stand side by side on a running track wearing medals around their necks and standing with their hands on their hips.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares enjoyed another strong session this Wednesday, building on the momentum we saw yesterday to push the share market decisively higher.

    Despite opening in the red this morning, the ASX 200 closed out strong this afternoon, recording a rise worth 0.8% today. That leaves the index back over 8,900 points at 8,927.8 points.

    This happy hump day for Australian investors follows a decidedly more negative one over on the US markets this morning.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) began proceedings on the right foot, but lost momentum to finish 0.34% lower.

    Meanwhile, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared much worse, slumping 1.43%.

    But let’s get back to ASX shares now and check out what’s been happening across the different ASX sectors this session.

    Winners and losers

    Despite the market’s rise this hump day, there were still plenty of sectors that went backwards.

    Leading those losers were tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had a disastrous session today, collapsing 9.4%.

    Utilities shares weren’t popular either, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) plunging by 2.05%.

    Communications stocks were sold off as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) saw its value drop 2.01% today.

    Real estate investment trusts (REITs) were also on the nose, evident from the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)’s 1.17% slump.

    Consumer discretionary shares fared similarly. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) ended up retreating 1.06%.

    Investors were pessimistic about industrial stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) sliding 0.72% lower.

    Our last losers this Wednesday were consumer staples shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) slipped by less than 0.01%, though.

    Let’s turn to the winners now. Leading the charge were gold stocks, as you can see from the All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD)’s 4.12% surge.

    Broader mining shares saw significant demand, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) galloped 3.53% higher today.

    Energy stocks were also in that ballpark, with the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) jumping 3.14%.

    Financial shares put on a strong showing, too. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) had banked a 0.98% gain by the closing bell.

    Finally, healthcare stocks bounced back from a morning slump to record a modest rise, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)’s 0.1% bump.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    It was coal miner Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) that took out today’s top spot. Yancoal stock rose by a strong 9% this session to close at $6.30 a share.

    There wasn’t any news or announcements from Yancoal itself today, although most mining and energy shares had a strong showing on this hump day.

    Here’s how the other top performers landed their planes today:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) $6.30 9.00%
    South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) $4.79 6.21%
    Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) $28.55 6.17%
    Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) $8.16 5.84%
    Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) $13.37 5.69%
    New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) $4.85 5.66%
    Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) $16.01 4.98%
    Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) $4.69 4.92%
    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) $52.40 4.53%
    Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) $171.88 4.33%

    Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

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

    Should you invest $1,000 in Yancoal Australia Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Yancoal Australia Ltd shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Yancoal Australia Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Newmont. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

  • Why these 2 ASX REITs are in the red after today’s results

    Magnifying glass in front of an open newspaper with paper houses.

    A pair of ASX-listed property trusts is trading lower on Wednesday after releasing their latest half-year results, despite steady performances.

    Centuria Office REIT (ASX: COF) shares are down 0.47% to $1.055, while Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT (ASX: CQE) is weaker by 3.22% to $2.855.

    Here is what investors are reacting to.

    Centuria Office REIT delivers mixed half-year results

    Centuria Office REIT reported its results for the six months to 31 December 2025, showing a business that remains stable but still faces pressure from higher costs.

    The trust delivered funds from operations of $33.4 million, or 5.6 cents per unit. That was slightly lower than the same period last year, largely due to higher interest expenses. Distributions for the half were maintained at 5.05 cents per unit, in line with expectations.

    There were some positives in the result. Leasing activity remained solid, with more than 29,000 square metres of space leased across the portfolio during the half. Centuria also reported a $42.8 million uplift in portfolio valuations, with most assets holding their value or improving.

    Management also sold an office asset in Chatswood at a premium, helping recycle capital and strengthen the balance sheet.

    However, with earnings slightly lower and interest costs still elevated, the result failed to lift sentiment. Centuria reaffirmed its full-year guidance, pointing to funds from operations of between 11.1 and 11.5 cents per unit and full-year distributions of 10.1 cents.

    Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT fails to excite

    Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT also released its half-year results today, highlighting the defensive nature of its portfolio.

    The trust focuses on social infrastructure assets such as schools, childcare centres, and government-leased properties. These assets typically have long leases and reliable tenants, which supports income stability.

    During the half, CQE continued to reshape its portfolio, selling some lower-yielding early learning assets and reinvesting into longer-dated social infrastructure properties. The trust also extended its average debt maturity and reported a stronger balance sheet position.

    Management upgraded its full-year guidance, now expecting operating earnings of at least 17.2 cents per unit and distributions of 17 cents per unit for FY26.

    Despite the upgrade, investors appear underwhelmed. Much of the good news may have already been priced into the share price, and investors remain wary of the broader REIT sector.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Both REITs delivered steady results, but neither provided a clear catalyst for higher share prices.

    With interest rates still elevated, investors remain focused on balance sheet strength, reliable income, and long-term growth.

    The post Why these 2 ASX REITs are in the red after today’s results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Centuria Office REIT right now?

    Before you buy Centuria Office REIT shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Centuria Office REIT wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    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 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.

  • Brokers reiterate their buy recommendations following Amcor’s result

    A man holding a packaging box with a recycle symbol on it gives the thumbs up.

    Brokers have doubled down on their buy recommendations for Amcor Plc (ASX: AMC) shares after the company delivered a solid set of second-quarter numbers on Wednesday.

    The company said net sales were up 68% to $US5.45 billion, driven by its acquisition of Berry on April 30, 2025, while adjusted EBITDA rose 83% to $US826 million.

    The company also reaffirmed its FY26 earnings per share guidance of $US4 to $US4.15.

    The company added

    Amcor’s guidance for fiscal 2026 reflects a full 12 months ownership of the Berry business and does not take into account the impact of potential portfolio optimization actions that may be completed through the year.

    Performing well

    Amcor Chief Executive Officer Peter Konieczny said it was a solid result.

    Our Q2 financial performance was in line with expectations in a challenging volume environment. Strong Adjusted EPS growth was driven by disciplined execution and synergy benefits from the Berry acquisition at the upper end of expectations. Performance through the first half of the year supports our confidence in reaffirming fiscal 2026 earnings and free cash flow guidance. Portfolio optimization actions are progressing well, positioning us to be the global leader in consumer packaging and dispensing solutions for nutrition, health, beauty and wellness.

    Amcor said about $US2.2 billion in new sales were down to the Berry acquisition. It also said volumes were about 1.5% lower than in the same quarter of 2024.

    The company declared a dividend of US65 cents per share, up from US63.75 cents per share for the same period the previous year.

    Australian shareholders will receive an unfranked dividend of 93 cents per share.

    Brokers like what they see

    The analysts at Goldman Sachs and Jeffries ran the ruler over the results on Wednesday and said they were broadly in line with consensus expectations.

    In a note to clients sent out on Wednesday, the Jefferies team said earnings per share was 3% higher than consensus while EBITDA was 2% lower “due to ongoing weakness in ‘Non-Core Beverages’ segment”.

    Jefferies has a buy recommendation on the shares and a price target of $85.91.

    Goldman Sachs said EBIT was weaker than expected, “albeit with net profit after tax/earnings per share more in line with market expectations”.

    Goldman Sachs has a price target of $86.55 on Amcor shares.

    Amcor shares were 5.4% higher on Wednesday at $66.51.

    The company’s Australian-traded shares were valued at $29.1 billion at the close of trade on Tuesday.

    The post Brokers reiterate their buy recommendations following Amcor’s result appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Amcor plc right now?

    Before you buy Amcor plc shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Amcor plc wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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 and Jefferies Financial Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 quality ASX shares to buy after hitting a 52-week low

    Concept image of man holding up a falling arrow with a shield.

    The Australian share market has delivered some brutal sell-offs recently, even among high-quality businesses.

    Rising interest rate uncertainty and ongoing global tech weakness have weighed heavily on investor sentiment. At the same time, growing nerves around artificial intelligence have pushed several well-known ASX names to fresh 52-week or multi-year lows.

    For patient, long-term investors, periods like this can open the door to attractive buying opportunities.

    Here are 3 quality ASX shares that have been heavily sold down and now look increasingly attractive at current levels.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    WiseTech shares have been smashed over the past year, with the stock now down 8.02% today to $52.78, marking a fresh 52-week low.

    Technically, the chart looks deeply oversold. The relative strength index (RSI) has slipped to 21, a level that has historically signalled capitulation selling rather than a fundamental collapse.

    Importantly, nothing material has changed about WiseTech’s long-term outlook.

    The company remains a global leader in logistics software, with CargoWise deeply embedded across international supply chains. Recurring revenue, high customer retention, and long-term industry tailwinds remain firmly in place.

    At current levels, the market appears to be pricing in a prolonged slowdown that may ultimately prove overly pessimistic.

    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

    Xero has been one of the hardest hit large-cap tech stocks on the ASX.

    The shares are down 12.95% today to $83.66, pushing the stock to a multi-year low not seen since early 2023.

    The sell-off has been driven by broad tech-sector weakness and growing investor fears that artificial intelligence will disrupt traditional software models. That has seen premium-priced SaaS stocks aggressively de-rated.

    From a technical standpoint, Xero looks extremely oversold, with the RSI sitting at 22 and the share price hugging the lower Bollinger Band.

    Fundamentally, Xero continues to grow subscribers, expand internationally, and invest heavily in AI itself. While volatility may remain high, long-term investors may see current prices offering better value.

    Computershare Ltd (ASX: CPU)

    Computershare is not immune to the sell-off either.

    Shares are down 4.05% to $31.54, with the stock now trading near the bottom of its 52-week range.

    Unlike tech names, Computershare offers a more defensive earnings profile. Its global registry, corporate services, and employee equity plan businesses generate steady cash flows, while interest rates continue to support margin income.

    Chart signals suggest the share price has broken below recent support, and momentum indicators indicate short-term oversold conditions are developing.

    For investors seeking quality with lower risk exposure, Computershare may offer a lucrative entry point at current levels.

    The post 3 quality ASX shares to buy after hitting a 52-week low appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in WiseTech Global right now?

    Before you buy WiseTech Global shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and WiseTech Global wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • 3 Australian stocks that are my best buy and holds for 2026

    A group of businesspeople clapping.

    Buying and holding shares is rarely comfortable at the moment you make the decision.

    The best long-term opportunities often appear when sentiment is weak and patience is required. Right now, a number of high-quality Australian stocks are out of favour, not because their long-term prospects have vanished, but because markets are focused on short-term uncertainty.

    For investors willing to look beyond today’s headlines, these three stocks stand out as top buy and hold candidates for 2026.

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

    The first Australian stock I would be happy to buy and hold in 2026 is biotech CSL.

    CSL shares have been under pressure for several reasons, which has tested investor patience. One source of frustration has been CSL Behring, the plasma therapies division that underpins the company’s long-term growth story. Margin recovery has been slower than expected, which has weighed on its earnings growth.

    At the same time, the Seqirus vaccines business has been impacted by weaker-than-expected influenza vaccination rates in the United States, leading management to temper near-term expectations. In addition, softer demand in China for albumin products hasn’t helped matters.

    Taken together, these issues have created a perfect storm of disappointment, even though none of them fundamentally undermine CSL’s long-term position. Demand for plasma therapies continues to grow, investments in its plasma collections are yielding stronger results, and CSL’s global scale and scientific expertise are unchanged.

    For patient investors, the current sell-off looks like a great opportunity to build a position at a very attractive price.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    Another Australian stock that could reward long-term holders is WiseTech Global.

    WiseTech shares have been caught up in a brutal tech selloff today, falling around 8%, as investors rotate away from growth stocks amid concerns over AI software disruption.

    This could prove to be a huge overreaction. The company’s CargoWise platform remains deeply embedded in global freight forwarding and logistics operations. As supply chains become more complex and compliance-heavy, the value of integrated software like this increases rather than diminishes.

    The company continues to reinvest aggressively, which can make short-term results volatile. But for buy and hold investors, WiseTech’s long runway and global expansion strategy remain firmly intact.

    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

    A final Australian stock I would buy and hold into 2026 is Xero.

    Xero has also been swept up in today’s tech selloff, with its shares down roughly 12% as investors weigh up the threat of AI on software providers.

    Interestingly, only yesterday Xero spoke about how it believes AI is not going to disrupt its business model. In fact, it thinks it will be a winner from AI. It stated that “Xero is well positioned to capitalise on the AI TAM expansion opportunity, leveraging our advantages as a system of record.”

    This could make today’s selloff a great opportunity for patient buy and hold investors.

    The post 3 Australian stocks that are my best buy and holds for 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in CSL right now?

    Before you buy CSL shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and CSL wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 reasons to buy NAB shares in 2026

    View from below of a banker jumping for joy in the CBD surrounded by high-rise office buildings.

    ASX bank stocks have had a bad rap recently, and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) is no exception.

    The big four majors are widely regarded as overvalued and due for a share price correction this year. And they’re firmly in the spotlight right now thanks to the Reserve Bank’s interest rate hike this week. 

    A shift in direction for interest rate projections, cost-of-living fears, mortgage competition, and valuation is creating widespread concerns among investors. And this is exacerbated following strong share price rallies last year.

    Where are NAB’s shares now? And where are they tipped to go?

    At the time of writing on Wednesday afternoon, NAB shares are 1.32% higher. They’re now 2.85% higher for the year to date and 11.48% above where they were this time last year.

    But sentiment about the banking giant is incredibly mixed. TradingView data shows that 6 of 16 analysts have a sell or strong sell rating on NAB shares, while another 6 have a hold rating.

    The 12-month target price also varies wildly. The maximum target price from analysts is $47 per share, which implies a potential 7.65% upside at the time of writing. Whereas others think the shares could crash to $28.79 this year. That implies a 34.06% downside from the current trading price.

    So, why buy NAB shares?

    There are other reasons besides share price upsides to buy NAB shares this year. Here are three of them.

    1. NAB shares offer a great passive income

    ASX bank shares are usually seen as stable options for passive income. The NAB share price typically trades at a lower price-earnings (P/E) ratio than other sectors, which means investors are able to earn a higher dividend yield.

    NAB paid an annual dividend per share of $1.70 in FY25, which was 1 cent per share higher than FY24. This is forecast to be $1.705 per share in FY27 and $1.72 per share in FY28. It’s not a huge increase, but it’s a steady one.

    1. The stock is defensive

    The banking major is a fantastic defensive stock that is able to remain stable in times of economic crisis. The company has stable, recurring income, and while it is still sensitive to economic conditions such as interest rate increases and recessions, its income and scale make it a good, stable option over the long term.

    1. There is potential for valuation upside

    There is potential that, if the interest rate environment stabilises in the near term, analysts will re-rate their outlook on major banks like NAB. That could help drive the share price higher for 2026.

    The post 3 reasons to buy NAB shares in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in National Australia Bank Limited right now?

    Before you buy National Australia Bank Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and National Australia Bank Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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.

  • Why Amcor, Brazilian Rare Earths, Northern Star, and Pinnacle shares are racing higher today

    A smiling businessman in the city looks at his phone and punches the air in celebration of good news.

    In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a solid gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.9% to 8,935.2 points.

    Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are racing higher:

    Amcor PLC (ASX: AMC)

    The Amcor share price is up 5% to $66.19. Investors have been buying the packaging giant’s shares following the release of its quarterly update. Amcor reported second quarter net sales of US$5,449 million and adjusted EBITDA of US$826 million. This was an increase of 68% and 83%, respectively, over the prior corresponding period. Amcor’s CEO, Peter Konieczny, said: “Our Q2 financial performance was in line with expectations in a challenging volume environment. Strong Adjusted EPS growth was driven by disciplined execution and synergy benefits from the Berry acquisition at the upper end of expectations.”

    Brazilian Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: BRE)

    The Brazilian Rare Earths share price is up 3% to $4.04. This has been driven by the release of exceptional results from a sensor-based ore sorting test work program. The company’s managing director and CEO, Bernardo da Veiga, said: “These exceptional ore sorting results from run-of-mine Monte Alto feedstock have exceeded all our expectations. They demonstrate that sensor-based concentration can significantly enhance project economics with +95% yields at lower capital and operating costs, whilst simultaneously reducing environmental footprint through lower energy, minimal water and no reagents.”

    Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

    The Northern Star share price is up 6% to $28.54. Investors have been buying this gold miner’s shares following a strong rebound in the gold price overnight. The precious metal recovered above the symbolic US$5,000 an ounce level. Northern Star isn’t the only gold miner rising on the news. The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index is up 3.5% at the time of writing.

    Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI)

    The Pinnacle share price is up 3% to $17.75. Although the investment company reported an 11% decline in net profit after tax to $67.3 million during the first half, this was due to weaker performance fees. Excluding them, net profit after tax would have been 37% higher than the prior corresponding period. Pinnacle’s managing director, Ian Macoun, said: “We have made deliberate efforts over several years to diversify and expand our platform, both organically and through careful inorganic growth, believing that doing so provides us with greater robustness, wider relevance to our clients and more avenues to continue growing our earnings. We recall the very large performance fee contribution from Hyperion in the first half of FY25, which was an exceptional outcome.”

    The post Why Amcor, Brazilian Rare Earths, Northern Star, and Pinnacle shares are racing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Amcor plc right now?

    Before you buy Amcor plc shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Amcor plc wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • Forget Zip shares, I’d buy this fintech stock instead

    A young man looks like he his thinking holding his hand to his chin and gazing off to the side amid a backdrop of hand drawn lightbulbs that are lit up on a chalkboard.

    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares delivered explosive growth throughout August to October last year, reaching a four-year peak before crashing 40% in November.

    Over the past 52 weeks, the Australian financial technology company’s shares have zig-zagged anywhere between $1.08 and $4.93 a piece. At the time of writing, Zip shares are down 5.78% for the day, at $2.61 a piece. That means the share price is already down 22.09% for the year to date.

    Zip has posted strong financial results over the past few quarters, and the business has robust growth plans for 2026. 

    The fintech company is expected to post its FY26 half-year results in February, at which point investors will find out if the company is still on track. Good news could push the share price higher over a short period of time. But, with a business model closely tied to high credit risk and volatile consumer spending, volatility and unpredictability could well continue throughout 2026.

    Here’s another lesser-known ASX fintech share that I think could be an interesting buy for investors right now.

    I’d buy Humm Group Ltd (ASX: HUM) shares instead

    Humm shares are 1.33% higher at 76 cents per share at the time of writing on Wednesday afternoon. For the year to date, the shares have climbed 5.56% and they’re now 26.67% higher over the year.

    The Australian fintech business is a diversified finance provider that offers buy now, pay later (BNPL) products, credit cards, and finance to small to medium-sized businesses.

    The business has been in the spotlight recently after fielding a takeover from Credit Corp Group Ltd (ASX: CCP). The company said Credit Corp was offering 77 cents in cash per Humm Group share, but if that offer was unsuccessful, Credit Corp would then launch an off-market takeover at 72 cents per share, “conditional upon Credit Corp achieving acceptances for 50.1% of Humm Group’s shares”. The bid is only a proposal at this stage.

    It looks like investors are on the edge of their seats waiting to see what’ll happen next.

    What do analysts think of the stock?

    It looks like analysts are very bullish on Humm shares over the next 12 months. TradingView data shows an analyst consensus for a strong buy rating. The maximum upside is tipped to be 87 cents this year, which implies a potential 15.23% upside at the time of writing.

    Unlike the headwinds facing Zip shares right now, it looks like Humm could enjoy some decent tailwinds this year.

    The post Forget Zip shares, I’d buy this fintech stock instead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Credit Corp Group Limited right now?

    Before you buy Credit Corp Group Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Credit Corp Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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.

  • Xero crashes 14% to a multi-year low. What on earth is going on?

    Red arrow going down, symbolising a falling share price.

    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shares have been absolutely smashed.

    The cloud accounting software company’s share price has plunged 13.95% to $82.69, marking a fresh multi-year low. In early trade today, the stock briefly fell as low as $81.81.

    To put this move into context, Xero has not traded at these levels since early March 2023.

    For a company once valued close to $200 per share, this sell-off has been absolutely brutal.

    Let’s dive right in and see what’s driving the fall.

    Tech stocks are being hit hard

    The biggest factor behind Xero’s plunge is not company-specific news.

    Instead, the sell-off is being driven by a major slump across the technology sector. The S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) is down a mammoth 7.77%, reflecting heavy selling across ASX tech stocks.

    Investors are growing increasingly nervous about artificial intelligence disruption. There is a fear that rapid advances in AI could undermine traditional software businesses by automating tasks faster and cheaper than existing platforms.

    That concern has triggered sharp declines in technology stocks globally, particularly companies that rely on subscription software revenue.

    This creates a challenge for Xero because, while it is a high-quality business, it is also a premium-priced software company.

    Some market participants worry that AI-driven accounting tools could, over time, reduce the need for traditional accounting software. As a result, investors appear to be de-risking and moving money away from tech stocks until there is more clarity.

    What the latest update showed

    Earlier this week, Xero released an investor briefing outlining its growth strategy.

    Management highlighted strong long-term opportunities from artificial intelligence, as well as continued expansion in the United States following its acquisition of Melio.

    However, the company also acknowledged that Melio is not expected to reach adjusted EBITDA breakeven on a run-rate basis until the second half of FY28.

    What brokers are saying

    Despite the sell-off, many analysts remain positive on Xero’s long-term outlook.

    Macquarie has retained an outperform rating and recently raised its price target to around $234 per share, citing Xero’s strong competitive position and long-term growth potential.

    Jefferies is more cautious, cutting its price target to about $101 due to margin pressure and the slower path to profitability from the Melio acquisition. Even so, that target still sits above the current share price.

    Overall, brokers largely agree that the sell-off reflects tech-sector fear rather than a collapse in Xero’s fundamentals, with long-term growth drivers still intact.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Xero’s fall highlights how quickly sentiment can turn against premium-priced technology stocks.

    While AI fears are driving much of the selling, investors want clearer proof that Xero can turn growth into profits. Until then, volatility is likely to remain elevated.

    The post Xero crashes 14% to a multi-year low. What on earth is going on? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Xero Limited right now?

    Before you buy Xero Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Xero Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • Macquarie says this mineral sands miner could deliver better than 80% returns!

    Young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad, and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.

    It’s not every day you see a stock recommended with a return this high, but the Macquarie team have had a good look at Image Resources Ltd (ASX: IMA), and they like what they see.

    Firstly, to the company’s most recent news, Image Resources in late January published its quarterly report, which showed that heavy mineral concentrate (HMC) production was up 30% quarter on quarter to 73,000 tonnes.

    The company said sales totalled just more than 70,000 tonnes and cash receipts were up 98% quarter on quarter to $31.5 million.

    For the calendar year, the company said it had produced 174,5000 tonnes of HMC, which was a slight miss to guidance of 175,000 to 195,000 tonnes.

    The company also said it had closing cash of $7.7 million.

    Record quarter celebrated

    The company’s Chief Executive, Patrick Mutz, said the result was a record quarter for its Atlas operations.

    Ore processing and ore grade increased 15% and 18% respectively quarter on quarter, which resulted in record HMC production and HMC sales which increased 30% and 44% respectively quarter on quarter. The quarter was highlighted with monthly record results in December of 30k tonnes HMC production and 34k tonnes HMC sales. “Importantly, C1 cash costs and AISC were both lower quarter on quarter and on a YTD basis, both were below the lower end of guidance. Revenue also improved substantially quarter on quarter by 25% despite softer commodity prices.

    Mr Mutz said the company was on track to repay its outstanding debt in the second quarter of 2026 and was looking to further development activities.

    Beyond operations at Atlas, our Development Team continues to assess the Company’s options to extend mining and production in the Atlas area through mining at Atlas North or nearby Hyperion, and to advance future development options beyond Atlas at the Company’s 100%-owned deposits at Yandanooka, Durack, and other Eneabba projects, as well as at Bidaminna and further into the future, the McCalls project.

    Gold project options being considered

    Mr Mutz said the company also in early January declared a maiden gold resource estimate of 2.1 million ounces at its Erayinia/King project, and the company was now “undertaking a strategic review to assess options to unlock value for shareholders from this asset given the current very buoyant gold market”.

    Options being considered include divestiture or other commercial arrangements for all of Image’s gold tenements, as well as options for the development of the Erayinia/King project, including potentially in-house.

    Macquarie has had a look at the quarterly result and said that while the price the company was paid for its commodities was 20% weaker than expected, costs were also better to the tune of 20%.

    They added:

    Image Resources is a nimble pure-play mineral sands producer that presents growth potential with project development at Durack and Yandanooka in the medium term.

    The Macquarie team has a price target of 10 cents on the stock, which would be an 81.8% return if achieved.

    The post Macquarie says this mineral sands miner could deliver better than 80% returns! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Image Resources NL right now?

    Before you buy Image Resources NL shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Image Resources NL wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.