Category: Stock Market

With copper prices expected to be strong over the long term due to increasing demand, having a little exposure to the base metal could be a good thing for a portfolio.

And while mining giant’s BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) offer an easy way to do it, the upside on offer there could be limited after they recently hit record highs.

Another way could be with the ASX copper stock in this article.

Which ASX copper stock?

Bell Potter has named AIC Mines Ltd (ASX: A1M) shares as a buy this week.

It is a Western Australia-based copper production and exploration company focused on its 100%-owned Eloise Copper Project (ECP).

The broker was pleased with the ASX copper stock’s recent quarterly update, highlighting that it once again met its guidance. It said:

A1M has extended its track record of meeting production and cost guidance, now established for eleven consecutive quarters. At its Eloise Copper Mine in QLD, production for the March 2026 quarter was 3,432t copper in concentrate plus 1,591oz gold at All-In-Sustaining-Costs (AISC) of A$4.18/lb (vs BPe 3,024t Cu in concentrate plus 1,591oz Au at A$4.62/lb). Lower mining volumes and mill throughput were more than offset by higher head grades as the mine plan took in higher grade zones.

A1M is tracking to beat FY26 production and cost guidance, which remains unchanged at 12.8-13.1kt Cu plus 6.0-6.5koz gold at AISC of A$4.85-A$5.25/lb. Cost inflation risks of ~A$0.40/lb-$0.50/lb have been flagged for the June 2026 quarter due to increasing diesel costs. Allowing for this, we still forecast the lower end of AISC guidance to be met or beaten.

Overall, the broker has described the performance as “excellent” and highlights that it beat guidance and its own forecasts despite inclement weather. It adds:

This was an excellent result, beating both guidance and our forecasts in a heavily rain-affected quarter that disrupted other mines and logistics in the region. A1M has built an exceptional track record of delivery, particularly for a single-asset company operating a relatively small-scale mine. The quarter also included a meaningful Resource and Reserve upgrade which has allowed us to add 18 months to our assumed life-of-mine. The new Jericho underground is progressing ahead of schedule and achieved the milestone of first ore production during the quarter.

Time to buy?

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating on the ASX copper stock with an improved price target of 85 cents (from 80 cents).

Based on its current share price of 62 cents, this implies potential upside of approximately 37% for investors.

The broker concludes:

A1M represents leveraged copper exposure via its Eloise Copper Project with a clear, organic growth strategy being advanced. The current share price, in our view, represents attractive value for a well-managed, Australian-based copper producer. We retain our Buy recommendation on an increased, NPV-based target price rounded to $0.85/sh.

The post This ASX copper stock could be cheap compared to BHP and Rio Tinto shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

A recent run higher has hit a pause for Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) shares on Friday.

The move comes as the market digests new information from one of its key assets.

At the time of writing, the Newmont share price is down 0.28% to $156.61. That follows a weaker stretch over the past week, with the stock now down almost 7% over that period.

The pullback sits against a solid 12-month run. Over the past year, the shares are still up close to 80%.

With the stock sitting near recent highs, even smaller updates are getting more attention.

And that appears to be the case today.

Cadia operations update draws focus

According to the release, Newmont provided an update on its Cadia operation in New South Wales following a magnitude 4.5 earthquake earlier this week.

The company said all personnel were accounted for, with safety protocols activated immediately after the event. Underground workers were moved to designated safe areas and later returned to the surface under standard procedures.

Initial inspections identified some damage in certain underground sections, though it has been described as limited in scale.

Processing operations have continued and are being ramped back up to normal throughput levels.

Production impact expected to be limited

Newmont also confirmed that surface infrastructure, including tailings facilities and dams, was inspected following the earthquake.

No damage has been identified across those critical assets at this stage.

Based on current assessments, near-term production from Cadia is not expected to be materially impacted.

Work is still ongoing underground to determine the full recovery timeline and whether there could be any longer-term effects on output.

Cadia is a key asset, so any disruption will draw attention, especially when early signs point to a minor operational impact.

Recent weakness comes after strong run

After a strong rally through the past year, the stock was trading near recent highs before easing back this week.

Moves like this are common after a large run, especially when new information adds some uncertainty, even if the impact is limited.

Gold price movements have also played a part, with prices holding near recent highs after a steady rise in recent months.

Foolish Takeaway

The update points to limited damage and no clear hit to near-term production, which takes some pressure off.

Even so, the stock has already had a decent run, and short-term moves can turn quickly when sentiment shifts.

Personally, I would be comfortable watching this one rather than chasing it here, especially with the current volatility.

The post Newmont shares slip as Cadia update puts investors on alert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why 29Metals, DGL, Fletcher Building, and Newmont shares are falling today
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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.

Orthocell Ltd (ASX: OCC) has capped a strong week on the ASX with a key milestone in the company’s US rollout.

With shares up 26% this week at the time of writing, and just days after securing access to major US military and veteran hospital networks, the company has already completed its first surgical case using Remplir within the system.

The announcement reinforces the view that Orthocell is beginning to convert strategic wins into real-world clinical use.

Early signs of execution

Earlier this week, Orthocell announced it had secured approval to supply Remplir into the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital networks, which together span more than 220 hospitals.

Now, the company has followed through quickly, completing its first procedure at a military hospital in Ohio, and the speed matters. In medtech, there is often a long lag between approval and adoption, but Orthocell appears to be compressing that timeline significantly.

This suggests the company’s groundwork in preparing for distribution was already well advanced before access was formally granted.

What did management say?

Managing Director Paul Anderson emphasised the importance of speed, noting that the milestone validates Orthocell’s commercial strategy, surgeon engagement, and distribution capability.

He also highlighted that early uptake in military and veteran systems (where complex injuries are common) is an encouraging sign as the company expands activity across these hospitals.

The message is clear: access is only the first step, and Orthocell is now focused on execution.

Foolish bottom line

Orthocell’s 26% rise this week reflects growing investor interest in its US opportunity. More importantly, the latest update shows the company moving beyond announcements and into delivery.

Early surgical adoption, just days after approval, suggests that Orthocell’s US strategy is gaining traction. The next phase will be about consistency in turning initial traction into repeat usage and sustained revenue growth.

The post Orthocell caps 26% surge this week with first US Military Surgery appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Orthocell shares soar 22% on landmark US breakthrough
• Bell Potter just put a buy rating on this exciting small-cap ASX stock
• Which exciting ASX All Ords stock is jumping on big news?

Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions 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 Orthocell. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Stanmore Resources Ltd (ASX: SMR) shares are heading lower on Friday, giving back recent gains as conditions across energy markets shift.

At the time of writing, the Stanmore share price is down 8.80% to $2.28. That leaves the stock roughly 14% lower over the past week.

The pullback follows a strong period earlier this year, when higher coal prices and supportive sentiment helped drive the shares higher.

Here’s what is behind the move.

Ceasefire cools energy trade

The selling has been driven by a shift outside the company itself.

A ceasefire between the United States and Iran has reduced concerns about supply disruptions across global energy markets.

That change has seen money move out of energy stocks, including coal producers, as some of the recent risk premium fades.

Oil prices have already started to ease after trading near recent highs, pointing to a broader reset in the sector.

Coal prices have held up better, but listed producers are still getting caught in the same move.

Coal prices remain elevated over the year

Despite the recent pullback in the share price, the underlying commodity backdrop still looks relatively firm over a longer period.

According to Trading Economics, coking coal is still trading around US$226 per tonne in mid-April. That leaves prices modestly higher over the past month and up close to 19% over the past year.

Demand from steelmakers has also remained steady, particularly across Asia, where metallurgical coal is still widely used.

But it’s the gap that stands out. Prices have held up, yet sentiment has shifted quickly, and that is driving the recent volatility in coal stocks.

Recent performance shows the shift

Over the past week, Stanmore shares have fallen close to 14%, giving back part of the gains built earlier in the year.

Even so, the stock remains up roughly 24% over the past 12 months.

The move has tracked what has been happening across energy markets. Oil prices have eased back toward US$93 per barrel as tensions in the Middle East cool, taking some momentum out of the trade.

Foolish bottom line

The ceasefire has taken some urgency from energy prices, and that has been enough to trigger selling after a strong run.

Coking coal prices are still holding up over the year, but the focus has shifted to what comes next for the sector.

Personally, I would stay on the sidelines here.

The stock is moving with macro headlines rather than company updates, and that can change very quickly.

There are cleaner opportunities elsewhere on the ASX where geopolitics is less likely to drive the share price.

The post Why this ASX coal stock is sinking 9% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Guess which ASX stock is closing in on its multi-year high
• 6 ASX 200 shares downgraded by the experts this week
• Shares in this $1.4 billion ASX data centre company could jump by 72% Citi says
• Why Dateline Resourcs, Northern Star, Rox Resources, and Wesfarmers shares are dropping today
• 3 ASX 200 stocks leaping higher in this week’s slumping market

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.

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH) shares are pushing higher on Friday, with buying picking up as the stock moves back toward a key level.

At the time of writing, the Tabcorp share price is up 7.22% to $1.003. That leaves the stock up around 80% over the past 12 months and within reach of its multi-year high.

That previous peak of $1.095 was set in October 2025. The latest move puts that level back in focus.

Here’s what investors are watching.

Recovery trend puts prior highs back in sight

The recent move looks different when set against the past 2 years.

After trending lower through much of 2024, Tabcorp found support and has gradually worked its way higher into 2026. The move hasn’t been tied to a single update, but rather a series of smaller developments that have improved confidence in the earnings outlook.

That includes tighter cost control, more stable wagering conditions, and signs that margins are holding up better than expected.

Broker commentary has also helped support sentiment. Following the latest half-year result, analysts pointed to EBITDA coming in ahead of expectations, supported by disciplined costs and steady revenue growth.

Some brokers now see scope for earnings to lift more quickly if wagering turnover continues to improve, given the operating leverage in the business.

Small revenue gains are flowing through to earnings

One of the key drivers behind the move is how quickly earnings respond to changes in turnover.

Broker estimates suggest even modest growth in wagering activity can lead to a stronger lift in EBITDA. And it stands out more when costs are being kept under control.

Digital channels are also contributing. Higher turnover from online activity and younger users has been noted in recent updates.

The balance sheet is in better shape as well. Lower net debt and consistent cash flow provide more flexibility around spending and capital management.

That helps explain the stock’s re-rating over the past year.

Foolish Takeaway

The move back toward $1 puts Tabcorp within striking distance of a level that has previously capped the share price.

A clean break above $1.095 would likely draw further attention, especially given the strength of the past 12-month run.

From my perspective, a lot of the easier gains look to have already played out after such a strong rally.

I would rather wait and see how the business tracks through the next set of results before getting involved, particularly with the chart sitting near prior highs.

The post Guess which ASX stock is closing in on its multi-year high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this ASX coal stock is sinking 9% today
• 6 ASX 200 shares downgraded by the experts this week
• Shares in this $1.4 billion ASX data centre company could jump by 72% Citi says
• Why Dateline Resourcs, Northern Star, Rox Resources, and Wesfarmers shares are dropping today
• 3 ASX 200 stocks leaping higher in this week’s slumping market

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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.3% lower amid fresh hopes that the war in Iran will soon be over.

US President Donald Trump said Iran has agreed to several demands during further talks between the two nations.

Meanwhile, the US continues its blockade of Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf, and Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire.

Amid this week’s ongoing turmoil, brokers have reduced their ratings on six ASX 200 shares this week.

Let’s take a look.

Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC)

The Lynas Rare Earths share price is $20.76, down 0.1% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 mining share has lifted 3.7%.

Morgan Stanley downgraded Lynas shares to a hold rating on Wednesday.

The broker increased its 12-month price target from $18.50 to $20.45.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The PLS Group share price is $5.98, up 4.8% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 lithium share has rocketed 28%.

Morgan Stanley downgraded this stock to a hold rating this week.

The broker shaved its 12-month price target from $5.30 to $5.25.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

The Westpac share price is $39.58, down 1.1% today.

Over the past month, the ASX 200 bank share has fallen 4.6%.

Morgans downgraded Westpac shares from a trim to sell rating this week.

The broker has a $34.04 target on the financial stock.

Morgans said:

WBC published a trading update ahead of its 1H26 result due for release on 5 May.

Implied revenues were weaker, costs lower, and credit impairment charges higher than our and market expectations.

We revise our rating from TRIM to SELL as total return expectations at current prices have fallen below the -10% trigger.

Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ)

The Bank of Queensland share price is $7.29, up 0.2%.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 financial share has lifted 5.3%.

Morgans downgraded the bank share to a hold rating on Wednesday.

The broker has a $7.39 target price on Bank of Queensland shares.

Morgans said:

We expect a material decline in 1H26 earnings, with recent share price strength driven by the expected capital return from the equipment finance whole-of-loan sale.

Share price strength has compressed total return potential to c.5%.

As such, we moderate our rating from ACCUMULATE to HOLD.

Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)

The Seek share price is $15.54, up 1.1% today.

Over the past month, this ASX communications share has increased 6.4%.

Jefferies downgraded Seek shares to a hold rating this week.

The broker slashed its 12-month price target from $24.80 to $15.90.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

The Mineral Resources share price is $62.47, up 5.3% today.

The ASX 200 mining share is 13.3% higher over the past month.

Morgans lowered its rating from buy to accumulate this week.

The broker has a slightly reduced 12-month price target of $67.

Morgans said:

We have updated our 2H26 forecasts to reflect weather impacts in 3Q26, which we expect to have a modest effect on Onslow iron ore shipments, alongside minor increases to cost and capex assumptions driven by inflation in shipping and fuel.

We have also incorporated our revised LT iron ore price of US$85/t (previously US$80/t).

… we move to an ACCUMULATE rating (previously BUY) as recent share price strength has reduced valuation upside.

The post 6 ASX 200 shares downgraded by the experts this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Jefferies Financial Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

Data centre companies have been a hot property over the past year as the rapid uptake in artificial intelligence has driven the need for large amounts of computing power.

One of the beneficiaries of this has been Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1), which delivered a record first-half result back in February.

The Citi team have had a look at the company and has a seriously bullish price target on the company’s shares, which we’ll get to later.

Strong demand for services

Firstly, let’s look at why they’re so enthusiastic about this stock.

One of the reasons is the rapid take-up of Megaport’s compute as a service offering, Latitude, which the company acquired in November last year.

The company said at the time:

This acquisition brings Megaport’s global Network as a Service (NaaS) platform together with Latitude.sh’s compute platform to build an industry-leading platform where network and compute converge globally. This positions Megaport at the heart of the hybrid cloud and AI-driven future.

The Citi team said Latitude’s graphics processing unit (GPU) capacity was sold out, which was a big positive.

According to Latitude’s announcement, they had added 1,000 GPUs earlier this year and assuming a per GPU monthly rental rate of ~US$1,500 and assuming 100% utilisation would imply incremental annual recurring revenue (ARR) of US$18 million from the new GPUs. This is likely overstated as there could be discounts that could be provided but compares to our incremental ARR forecast of US$12.5 million in 2H26 and US$19 million in 1H27. The surge in GPU rental demand, Latitude’s GPUs being sold out, as well as Latitude increasing prices, suggest upside risks to our Latitude ARR and FY27 revenue forecasts all else equal.

Citi said prices seem to have gone up as well.

Big first half

Megaport themselves said, in releasing their first-half results in February, that it was a record half, with ARR up 49% year on year to $338 million.

Chief Executive Michael Reid said at the time:

Our team delivered an outstanding first half performance, demonstrating the strength and resilience of the underlying business. Importantly, we achieved this while completing two strategic acquisitions and executing a successful capital raise. These initiatives extend our platform into adjacent markets and position Megaport for accelerated growth across Network, Compute, and AI.

Megaport’s guidance for the full year was for revenue of $302 to $317 million, and EBITDA of 21% to 24% of revenue.

Citi’s price target on Megaport shares is $14.65, compared to the current price of $8.49.

Megaport was valued at $1.45 billion at the close of trade on Thursday.

The post Shares in this $1.4 billion ASX data centre company could jump by 72% Citi says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has positions in Megaport. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport. 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 on course to end the week in the red. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.35% to 8,923.1 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most on Friday are listed below. Here’s why they are ending the week in the red:

Dateline Resources Ltd (ASX: DTR)

The Dateline Resources share price is down 11% to 32.5 cents. This follows media reports about legal proceedings in the United States. The company notes that the proceedings relate “to the exercise of the long standing valid existing rights to conduct mining activities at the Colosseum Gold and Rare Earths Project.” The company stated: “Dateline considers that the reporting and the position advanced by the applicants, as described, do not fully reflect the relevant historical context, including the status of valid existing rights associated with the Colosseum Gold and Rare Earths Project, and the Company does not agree with the assumptions made.”

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star share price is down 2.5% to $23.73. Investors have been selling Northern Star shares despite there being no news out of it. However, it is worth noting that most ASX gold stocks are falling today. This has seen the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index drop 2.2% in afternoon trade.

Rox Resources Ltd (ASX: RXL)

The Rox Resources share price is down 5% to 44.7 cents. This morning, this gold developer released its quarterly update. For the quarter, the company recorded a cash outflow of $31.9 million. However, it finished the period with a hefty cash balance of $200.4 million. Management also advised that it is taking steps to protect itself from the impacts of the war in the Middle East. This includes an increase in fuel storage capacity at Youanmi. It has increased its fuel storage from 190kL in March to over 430kL in mid-April. An additional fuel supply contract has been entered into.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

The Wesfarmers share price is down 1.5% to $72.88. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Citi this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded the Bunnings owner’s shares to a sell rating (from neutral) and cut its price target to $69.00 (from $90.00). Citi believes that elevated fuel prices and interest rates will weigh on consumer spending in the near term.

The post Why Dateline Resourcs, Northern Star, Rox Resources, and Wesfarmers shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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

With only a few hours of trade left before Friday’s closing bell, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.4% for the week, despite the best lifting efforts of these three ASX 200 stocks.

All three of the outperforming stocks on my list for the week have strong technology links. And all three are up more than 20% for the week.

Which fast-rising ASX 200 shares am I talking about?

Read on!

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares join tech rally

WiseTech Global shares are setting the bar high this week.

Shares in the logistics software solutions company closed last Friday trading for $37.63. At the time of writing, shares are swapping hands for $46.50.

That sees this ASX 200 stock up 23.6% in this week’s slumping market.

There’s no price-sensitive news out from WiseTech this week. But ASX tech stocks have broadly outperformed this week, as witnessed by the 9.8% weekly gain in the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX).

This broader outperformance comes amid hopes of successful negotiations in the Iran war. An end to the conflict would ease global inflationary pressures and the resultant pressures for central banks to boost interest rates. And tech stocks like WiseTech have proven to be sensitive to rate increases.

Moving on…

ASX 200 stock Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) rebounds from lows

The second ASX share screaming higher in this week’s sinking market is Megaport.

Shares in the network-as-a-service solutions provider closed last week trading for $6.71 and are currently changing hands for $8.53 each. That sees this ASX 200 stock up 27.1% for the week.

There’s also no fresh price-sensitive news out from Megaport this week. Like WiseTech, the stock looks to be benefiting from broader improved investor sentiment in the tech sector. And with Megaport shares trading at a multi-year closing low last Friday, investors look to have been bargain hunting.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares rocket on Q3 results

The fastest rising stock on my list for the week is Zip.

Shares in the buy now, pay later (BNPL) company closed last Friday trading for $1.85. At the time of writing, shares are trading for $2.37 each, putting this ASX 200 stock up a whopping 28.1% over the week.

A lot of those gains are being delivered today.

Zip shares are up 15.4% in afternoon trade following the release of the company’s third-quarter (Q3 FY 2026) results.

Investors are piling into Zip shares today, with the BNPL stock reporting a 22.4% year-on-year increase in total transaction volume (TTV), which reached $4 billion.

And Zip achieved all-time high quarterly earnings, with earnings before tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBTDA) of $65.1 million, up 41.5% from Q3 FY 2026.

Zip also upgraded its full-year FY 2026 cash EBTDA guidance to no less than $260 million.

The post 3 ASX 200 stocks leaping higher in this week’s slumping market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Shares in this $1.4 billion ASX data centre company could jump by 72% Citi says
• Why Eden Innovation, Elsight, Paladin Energy, and Zip shares are racing higher today
• Why Paladin Energy, Alcoa and Zip shares are making headlines on Friday
• Why are Zip shares rocketing 24% today?
• Zip Co posts record cash EBTDA and upgrades FY26 guidance

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

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares are drifting lower on Friday, giving back ground despite a steady recovery earlier this month.

At the time of writing, the Qantas share price is down 0.60% to $9.105. That leaves the stock sitting roughly 12% lower for 2026, even after bouncing from recent lows.

The move comes as fresh filings and external reporting highlight activity happening behind the scenes.

Here’s what investors are looking at.

A large institutional buyer steps in

According to The Australian, AustralianSuper has been building a position in Qantas as the share price weakened through March.

Regulatory filings show the super fund has now emerged as a substantial holder, with a stake of about 5.3%. That equates to roughly $723 million at current market prices.

The buying appears to have been spread across several weeks. The largest single-day purchase was around $100 million worth of shares on 20 March.

Accumulation has continued into April, including further buying around the time Qantas flagged a material increase in fuel costs.

The purchases were made during a period of share price weakness and rising fuel cost concerns.

Buying through weakness raises interest

Qantas has been dealing with a mix of falling share prices and elevated cost pressures.

Management recently indicated that higher fuel prices could add between $500 million and $800 million to its fuel bill. The airline has also flagged capacity adjustments and pricing responses.

These factors have weighed on the share price across recent months.

Despite that, AustralianSuper has continued to build its position, pointing to a longer-term view on earnings instead of focusing on near-term cost pressure.

The fund already has exposure to airport infrastructure through IFM Investors, including stakes in Melbourne and Sydney airports.

Share price still reflects a reset year

Even with recent buying support, the share price still shows the impact of changing expectations in 2026.

After a strong run in prior periods, the stock has spent much of this year adjusting to a different operating backdrop.

Fuel costs, capacity settings, and pricing power have all come back into focus. This has changed how the market is valuing near-term earnings.

The recent lift shows buying at lower levels, though the stock is still below earlier highs.

Foolish Takeaway

I see Qantas as one of those stocks many investors end up owning over time. It is Australia’s national carrier, with a position that is hard to replicate and tied closely to domestic travel demand.

People still need to fly, whether for work, family, or holidays, which underpins demand across the cycle. Earnings can move with fuel costs and economic conditions, but the core business remains well supported.

For me, it sits more as a long-term hold than a short-term trade.

The post Why a $700 million move into Qantas shares is turning heads today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.