Category: Stock Market

  • 3 things the world’s smartest investors will do in the second half of 2022 to beat the market

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    An attractive woman sits at her computer with her chin resting on her hand as she contemplates the outlook in July for the Macquarie share price

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Are you feeling beaten down by the stock market? You’re not alone. The stock market experienced its worst first half of a year in more than five decades. Very few investors have been able to defy gravity as both the Nasdaq Composite Index and S&P 500 entered bear markets. 

    Even if you’re down, you absolutely don’t have to be out. The next six months could be critical in helping you build the foundation for wealth over the long run. And you don’t have to come up with a game plan on your own. Here are three things the world’s smartest investors will do in the second half of 2022 to beat the market.

    1. Stay calm

    Will the stock market remain volatile throughout the rest of the year? Probably so. There are multiple factors that could cause big price swings. Perhaps the biggest question mark is whether or not the U.S. economy enters into a recession.   

    Just because the market could be volatile doesn’t mean that you should be. The world’s best investors know the importance of staying calm when stocks go through tumultuous periods.

    Jack Bogle, the mutual fund pioneer who ranks among the most influential investors of all time, told CNBC in 2018 that investors should always “stay the course.” He warned that “your emotions will defeat you totally” if you try to move in and out of the market. Bogle passed away in 2019, but his advice still rings true.

    2. Invest selectively

    Another iconic investor, Warren Buffett, once famously stated, “Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.” Unsurprisingly, Buffett has led Berkshire Hathaway to buy more stocks in recent months than the giant conglomerate has done in a while.

    However, Buffett hasn’t been indiscriminately greedy. He has bought 16 stocks so far in 2022, and many of them are value stocks. For example, Berkshire initiated a large position in HP (NYSE: HPQ). The technology stock trades at less than eight times expected earnings.

    Buffett has focused on winning sectors, as well — especially energy. Chevron (NYSE: CVX) now ranks as Berkshire’s fourth-largest holding. It’s been a huge winner for Buffett, with shares soaring more than 20% year to date despite a recent pullback.

    Berkshire has also scooped up a boatload of shares of another energy stock, Occidental Petroleum (NYSE: OXY). It now owns a 16.4% stake in Oxy, leading some to speculate that Buffett might even want to acquire the oil and gas producer.

    Should you buy HP, Chevron, and Oxy just because Buffett did? No. But it does make sense to have the same mindset as the legendary investor. View market downturns as opportunities to buy shares of well-run companies at a discount. Focus on the sectors that are most likely to be winners. Invest — but do so selectively.

    3. Focus on the long term

    I know it’s a cliché, but it’s important to focus on the long term. It’s hard, if not impossible, to think of any great investors who only have a short-term outlook.

    Pershing Square Holdings CEO Bill Ackman has been tremendously successful through the years. The hedge-fund manager’s net worth totals $2.8 billion, according to Forbes. He stated in a recent investor call something that’s especially worthy of note:

    We are not a trading firm trying to position ourselves so that we are going to outperform the market in six months, nine months, even 12 months. What we do is, we look to find businesses that we think we can own for years, in some cases, decades or more.

    This echoes Buffett’s words in his most recent letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. He wrote, referring to himself and his longtime business partner Charlie Munger:

    Whatever our form of ownership, our goal is to have meaningful investments in businesses with both durable economic advantages and a first-class CEO. Please note particularly that we own stocks based upon our expectations about their long-term business performance and not because we view them as vehicles for timely market moves. That point is crucial: Charlie and I are not stock-pickers; we are business-pickers.

    Investors who aren’t billionaires would do well to have the same focus as Ackman and Buffett. Sure, buying stocks for the long term won’t guarantee that you’ll beat the market in the second half of this year. But buying stocks in the second half of 2022 with a long-term outlook will likely significantly increase your prospects of beating the market over the next decade and beyond. 

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    The post 3 things the world’s smartest investors will do in the second half of 2022 to beat the market 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 June 1 2022

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    Keith Speights has positions in Berkshire Hathaway (B shares). The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Berkshire Hathaway (B shares) and HP. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2023 $200 calls on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares), short January 2023 $200 puts on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares), and short January 2023 $265 calls on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares). The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Berkshire Hathaway (B shares). The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. 

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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  • Down 10% in a month, could Boral shares be a buy?

    A female construction project manager in a hi vis vest and hard hat considers progress on a chart on the wall.A female construction project manager in a hi vis vest and hard hat considers progress on a chart on the wall.

    The Boral Ltd (ASX: BLD) share price is on the rise on Monday. At the time of writing, Boral shares are trading 2.33% higher at $2.63 apiece on no news.

    Boral had a choppy month on the charts in June and traded 10% down in that time. This came as commodity market volatility weighed on the company’s performance, among others.

    In broader market moves this morning, the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XJO) has climbed 0.32% at the time of writing after also tumbling lower in June.

    Returns for both Boral and its home sector since March are plotted below:

    TradingView Chart

    Is the Boral share price a buy?

    The Boral share price has been on the downtrend for some time. It’s fallen from a high of $3.58 on 28 April and has glided lower since.

    Early in June, it was the surging price of oil that was pinching gains from the company’s shares. At the time, Boral chair Ryan Stokes noted the company wasn’t immune to rising energy costs.

    Also last month, the company announced Vik Bansal as its new CEO and managing director.

    The former head of waste management giant Cleanaway and current head of InfraBuild, Bansal’s new position becomes effective on 5 December 2022.

    Nevertheless, analysts at Macquarie reckon there could be an opportunity in Boral. They’ve baked considerable upside in their valuation of the company.

    They’ve rated Boral a buy with a valuation of $4.05 a share. That’s around 54% potential return on the current share price.

    Despite pressures from a cooling house market, rising input costs, and industry risks, the Macquarie team also says there could be “alternative growth potential” and are constructive on Boral’s “infrastructure exposure”.

    That kind of upside is welcome news for the Boral share price. Over the past 12 months, the company’s shares have collapsed 64% into the red.

    The post Down 10% in a month, could Boral shares be a buy? 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 June 1 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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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  • How did ASX 200 retail shares perform in June?

    Woman checking out new laptops.Woman checking out new laptops.

    Last month was a shocker for many S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) retail shares. Here’s how some of the market’s biggest retailers performed in June:

    • Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) – fell 11%
    • Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) – fell 15%
    • JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) ­– fell 16%
    • Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV) – fell 14%
    • Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) – fell 10%

    For context, the ASX 200 slipped 8.9% last month. Interestingly, the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) outperformed slightly, falling just 7.3%.

    So, what might have dragged these ASX 200 retail shares lower last month? Let’s take a look.

    What went wrong for ASX 200 retail shares in June?

    Many major ASX 200 retail shares underperformed in June amid rising interest rates.

    The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) upped the benchmark interest rate by 0.5% for the second consecutive month in early June. That saw Australia’s interest rate sitting at 0.85%.

    Additionally, RBA Governor Philip Rowe noted further hikes can be expected through the rest of 2022 as the regulator bears down on inflation.

    Of course, rising rates generally slow the economy and leave consumers’ pockets feeling lighter. Thus, rate hikes may reduce Australians’ retail spending.

    Indeed, National Retail Association CEO Dominique Lamb dubbed the RBA’s move “heavy-handed” last month, saying:

    Many retailers are watching consumer confidence rapidly slipping [amid] a raft of increasing costs and external factors such as the cost of fuel, power … increasing wages, and supply chain issues.

    But last month’s tumble didn’t mark a turn-around for ASX 200 retail giants. They’ve struggled through most of 2022 so far.

    Shares in Wesfarmers – the conglomerate behind Bunnings, Kmart, and Officeworks – have slipped 30% year-to-date. Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi’s stock have also slumped 23% and 19% respectively.

    Meanwhile, stock in Super Retail Group – the owner of the likes of BCF and Supercheap Auto ­– and Premier Investments – behind brands such as Smiggle, Peter Alexander, Just Jeans, and Dotti – have slipped 31% and 35% respectively.

    The post How did ASX 200 retail shares perform in June? 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 June 1 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd. and Super Retail Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd., Super Retail Group Limited, and Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Premier Investments Limited. 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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  • Why did the Wesfarmers share price tumble 11% in June?

    Worried ASX share investor looking at laptop screenWorried ASX share investor looking at laptop screen

    The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price suffered last month amid rising interest rates and an update on the company’s strategy.

    The Wesfarmers share price ended June 11.19% lower than it closed May, trading at $41.91.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) slipped 8.9% last month while Wesfarmers’ home sector – the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) – fell 7.3%.

    Let’s take a look at what might have weighed on the ASX 200 retail-focused conglomerate behind the likes of Bunnings, Kmart, and Officeworks in June.

    What dragged on the Wesfarmers share price in June?

    The Wesfarmers share price continued its multi-month downturn in June, tumbling another 11%. That saw it trading 30% lower than it was at the start of 2022 as of the end of last month.

    And rising interest rates and inflation are likely among the biggest weights on the stock this year.

    Consumer discretionary shares were among those hardest hit when the Reserve Bank of Australia announced another rate rise in June. That saw the benchmark interest rate rise 0.5% to 0.85%.

    RBA Governor Philip Lowe also flagged the possibility of further rate hikes this year.

    The move will likely see Australians’ pockets feeling lighter and could spur a shift away from retail spending. That, in turn, could have damped sentiment for Wesfarmers shares.

    The market also heard news from Wesfarmers last month. The company conducted a strategy briefing on 2 June.

    An accompanying presentation outlines the company’s plans to expand its e-commerce offerings, Bunnings, API, and WesCEF.

    The latter’s growth will be bolstered by additional spending on the company’s Mt Holland lithium project.

    Wesfarmers also noted its inventory levels are higher than normal. That’s due to stockpiling in the face of supply chain disruptions during the first half.

    It also looked to reassure the market of its ability to weather the current inflationary storm, saying:

    Wesfarmers’ retail divisions are well equipped to manage inflationary pressures and view this as an opportunity to profitably grow share while extending value credentials.

    The post Why did the Wesfarmers share price tumble 11% in June? 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 June 1 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 Wesfarmers Limited. 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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  • Why did the Vulcan Energy share price crater 28% in June?

    A boy is wowed at a surge of water from a blowhole.A boy is wowed at a surge of water from a blowhole.

    The Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) share price had a difficult time in June, trading lower and lower as the month went on.

    Investors pushed the Vulcan share price of $7.52 on 1 June to a low of $5 by 17 June. It had recovered slightly by month’s end but finished 28% down.

    TradingView Chart

    What’s up with the Vulcan share price?

    Vulcan started the month poorly amid a bearish note from Goldman Sachs on its outlook for the lithium industry.

    Goldman reckons battery metals’ have likely peaked and that prices could reverse at pace.

    The research sent lithium shares spiralling in early June, despite no change to company forecasts.

    Vulcan was hit hard on the chart alongside its peers with exposure to the sector.

    The share continued to track lower and by 14 June had reached 52-week lows as inflation data and interest-rate pressures began to weigh on ASX shares.

    By month’s end, the trend had set in and sentiment had no doubt turned bearish, in lockstep with the tone in just about all markets. Weakness in the United States also appeared to have an impact.

    On 29 June investors were selling down the Vulcan share price “amid broad market weakness following a poor night of trade on Wall Street,” The Motley Fool reported.

    Vulcan is a “higher risk share,” The Motley Fool says, and investors are lowering “their risk appetite following a resurgence in recession fears”.

    In the last 12 months, the Vulcan share price has collapsed more than 31% into the red.

    The post Why did the Vulcan Energy share price crater 28% in June? 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 June 1 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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. 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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  • ASX 200 midday update: Suncorp’s update, Magellan sinks

    man thinking about whether to invest in bitcoin

    man thinking about whether to invest in bitcoinAt lunch on Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to start the week with a strong gain. The benchmark index is currently up 1.4% to 6,630.1 points.

    Here’s what is happening on the ASX 200 today:

    Suncorp’s update

    The Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) share price is underperforming on Monday despite confirming that its natural hazard claims were in line with guidance in FY 2022. Suncorp revealed that it dealt with 35 separate events and over 120,000 natural hazard claims, at an expected cost of around $1.1 billion, net of reinsurance recoveries. This is in line with previous guidance and reflected the prevailing La Niña weather pattern.

    Magellan shares tumble

    The Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price has taken a tumble on Monday. Investors appear to have been selling the fund manager’s shares amid heavy insider selling from co-founder Hamish Douglass. Throughout June, Douglass offloaded approximately 760,000 Magellan shares. They have a current market value in the region of $9.4 million.

    Breville completes acquisition

    The Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG) share price is charging higher today. This follows the announcement of the completion of the LELIT acquisition. The appliance maker is paying a total of $140 million in cash and shares to acquire the premium prosumer home coffee equipment company. Key members of the LELIT management team, including the founders, have joined Breville and its integration is underway.

    Best and worst ASX 200 performers

    The best performer on the ASX 200 on Monday has been the New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC) share price with a 6% gain. This follows a rise in the coal price on Friday. Going the other way, the worst performer has been the Pointsbet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH) share price with a 6% decline. This may have been driven by profit taking after some strong recent gains.

    The post ASX 200 midday update: Suncorp’s update, Magellan sinks 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 June 1 2022

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

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  • How did ASX travel shares perform in June?

    A traveller sits slumped on the floor of an airport with ehr suitcase looking fed-up as other travellers walk past.A traveller sits slumped on the floor of an airport with ehr suitcase looking fed-up as other travellers walk past.

    ASX travel shares were a mixed bag in June. Some names came out on top whilst others booked substantial losses.

    It seems people are flying in greater numbers, alongside positive trends in cargo. This means profits look set to return to the travel and airline industries in 2023.

    However, looking at the performances of these three prominent ASX travel shares in June, you wouldn’t know it.

    Let’s check the performances of Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN), Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (ASX: FLT), and Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) below:

    TradingView Chart

    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

    Shares of Flight Centre took a hard landing in June and slipped from a high of $20.67 on 8 June to bottom at $17 a week later

    By month’s end, the Flight Centre share price had closed at $17.36, more than 16% down from the beginning of June.

    Flight Centre is also Citi’s worst ASX 200 travel buy at the moment, according to The Australian, as cited by The Motley Fool.

    The broker says Flight Centre could likely face headwinds due to slower international travel volumes out of Australia and so-called ‘VFR’ (visiting friends and relatives) travel.

    It rates the share a sell and values the company at $15.55 apiece in the process.

    Webjet Ltd (ASX: WEB)

    Shares of Webjet arrived at a similar destination in June and traded 12% down across the month.

    Despite a quiet month out of Webjet’s camp, investors sold off shares in tandem with weakness in both the sector and broader market.

    Nonetheless, Webjet is still the favourite ASX travel play from the team of analysts at Citi.

    The Citi team reckons Webjet has the best business model to perform in the current macroeconomic landscape.

    Specifically, the business-to-consumer B2C division is the company’s strong point, Citi says.

    This could be important considering the number of external influences currently plaguing equity markets.

    The broker is also constructive on Webjet’s business-to-business (B2B) segment, noting this is the highest margin segment.

    It values Webjet at $6.94 per share, rating it a buy.

    Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN)

    Investors in Qantas shares also suffered a hard landing in June with the share price falling from $5.53 on 1 June to six-month lows of $4.36 by 17 June.

    At the time of writing, Qantas has clawed back some ground, trading up 2.02% at $4.54.

    The share displayed weakness alongside a downturn in the broader market, joining its fellow ASX travel shares on the way down.

    It now trades below its pre-COVID price levels, having failed to recover to its pre-pandemic highs.

    The Citi team is also cautious on Qantas, noting the airline is likely to face pressures on pricing power and competition within the space.

    It values the company at $5.46 per share and is neutral on the stock.

    The post How did ASX travel shares perform in June? 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 June 1 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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 Flight Centre Travel Group Limited and Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • ASX 200 travel shares leap as Australia scraps COVID-19 vaccine mandates for international arrivals

    Two adults and a child look happy as they walk through airport with child sitting on suitcase.Two adults and a child look happy as they walk through airport with child sitting on suitcase.

    Travel shares on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) are jumping today amid news that will make it easier for tourists to travel to Australia.

    Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN), Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) and Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) shares are all rising today.

    Webjet shares are rising 2.08% today, Flight Centre shares are leaping 2.18% and Qantas shares are up 2.25%.

    So what could be impacting ASX 200 travel shares today?

    ASX 200 travel shares lift

    ASX 200 travel shares are lifting amid news that could boost international travel numbers into Australia.

    Health Minister Mark Butler announced yesterday that a COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be required for international tourists travelling to Australia. All travellers will also no longer be required to declare their status on arrival to the country. However, masks will still be required on inbound international flights.

    Minister Butler said:

    The chief medical officer has advised it is no longer necessary for travellers to declare their vaccine status as part of our management of COVID

    Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil described the news as “great news for families coming home from school holidays”.

    Removing these requirements will not only reduce delays in our airports but will encourage more visitors and skilled workers to choose Australia as a destination.

    I know anyone who has travelled internationally since the borders have opened will find this as one less thing to worry about – especially as more Australians get back to travelling overseas.

    Meanwhile, chaos erupted at Sydney airport on the weekend as Australians embark on school holiday travel, Guardian Australia reported.

    Large amounts of people were seen lining up outside the terminal, the publication reported. Union strikes also had an impact on arrivals at airport train stations.

    https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

    Meanwhile, Adelaide Airport is also forecasting that Friday this week will be the busiest travel day since the onset of COVID-19, Indaily reports. The airport is predicting 30,000 travellers at the airport on Friday.

    Share price recap

    The Qantas share price has shed 5% in a year, while Webjet shares have jumped nearly 6%. Flight Centre shares have soared 15% in a year.

    For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has lifted 9% in the past year.

    The post ASX 200 travel shares leap as Australia scraps COVID-19 vaccine mandates for international arrivals 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

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    Motley Fool contributor Monica O’Shea 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 Flight Centre Travel Group Limited and Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Up 138% in a year and 1800% in five years. Why did the Lake Resources share price soar in FY22?

    A couple are happy sitting on their yacht.A couple are happy sitting on their yacht.

    The Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE) share price has been struggling since the start of April. Despite this, the lithium explorer’s shares have soared in FY22.

    Since market open on 1 July 2021, the Lake Resources share price surged from 33 cents to 78.5 cents on 30 June 2022. This represents a 138% gain.

    Let’s take a look at how the financial year played out for Lake Resources.

    Brilliant start to the financial year

    The Lake Resources share price hit a high of $2.45 on 4 April. This was a mammoth 642% explosion on the share price at the start of the financial year.

    Lake’s flagship project is Kachi in the Catamarca Province in Argentina. The company has ambitions to become a leading global producer of high-purity lithium.

    On 7 July 2021, Lake announced drilling was underway at the Kachi project. The company stated the aim was to double production from the site. In late July, Lake offered eligible shareholders bonus options.

    Strong quarterly results on 2 August also provided a boost to the Lake Resources share price. During the quarter, Lake garnered interest from six major banks willing to fund the Kachi project.

    In late December, Lake advised drilling supported a doubling of lithium carbonate production to 50,000 tonnes per annum:

    Argentina continues to be one of the few locations where lithium production can increase to assist the
    significant supply gap to increasing demand.

    On 14 February, Lake revealed it would fast-track three lithium projects in Argentina. These are the Olaroz, Cauchari and Paso projects. Lake set a target of 100,000 tonnes of high purity lithium by 2030 from these projects.

    Tough few months to end FY22

    Lake shares plummeted nearly 68% between market close on 4 April and 30 June. Between close of trading on 16 June and 23 June alone, the company’s share price shed 58%. On 20 June, news emerged that North America managing director Steve Promnitz would step down after setting up “Lake’s dominant position in Argentina”. Stu Crow was appointed executive chair for six months to manage the transition to a new CEO, board, and set up a North American presence. Lake said:

    We are now establishing a North American presence to serve our off-take customers, continue to
    work with our US-based technology partner, and engage capital markets.

    Also potentially impacting Lake shares was a note from Goldman Sachs predicting lithium carbonate and spodumene concentrate prices to decline from 2023. Goldman predicted a long-term average of US$11,500 per tonne for lithium carbonate and US$800 per tonne for spodumene concentrate.

    In more positive news, Lake Resources was added to the ASX 200 at the start of June. The company also appointed Citi and JP Morgan to coordinate debt financing for the Kachi project. On 11 April, Lake signed a non-binding agreement with the Ford Motor Company to negotiate lithium offtake for the project.

    Lake has a goal of producing 100,000 tonnes per annum of lithium by 2030.

    Lake Resources share price recap

    At the current share price of 79 cents, the Lake Resources share price has soared 129% in a year. Although it has lost nearly 22% year to date. In the past month, Lake shares have leapt 45%, while they are down almost 2% in a week.

    In the past five years, Lake shares have returned a mammoth 1,800% boost to shareholders.

    The post Up 138% in a year and 1800% in five years. Why did the Lake Resources share price soar in FY22? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Lake Resources N.l. right now?

    Before you consider Lake Resources N.l., you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Lake Resources N.l. 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 are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
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    JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor Monica O’Shea 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. 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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  • This ASX All Ordindaries healthcare share is ripping 17% higher amid a new contract win

    health workers shake hands and congratulate each other on good newshealth workers shake hands and congratulate each other on good news

    The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has broken into the green and trades 1.1% higher in morning trade on Monday.

    Indeed, with a new month comes a new set of monthly returns. After some volatility in recent weeks, investors look to embark on a new set of investment conditions in July.

    One All Ordinaries share that’s taken off today is Volpara Health Technologies Ltd (ASX: VHT). Its share price is tracing 17.02% higher from the open at 55 cents.

    Investors are jumping on the breast-screening software company’s shares following a company announcement of a new contract win.

    Indeed, Volpara’s management says revenue from the contract “will be material” to the company.

    What did Volpara announce?

    Volpara advised it has signed a contract with Radnet Management, Inc. for an initial contract period of 42 months. The contract has a mutual option to extend.

    The company says Radnet is the largest provider of outpatient imaging services in the United States with 353 imaging centres and 9,000 employees.

    Under the agreement, Radnet will implement the Australian company’s Volpara Analytics and Volpara Risk Pathways software throughout its various sites.

    The company’s announcement said:

    Planning for the implementation has begun, with go-live projected in 2023.

    Management expects that revenue generated under the agreement will be material to the company.

    Speaking on the announcement, Volpara’s CEO Teri Thomas was “pleased to partner” with Radnet. She said:

    This is a broader partnership than a simple software purchase. We look forward to a deep engagement with Radnet as part of our focus on industry impacts and customer success of ‘elephant-sized’ industry leaders.

    In the last 12 months, the Volpara share price has slipped around 57% into the red.

    The post This ASX All Ordindaries healthcare share is ripping 17% higher amid a new contract win 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 June 1 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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 VOLPARA FPO NZ. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended VOLPARA FPO NZ. 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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