Category: Stock Market

The Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) share price is in the red on Thursday, falling 2.30% to $8.50.

The drop adds to a difficult stretch for the airline, with shares now down around 20% over the past month. Rising fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict have been a key driver behind the decline.

Today’s move comes alongside fresh reporting that highlights how Qantas is adjusting its operations to manage those cost pressures.

Fleet changes point to cost focus

According to The Australian, Qantas has been replacing hundreds of flights with smaller aircraft to reduce fuel use.

The changes involve using fewer large Airbus A330 aircraft, particularly on domestic routes, while smaller, more fuel efficient Boeing 737 jets handle more flights.

On key routes such as Melbourne to Perth, the use of A330’s has dropped, while overall widebody flying has also declined.

This reflects a broader push to better match capacity with demand. It also helps limit fuel use, which remains one of the airline’s largest operating costs.

Fuel pressure reshaping decisions

Fuel costs have become a central issue for airlines in recent weeks.

Tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices higher, lifting costs across the aviation sector. There have been no confirmed supply disruptions, but prices have risen due to increased risk.

In response, airlines are focusing on efficiency measures rather than passing on higher costs to consumers.

The report highlights that newer aircraft are being prioritised due to better fuel efficiency, while older and larger planes are being used less frequently.

There are also operational adjustments taking place behind the scenes at Qantas. These include reducing excess fuel loads, optimising flight planning, and limiting ground delays where possible to avoid unnecessary fuel burn.

Limited impact on profit outlook

Despite these changes, the financial impact may be manageable.

Analysis referenced in the report suggests the effect on Qantas’ 2026 profitability could be in the range of around 10% to 15%, assuming current conditions persist.

At the same time, capacity adjustments and potential fare increases may help ease part of the pressure. Higher revenue per seat kilometre has already been flagged as one way the airline can help manage the impact.

Foolish takeaway

The recent share price decline reflects a mix of rising costs and uncertainty around how long those pressures will last.

Qantas is responding by adjusting capacity, improving efficiency, and shifting its fleet mix. These steps may help manage costs, but the business remains exposed to movements in fuel prices.

The past month highlights how sensitive earnings are to changes in input costs, even as management works to limit the impact.

The post Qantas shares extend losses as fuel costs reshape operations appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Qantas shares could be flying into turbulence
• Qantas stock is down 17.7% in a month. Time to buy?
• Down 15% in March, should you buy Qantas shares today?
• 3 massively popular ASX 200 shares experts say to sell (inc. CBA)
• Why BHP, EchoIQ, Life360, and Qantas shares are racing higher today

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.

The Australian share market has been a bit volatile recently, with ongoing geopolitical tension and inflation concerns keeping investors on edge.

That kind of backdrop can lead to short-term weakness, but I think it can also open the door to picking up quality ASX shares at more attractive prices.

With that in mind, here’s one dividend stock and one growth stock I’d be happy to buy today.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths stands out to me as a reliable income-focused investment with defensive characteristics.

The supermarket giant benefits from consistent demand, which helps underpin earnings even when economic conditions are uncertain like they are today. People may cut back on discretionary spending, but groceries remain essential, and I think that gives Woolworths a solid foundation over the long term.

The company’s scale is another advantage. Its supply chain and buying power are difficult for competitors to match, which I believe can support margins and long-term profitability.

While it’s not immune to cost pressures or competition, I see Woolworths as the kind of ASX dividend stock that can continue generating dependable cash flow for the foreseeable future. That’s ultimately what supports its dividends, which I’d expect to grow steadily each year over the next decade.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

On the growth side, Xero is an ASX stock that looks increasingly interesting after its recent pullback.

There has been a clear shift in sentiment toward tech stocks, and concerns around artificial intelligence (AI) disruption seem to have weighed on Xero’s valuation. That uncertainty could continue in the near term, and I think investors should be prepared for volatility.

Even so, the underlying business continues to perform positively. Xero has built a strong position in cloud-based accounting software, with a growing subscriber base and a high level of recurring revenue.

Over time, I think the ongoing digitisation of small and medium-sized businesses could continue to support growth. If Xero can successfully incorporate new technologies like AI into its platform, that may strengthen its competitive position rather than weaken it.

The valuation still reflects growth expectations, so it’s not without risk. But after the recent share price weakness, I think the risk-reward profile is very attractive for long-term investors.

Foolish takeaway

Woolworths offers a level of consistency that can be valuable when markets are unsettled, particularly for investors who appreciate a steady income stream.

Xero sits at the other end of the spectrum, with a higher growth profile and more volatility, but also the potential for stronger long-term returns if execution remains solid.

Overall, I think holding a mix of businesses with different characteristics is one way to navigate uncertain conditions while staying focused on long-term wealth creation.

The post 1 ASX dividend stock and 1 growth stock I’d buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Brazilian Rare Earths, L1 Group, Silver Mines, and Xero shares are dropping today
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX shares right now
• Which defensive ASX shares are outperforming right now?
• Here are expert views on whether the Xero share price is a buy amid AI concerns
• 3 ASX growth shares that could rebound strongly after the selloff

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

There’s no shortage of complex strategies in the market. Stock picking frameworks, macro views, trading signals. It can quickly become overwhelming.

But the approach I keep coming back to is far simpler.

And I think it has a very real chance of outperforming most investors over time.

That strategy involves gaining broad market exposure, a touch of global equities, and committing to regular investments.

Focus on broad market exposure

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) would form the foundation of a simple investment strategy.

This exchange-traded fund (ETF) gives exposure to a wide range of Australian companies, from banks and miners to healthcare and consumer businesses.

What I like here is that you’re not relying on a handful of picks. You’re capturing the performance of the broader market, which has historically delivered solid long-term returns.

It’s simple, diversified, and effective.

Add global growth

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) complements that perfectly.

It opens the door to global leaders across industries like technology, healthcare, and industrials.

Many of the world’s most dominant companies aren’t listed on the ASX. The VGS ETF gives you exposure to them in one investment, helping to balance out the local focus of the VAS ETF.

Keep investing consistently

This part of the strategy isn’t complicated. It involves regularly investing into these ETFs, regardless of what the market is doing.

Some months you’ll be buying when prices are high. Other months you’ll be buying during pullbacks.

Over time, this dollar-cost averaging approach helps smooth out your entry price and removes the need to time the market.

Let compounding work its magic

This is where things start to get interesting. With compounding, returns begin to build on top of previous returns, and the effect accelerates over time.

It won’t feel dramatic early on. But over years and decades, the difference can be significant.

The key is staying invested and reinvesting any income along the way.

Why I think it can outperform

Many investors underperform not because they pick bad investments, but because of behaviour.

They chase momentum, react to headlines, or try to time market moves. This strategy avoids those pitfalls.

It keeps you invested, diversified, and focused on the long term. And while it may not feel exciting, I think that’s exactly the point.

Foolish takeaway

A simple approach built around broad market ETFs like Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF and Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF may not grab attention day to day.

But by combining diversification, consistency, and compounding, I think it has a strong chance of outperforming more complex strategies over the long run.

The post This simple ASX strategy could outperform most investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 top Vanguard ETFs I would buy in April
• How long will it take for the ASX 200 to recover? Expert
• $10k invested in the ASX via this ETF before the war is currently worth…
• Where to invest $50,000 in ASX ETFs for the next 10 years
• The stress-free ASX ETF portfolio built to weather market crashes

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. 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 Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has run out of steam on Thursday and is trading lower. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.25% to 8,512.2 points.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

The Catapult Sports share price is up 3% to $3.67. This follows the release of a trading update from the sports technology solutions company this morning. Catapult revealed that it expects its annual contract value (ACV) for FY 2026 to be in the range of US$133 million to US$134 million with low churn. This represents reported year-on-year growth of 27% to 28% on a constant currency basis. In addition, EBITDA is expected to grow by approximately 50% year-on-year as its profitability continues to outpace its strong top-line growth. This reflects the accelerating operating leverage in Catapult’s business model and the company’s continued discipline in managing its fixed and variable cost base.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The DroneShield share price is up 5.5% to $4.50. This is despite there being no news out of the counter-drone technology company. However, with the war in the Middle East demonstrating just why its technology is growing in importance, it seems that some investors are betting on DroneShield’s strong growth continuing over the medium term.

Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT)

The Infratil share price is up over 2.5% to $9.49. This morning, this infrastructure investment company upgraded its guidance for FY 2027. Infratil now expects FY 2027 EBITDAF of A$680 million to A$720 million. This is up from its previous guidance of ~A$660 million. For FY 2026, it now expects to achieve the lower end of its A$390 million to A$400 million EBITDAF guidance range. Infratil’s CEO, Jason Boyes, commented: “Our focus is on supporting CDC to deliver more capacity to meet the growing demand for data centre space across Australasia. Infratil, along with CDC’s other major shareholders, recently provided A$500 million in equity funding to support the acceleration of CDC’s construction programme.”

Qoria Ltd (ASX: QOR)

The Qoria share price is up 3.5% to 30 cents. This follows the release of an update on the cyber safety company’s proposed merger with Aura. Qoria provided an update on Aura’s performance for the two months ended 28 February. It revealed that Aura’s annual recurring revenue reached US$238 million, which is up 30% year-on-year, with total subscribers up 35% to 1.3 million. In light of this, the Qoria board continues to unanimously recommend the proposed merger.

The post Why Catapult, DroneShield, Infratil, and Qoria shares are charging higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which ASX tech stock is surging 11% on strong trading update?
• Which data centre operator just upgraded its earnings outlook?
• Catapult Sports delivers strong FY26 growth and profitability
• Droneshield shares rocket 20% higher: What has happened?
• Infratil lifts CDC outlook and FY27 earnings guidance

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 Catapult Sports and DroneShield and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) shares are up 1.2% while the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.07% today.

ASX 200 energy shares have soared 16% since Israel and the United States attacked Iran on 28 February (US time).

The ensuing oil supply shock has sent the Brent Crude oil price 42% higher over 30 days to US$103.14 at the time of writing.

Gas prices are also substantially higher, with European gas up 64%, UK gas up 69%, and German gas up 60% over 30 days.

The thermal coal price is also 15% higher over 30 days as disrupted gas supplies force power plants to switch to coal.

The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut, choking off 20% of global oil and gas supplies, as Middle East producers curtail production.

The US and Iran are in discussions to end the war, but how long this will take is anyone’s guess.

While we watch and wait, here are some recent recommendations from the experts on four ASX 200 energy shares.

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) shares are up 0.3% to $33.30 on Thursday.

Stock in the national service station network owner has rocketed 18% since the conflict in Iran began.

This week, Jefferies reiterated its buy rating on this ASX 200 energy share.

The broker also lifted its 12-month share price target on Ampol from $35 to $36.50.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside share price is 1.4% higher at $34.09 on Thursday.

The market’s biggest ASX 200 oil share has risen 20% since the war began.

This week, UBS put a hold rating on Woodside shares with a price target of $30.20.

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC)

The New Hope Corporation share price is $5.49, down 1.1% on Thursday and up 17% since the war began.

Last week, Morgans maintained its hold rating on this ASX 200 coal share with a $5 target.

The broker said:

With an increasing production profile and material upside potential in coal prices, NHCs outlook remains positive.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

The Whitehaven share price is $8.74, down 1.5% on Thursday and up 12% since the war began.

UBS maintains a sell rating on this ASX 200 energy share.

However, the broker lifted its 12-month price target from $7.70 to $7.90 this month.

The post New ratings on 4 ASX 200 energy shares: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Fund manager names 3 top ASX 200 dividend stocks to buy today
• Why are ASX 200 energy shares tumbling today?
• Why Amplitude Energy, Atlas Arteria, Computershare, and Woodside shares are falling today
• Are these ASX shares hitting 52-week highs still worth buying?
• 5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began

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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is out of form and on course to record a decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.25% to 8,511.4 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

Brazilian Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: BRE)

The Brazilian Rare Earths share price is down 4.5% to $4.30. This may have been driven by profit taking from some investors after the rare earths developer’s shares raced higher on Wednesday. Investors were buying Brazilian Rare Earths shares after it revealed that it has secured a Trial Mining Licence from Brazil’s National Mining Agency for its Monte Alto project in Bahia. This allows for the extraction of up to 2,000 tonnes per annum of material from the deposit. The company’s managing director and CEO, Bernardo da Veiga, said: “Securing the Trial Mining Licence is a significant milestone for Monte Alto and a major step forward in BRE’s integrated ore-to-oxides development pathway in Brazil.”

L1 Group Ltd (ASX: L1G)

The L1 Group share price is down 5.5% to $1.00. This morning, the fund manager previously known as Platinum Asset Management, revealed that it is launching a new investment company that is expected to be listed on the Australian share market next month. The L1 Gold Fund aims to deliver positive absolute returns for shareholders over the medium to long term through investment in domestic and international gold sector securities, as well as a secondary allocation in the other precious metals sector.

Silver Mines Ltd (ASX: SVL)

The Silver Mines share price is down 4.5% to 16.7 cents. This appears to have been driven by another pullback in the silver price overnight. This is down approximately 38% from the high it reached in January. A stronger US dollar and inflation concerns have been weighing on both the silver and gold price this month.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

The Xero share price is down 3% to $72.59. This is despite there being no news out of the cloud accounting platform provider on Thursday. However, it is worth highlighting that most ASX tech stocks are falling today, reversing some of the strong gains they made on Wednesday. This has seen the S&P/ASX All Technology Index tumble 1.8% at the time of writing.

The post Why Brazilian Rare Earths, L1 Group, Silver Mines, and Xero shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 1 ASX dividend stock and 1 growth stock I’d buy today
• Following a key approval, one broker tips 80% upside for this ASX rare earths stock
• Where to invest $10,000 in ASX shares right now
• Here are expert views on whether the Xero share price is a buy amid AI concerns
• 3 ASX growth shares that could rebound strongly after the selloff

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Xero. 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.

Prior to the commencement of trading of its new Listed Investment Company (LIC), Solaris has named three top S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) dividend stocks it’s backing to provide market beating passive income.

The initial public offering (IPO) for the Solaris Australian Equity Income Plus Ltd (ASX: SET) closes next Wednesday, 1 April.

With energy prices surging amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, two of the fund manager’s top picks earn their keep drilling for and supplying oil and gas.

“While surging energy and oil prices are hammering household budgets, income investors exposed to key names in the energy sector are set to cash in,” Solaris portfolio manager Charles Casey said.

The third ASX 200 dividend stock is a logistics solutions provider.

So, which passive income stars does Solaris recommend?

I’m glad you asked!

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

First up we have Woodside Energy.

“Woodside’s earnings and dividends are strongly supported by the current high gas prices,” Casey said.

Commenting on the passive income outlook for this ASX 200 dividend stock,

A large volume of gas production from competitors in the Middle East, particularly Qatar, has been impacted. It could take three to five years to bring that production back online, meaning Woodside is supplying product into an undersupplied market and gaining a significant competitive advantage.

Importantly, Woodside has both the ability and the capacity to pay higher dividends. They have surplus franking credits, and we see strong potential for a dividend lift backed by these elevated earnings.

Woodside currently trades on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 4.8%

Which brings us to the second company you might want to buy for its positive income outlook.

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)

Solaris is also bullish on ASX 200 dividend stock Ampol.

“Ampol is a clear beneficiary of the higher oil refining margins currently being realised at their Lytton refinery,” Casey said.

Commenting on the passive income outlook for the Aussie fuel supplier he added:

Oil refining earnings are cyclical, but at times like this they can deliver substantial windfall gains. This will help increase Ampol’s earnings, support higher dividends and further strengthen their balance sheet.

Ampol is definitely one to watch for a material dividend increase in the coming year. It also has the potential to pay special dividends if margins stay elevated given its surplus franking credits. On the willingness side, the board led by Steven Gregg has a strong track record of returning capital to shareholders, they have paid two special dividends in the recent past.

Ampol currently trades on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 3.0%.

Rounding off the list of income stocks we have…

Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB)

Solaris is optimistic on the outlook for this ASX 200 dividend stock following the recent Macquarie-led transaction to acquire interests in key port and logistics infrastructure.

“Qube Logistics is pending a material special dividend, which is particularly attractive for investors on lower tax rates,” Casey said. “This is supported by surplus franking credits, and we have confidence in the board’s willingness based on our direct engagement.”

Casey concluded:

As shareholders prior to the approach from Macquarie, there was some uncertainty regarding UniSuper’s intentions as they were aggressively buying shares on market. However, given the existing relationships between UniSuper and Macquarie on multiple other unlisted investments, we took the firm view that they were highly likely to support the deal.

The post Fund manager names 3 top ASX 200 dividend stocks to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are ASX 200 energy shares tumbling today?
• Why Amplitude Energy, Atlas Arteria, Computershare, and Woodside shares are falling today
• 5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began
• Oil slides below US$100 as tensions shift, ASX energy stocks pull back
• Why is the Woodside share price getting smashed on Tuesday?

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 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.

Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) shares are up 0.9% in Thursday lunchtime trade. At the time of writing the ASX 200 stock is changing hands for $16.69 each.

It’s welcome news for investors after a slow but steady 12-month share price decline pushed the stock to a historic-low of $16.45 on Tuesday. 

The latest uptick means the fast food operator’s share price is now down a huge 50% over the past 12 months, and down 22.6% for the year-to-date.

Now the question is this: Is this dip, and subsequent rebound, a rare buying opportunity for investors to get into a high-growth stock for cheap?

According to the analysts, it looks that way.

The ASX 200 stock is set to soar higher

TradingView data shows that analyst sentiment on the outlook for Guzman Y Gomez shares is shifting. Out of 13 analysts, seven have a buy or strong buy rating and another five have a hold rating. One has a strong sell rating.

The average target price is $22.85, which implies a potential 36% upside at the time of writing. Some are even more bullish and expect the fast-food retailer’s shares to soar up to 85% to $31 each over the next 12 months.

Morgans is one broker who is optimistic about the outlook for the stock. It recently placed a buy rating and $24 target price on the shares. 

What could push Guzman Y Gomez’s share price so high?

The Mexican fast-food restaurant has huge ambitions for business expansion. In the six months to December 31, the company opened 17 restaurants in Australia, one in Singapore, and two in the US.

As of the end of the first-half of FY26, the group owns 237 locations in Australia and 272 worldwide. 

It has another 108 restaurants in the pipeline, 32 of which are expected to open in Australia, including 23 drive-through stores. Guzman Y Gomez plans to reach 1,000 restaurants within 20 years.

Its expansion success in Australia has been exceptional, but the company has fallen short of its expansion goals overseas, particularly in the US.

According to Morgans, the company’s initial global expansion strategy was ambitious and the pace of network expansion in the US has been much slower than expected, with much more money lost than anticipated. But the broker believes global growth will soon “kick into gear” to complement what it considered a “very healthy Australian business”. 

In the first half of FY16, its network sales in Australia jumped 17.4% and its Asian network sales rocketed 19.3%. The group’s overall profit was 44.9% higher. If the company can continue expanding at the same rate, and if it manages to break the US market, its sales figures and profit margins could rise very quickly, dragging its share price up with it. 

The post A rare buying opportunity for this ASX 200 stock as it rebounds from a historic low appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 4 ASX All Ords shares at 52-week lows: Buy, hold, or sell?
• Why DroneShield, Guzman Y Gomez, IAG, and Myer shares are falling today
• 2 ASX shares that I rate as buys today for both growth and dividends!
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• These ASX 200 shares could rise 40% to 60%

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.

The S&P/ASX 300 Metal & Mining Index (ASX: XMM) is down 0.53% on Thursday, while the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) is up 0.09%.

ASX mining shares have been the worst hit by the war in Iran, with the Metal & Mining Index falling 15.7% vs. a 7.3% drop for the ASX 300.

Mining shares have fallen as investors sell out on fears that diesel shortages and higher oil prices will impact earnings and production.

Perennial portfolio manager Sam Berridge told the Australian Financial Review (AFR):

Australia is uniquely sensitive to this because our fuel inventory is so low, and we import such a high proportion of refined products.

Operations in the US, Brazil and Canada are definitely not going to run out of diesel and won’t have to curtail production … so we are seeing more opportunities overseas where there isn’t the same level of diesel supply risk that Australian miners have.

Berridge, who runs Perennial’s Strategic Natural Resources Trust, has sold the fund’s ASX gold shareholdings but kept overseas stocks.

US and Iran are continuing negotiations to end the war, but no one knows how long this will take.

The longer the conflict drags on, leaving the Strait of Hormuz virtually non-operational, the more severe this oil supply shock will be.

While we watch and wait, here are the experts’ recommendations on three ASX mining shares.

Turaco Gold Ltd (ASX: TCG)

The Turaco Gold share price is 61 cents, up 0.8% today and down 23% since the conflict in Iran began.

Morgans maintains a buy rating on the ASX gold mining share with a 12-month price target of $2.19.

This implies a potential 260% upside ahead.

The broker said:

TCG released an MRE upgrade for the Afema Gold Project lifting the resource base to 4.65Moz Au at 1.3g/t Au (up from 4Moz)– a beat on our forecasts of 4.5Moz Au at 1.1g/t Au.

Afema now ranks as one of the largest undeveloped gold resources on the ASX.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

The Rio Tinto share price is $150.35, up 0.3% today and down 10% since the war began.

This week, UBS reiterated its hold rating on the diversified ASX 200 mining share with a $160 target.

This implies a potential 6% upside from here.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

The Liontown share price is $1.69, down 2.6% on Thursday and down 1.5% since the war began.

On The Bull this week, Tony Locantro from Alto Capital revealed a sell rating on this ASX lithium mining share.

Locantro explained:

With earnings still developing and the company transitioning through a capital intensive ramp-up phase, the risk-reward balance at current levels favours taking profits following the sector’s recent re-rating.

The post 3 ASX mining shares: Buy, hold, or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Rio Tinto just locked in a major deal. Here’s why investors are buying today
• Are these 3 ASX 200 mining shares a buy, hold, or sell?
• ASX mining shares have slumped but long-term outlook is positive
• 4 of the best ASX mining stocks to buy in the current environment

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.

The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price is edging lower on Thursday following developments around its operating structure.

At the time of writing, NAB shares are down 0.12% to $42.65. The weakness adds to a softer run over recent weeks, with the stock now down around 13% over the past month.

Here’s what investors are reacting to.

Restructure signals shift in operating model

NAB is undertaking a broad business reset aimed at improving efficiency and reshaping how parts of the group operate.

According to The Australian, the changes span multiple divisions, including business banking, retail, technology, and operations.

The update points to a continued shift toward lower-cost operating structures, including increased use of offshore centres alongside changes to local teams.

This approach is widely used across the banking sector and shows investors that NAB is focused on lifting productivity.

Cost pressures remain in focus

The move comes at a time when managing expenses is becoming increasingly important for major banks.

Inflationary pressures remain elevated, with ongoing war in the Middle East contributing to higher input costs and broader market volatility.

This is flowing through to higher operating outlays, while revenue growth is becoming much tighter.

Margins are also under pressure as competition for deposits remains strong and funding costs stay high.

At the same time, loan growth is starting to slow, as higher interest rates continue to weigh on borrowing demand across both households and businesses.

That mix is limiting earnings growth and keeping the focus on how banks run their operations.

As a result, financial institutions are continuing to look for ways to streamline operations and protect profitability.

Share price reflects broader sector weakness

While today’s decline is relatively modest, the recent trend in NAB’s share price points to a more cautious tone from investors.

The stock is now down 10% in a week, reflecting a mix of macroeconomic pressure and softer sentiment across the banking sector.

Other major ASX bank stocks have also faced similar headwinds, particularly as expectations around interest rates, funding costs, and credit growth continue to shift.

Foolish takeaway

NAB’s business reset highlights the current environment for Australian banks, where controlling costs is becoming just as important as growing revenue.

While the changes are aimed at improving efficiency over time, they also reflect the pressure being felt across the sector.

With margins still under pressure, near-term performance is likely to depend on how well NAB manages spending while maintaining earnings.

The post Why NAB shares are slipping today despite a major business reset appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: NAB, Pro Medicus, and Telstra shares
• ASX bank stocks: Buy, sell, or hold?
• How have the ASX big four bank shares held up in March?
• 3 reasons to buy NAB shares today
• Here’s the latest earnings forecast out to 2030 for NAB shares

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.