Category: Stock Market

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) tech shares are 6.3% higher after the 11th consecutive session of gains for US tech stocks overnight.

The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) lifted 1.59% to a new record high last night.

ASX 200 tech shares have risen 16.2% over the past 11 trading sessions, but our tech index has fluctuated over the period.

Meanwhile, the NASDAQ has increased in a straight line by 15.5%, one day after another, since 30 March.

That’s its best run since December 2023.

Could this mean an end to the tech wreck?

ASX 200 tech shares began a downward spiral in September last year.

Tech investors began worrying about high stock valuations and large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) capex spending.

Then this year, a series of updates to Anthropic’s AI assistant, Claude, stoked fears of major disruption for software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers.

If agentic AI and generative tools like Claude can custom-write software, why would companies subscribe to proprietary SaaS products?

These fears were especially felt in Australia given four of the six biggest ASX 200 tech shares by market capitalisation are SaaS providers.

Some experts labelled it a ‘SaaSpocalypse’ moment, while others insisted the highest quality tech companies would ride it out.

The cumulative impact: the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) fell 48% between 29 August and 30 March.

Here comes the rebound

The biggest ASX 200 tech share by market cap is SaaS logistics management platform provider, WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

The Wisetech share price is $43.63, up 9.2% today and up 19.5% over the past 11 trading sessions.

Next is accounting services provider Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

The Xero share price is $80.70, up 7.5% on Thursday and up 14.5% since 30 March.

Enterprise resource planning provider TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) is also higher today.

TechnologyOne shares are $30.49, up 5.8% today and up 15.2% over the 11 trading sessions.

The Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT) share price is 4.2% higher at $13.96, and it’s up 23.8% since 30 March.

The share price of family location app provider Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) is $21.15, up 11.6% today and up 16.6% since 30 March.

Shares in hotel bookings management platform provider Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR) are up 8.3% to $3.35 today.

Siteminder shares have surged 23.4% since 30 March.

Technology is the strongest of the 11 ASX 200 market sectors today.

Meanwhile, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is in the red, down 0.3% to 8,952.6 points.

The post Is the ASX 200 tech wreck over amid a 6% rise in shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 4 ASX 200 shares newly upgraded this week
• WiseTech shares rocket 11% higher today: Buy, sell or hold?
• Interest rate rise expectations firm on jobs data as Aussie dollar hits 4-year high
• 3 ASX growth shares to buy with $10,000
• Court approves Insignia Financial scheme: $4.80 per share for holders

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 Life360, SiteMinder, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360, SiteMinder, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX bank stocks slumped across the board in March, and then some shares quickly rebounded in April as ongoing geopolitical tensions, the Middle East conflict, and climbing inflation jittered markets.

Investors initially turned away from financial stocks in fear of an unstable macro environment. Then, more recently, it seems like investors have rotated back into bank stocks as macro fears have started easing again.

How are Australia’s major banks faring today?

The banking sector is dominated by Australia’s big four banks: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ). Together, the big four banks make up around a quarter of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) by market capitalisation. 

CBA shares have climbed 3.2% higher over the past month, and are up 12.4% for the year to date. At the time of writing, the bank’s shares are changing hands at $181.21.

Westpac shares, however, have fallen 2.32% over the past month but are up 2.4% year to date. At the time of writing, Westpac shares are changing hands for $39.90 a piece.

NAB shares also dropped over the past month by 7.3%, but they’re up 2.8% year to date. At the time of writing, the shares are changing hands at $43.64.

ANZ shares are up 1.5% over the past month and up 4.5% over the year to date. At the time of writing, the shares are changing hands at $38.04.

Which banks do analysts rate as a sell?

Analyst sentiment appears to be pretty bearish on most of the major ASX bank stocks.

TradingView data shows that CBA, Westpac, and NAB shares are all rated a sell or a strong sell by brokers, with significant downside risks over the next 12 months.

CBA shares are tipped to crash up to 50.5% to $90 per share, at the time of writing.

Westpac shares are tipped to tumble up to 26.6% to $29.32 per share.

NAB shares are also tipped to drop up to 32% to just $30 per share over the next 12 months.

And there is one major bank which analysts rate as a buy

The data shows that ANZ is the favourite among the bunch. Out of 16 analysts, six have a buy or strong buy rating on ANZ shares, and another six have a hold rating.

The average target price of $26.38 implies a potential 4.5% downside at the time of writing. But some are optimistic that the shares could climb 13% higher from here to $43 each.

Why is ANZ the standout?

ANZ’s strong earnings momentum, predictable cash flow, and diversified portfolio mean that it looks like better value versus its peers. It also has a higher dividend yield than the other major banks, suggesting better upside potential.

I expect more investors to rotate into ANZ shares over the next few months.

The post ANZ, NAB, Westpac, and CBA shares: Analysts rate 3 to sell, and 1 to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I’d buy these ASX 200 stocks if I were a beginner
• Buy, hold, sell: Bank of Queensland, Koala, and Westpac shares
• $5,000 invested in CBA shares two years ago is now worth…
• What’s going on with the ANZ share price?
• Are Westpac and Bank of Queensland shares a buy, hold or sell?

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.

This ASX coal stock is pushing higher today. Shares in New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) charged 2.2% to $5.51 in early afternoon trade.

It’s another solid move for a share that’s already been on a tear. Over the past 12 months, the ASX coal stock is up 54%, comfortably beating the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has gained around 16%.

So what’s driving today’s bump?

Replacing old debt with new funding

It all comes down to smart balance sheet management.

On Thursday morning, the ASX coal stock announced it is refinancing $300 million of convertible notes, launching a new senior unsecured convertible note offering due 2032. At the same time, it plans to repurchase up to 100% of its existing 2029 notes.

In simple terms, New Hope is replacing older debt with newer, more attractive funding. The new notes come with a lower coupon of 2.375% to 2.875% and include a 2030 put option for investors. That gives the ASX coal stock more flexibility while reducing financing costs and pushing out its debt maturity profile.

Investors like that. If more than 85% of the 2029 notes are repurchased, New Hope may even redeem the remaining balance at face value, effectively cleaning up its debt structure in one move.

Management’s message

The implication is clear: management of the ASX coal stock is getting ahead of the curve.

Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Rinaldi said:

We are pleased to return to the convertible bond market for the third time. The convertible bond market continues to be an important and cost-effective component of our capital structure. Through this transaction, we are proactively refinancing our 2029 notes at improved terms, extending our debt maturity profile and reducing our financing costs. Consistent with our prior issuance, New Hope may cash settle any conversions, providing us with flexibility to manage any future dilution that may arise.

And timing matters. This refinancing comes as global energy markets remain volatile, with tensions in the Middle East keeping thermal coal prices elevated. That backdrop continues to support strong cash generation across the sector.

Operational stability

Importantly, New Hope also confirmed that production and costs are tracking within FY26 guidance. That’s another tick for operational stability.

Put it all together, and you get a company that’s not just benefiting from favourable commodity prices, but also actively improving its financial position.

Looking ahead, the strategy is straightforward. By extending debt maturities and lowering financing costs, New Hope is building flexibility. That gives it more room to invest in growth, manage market swings, and continue delivering returns to shareholders.

Foolish bottom line?

Today’s price jump of the ASX coal stock isn’t about hype. It’s about discipline.

New Hope is strengthening its balance sheet at a time when conditions are favourable. And in a cyclical industry like mining, that kind of forward planning can make all the difference.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, the smartest moves happen behind the scenes, and the market is starting to take notice.

The post Why this ASX coal stock just jumped and keeps on surging? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is everyone talking about New Hope, PLS and Viva Energy shares on Thursday?
• New Hope launches $300m convertible notes offer and buyback
• Why I’m even more bullish about Soul Patts shares from now on!
• ASX 200 energy shares whipsaw amid fragile ceasefire
• 3 reasons to buy New Hope shares today

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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.

There are more and more thematic ASX ETFs becoming available to investors. 

When these targeted themes rally, investors can capture market-beating returns. 

However, on the flip side, when these sectors face headwinds, losses can also be amplified. 

Due to geopolitical tension, rising interest rates, and other economic factors, sectors like healthcare and technology have been heavily sold off in 2026.

There are several ASX ETFs that target these sectors. 

After falling significantly this year, let’s look at funds that could be undervalued right now. 

Morningstar Global Technology ETF (ASX: TECH)

This ASX ETF seeks to invest in companies well-positioned to benefit from increased technology adoption. 

This includes companies whose principal business is in offering computing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and/or cloud and edge computing infrastructure and hardware.

At the time of writing, it includes 38 holdings, with a 60% exposure to US-based companies. 

So far in 2026, it has fallen 14%. 

However, it appears it has slowly started to turn the corner, recovering 8% during April. 

It may suit investors who are confident of a global tech rebound in the back half of 2026. 

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

It has been a similar story in 2026 for this ASX ETF. 

The fund aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that provides exposure to the leading companies in the global cybersecurity sector.

It is down 16% so far in 2026, however has also rebounded in April, rising 5% just this week. 

At the time of writing, the fund includes 42 holdings, with 90% of its weighting towards US-based companies. 

Betashares S&P ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

Moving towards Australian technology, this ASX ETF is surging today, up 4%. 

It still has a long way to go to recover the losses of 2026, as the fund remains down 16% since the start of the year. 

As the name suggests, it provides exposure to leading ASX-listed companies across a range of tech-related market segments, including information technology, consumer electronics, online retail, and medical technology.

Vaneck Vectors Global Health Leaders ETF (ASX: HLTH)

Moving to healthcare, this ASX ETF focuses on the largest international companies from the global healthcare sector.

It includes 50 underlying holdings with a 60% weighting towards US-based companies. 

In 2026, it has fallen almost 7%, but has also begun to rebound from late March. 

The post ASX ETFs to target if you expect struggling sectors to rebound appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX ETFs that could supercharge your portfolio
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• 3 ASX ETFs for investors in their 30s
• 3 BetaShares ETFs I think can beat the market over 5 years

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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 BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF. 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.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares are flying higher in Thursday afternoon trade. At the time of writing, the Australian fintech company’s shares are up 9.24% to $2.01 a piece.

The latest uptick means the shares have climbed 28.8% so far in April. It’s great news for investors, but the share price has a long way to go before it recovers losses shed through late 2025 and early 2026.

For the year to date, the shares are down 40%. They’re now also around 58% lower than a multi-year high recorded in October last year.

What happened to Zip shares this year?

Zip has faced several headwinds recently. The stock was caught up in the sector-wide tech sell-off earlier this year and then smashed by rising concerns about the war in the Middle East. Investors have been concerned about the global impact of the conflict. As a result, they’ve been shying away from high-growth technology stocks and towards more stable assets.

Earlier in February, investors were spooked by concerns about rising competition, slowing growth, and margin compression, which caused a sharp sell-off of shares. 

The buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider posted a record result in February, but it still missed market expectations. Zip’s revenue margin declined 7.9%, and net bad debts increased slightly to 1.73% of TTV. Zip also said it expected its second-half cash EBITDA to be broadly in line with the first half. 

And why are the shares soaring higher today?

There hasn’t been any price-sensitive news out of the Zip recently to explain today’s price hike. So it’s most likely that the share price increase is due to a combination of factors, including a shift in sentiment and investors buying back into the tech stock in the dip.

Analysts widely consider the tech stock to be undervalued and oversold. Potentially, today’s uplift means that investors have finally regained confidence in the company and its outlook.

At its results announcement in February, Zip flagged that it is aggressively expanding its US presence with the launch of a new product. It is also pursuing a dual sharemarket listing on the Nasdaq in the US to potentially help drive business expansion in the region.

Zip is expected to post its third-quarter FY26 results tomorrow, which could also be helping today’s rally.

Are they still a buy? Or has the opportunity now passed?

Market Index data shows that brokers are still incredibly bullish on the outlook for Zip shares over the next 12 months.

All six brokers have a strong buy rating on the stock. The average $3.82 target price implies Zip shares could rise by another 93.67% at the time of writing. 

The post Why are Zip shares flying 9% higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
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• ASX 200 shares rip with financials leading a remarkable recovery last week
• 6 ASX All Ords shares elevated to strong buy status after March sell-off
• 3 ASX 200 stocks surging 13% to 36% in this shortened trading week

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 200 Index (ASX: XJO) experienced a partial rebound after the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed steady unemployment at 4.3% today.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held last month amid an 18,000 increase in the number of people employed.

The number of unemployed people fell by 4,000, while the participation rate dropped 0.1% to 66.8%.

Sean Crick, ABS head of labour statistics, said:

Growth in employment was driven by full-time workers, which rose by 53,000 people in March.

This was partly offset by a fall in part-time employment of 35,000 people.

Full-time employment increased by 29,000 for men and 24,000 for women.

Part-time employment fell by 19,000 for men and 16,000 for women.

ASX 200 rebounds then resumes downward trend

The ASX 200’s partial rebound after the jobs data was released at 11.30am was short-lived.

The local bourse has been in the red all day as the US and Iran consider an extension to their two-week ceasefire.

The market is also absorbing the news of a major fire at one of Australia’s two oil refineries today.

The ASX 200 is currently down 0.21% to 8,960.1 points.

Meanwhile, the Australian dollar has lifted to 71.9 US cents, its highest level in four years.

The increase comes as the market ascribes a 67% chance of an interest rate rise next month.

The Reserve Bank board meets on 4-5 May.

As of yesterday, the market had a 67% expectation of a rate rise, up from 62% a week ago.

Higher interest rates tend to support the AUD against the USD because they increase returns on Australian assets relative to US assets.

RBA not confident interest rates are high enough

Analysts at Trading Economics said the jobs data reinforced the Reserve Bank’s view that the labour market remains relatively tight.

The jobs market has demonstrated resilience despite business and consumer confidence tanking due to the global fuel crisis.

Earlier this week, Deputy Reserve Bank Governor, Andrew Hauser, said inflation was already rising before the Iran war, and the fuel crisis was an additional shock, adding more pressure to businesses.

Hauser said:

The rates will have to go to a level that bring inflation back to target … And if that means them going higher, it means them going higher.

I wouldn’t say we have high confidence that we’ve yet set interest rates at the right level…

Hauser said many Australian companies had found it difficult to raise their prices, and the fuel crisis may help them get increases through.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) Chief Economist Luci Ellis, a former RBA Assistant Governor, expects three more interest rate rises.

This would take the cash rate to 4.85%.

A tight jobs market can contribute to resurgent inflation because people are willing to spend when they feel secure in their jobs.

The post Interest rate rise expectations firm on jobs data as Aussie dollar hits 4-year high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• AMP posts Q1 2026 results, launches $150m buyback
• Netwealth Group lifts FUA to $125.8B with strong quarterly flows

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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.2% in early afternoon trade on Thursday, but that’s not keeping these three ASX 200 titans from notching new 52-week-plus highs.

One of today’s stars is a financial company, the second produces uranium, and the third is a lithium producer.

So, which companies are hitting new high-water marks?

Read on!

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) lifts on positive sentiment

Macquarie shares are up 1.7% at the time of writing, changing hands for $239.14 each.

That’s the highest share price for the ASX 200 diversified financial stock since January 2025. And it sees the Macquarie share price up 33% in 12 months. Macquarie shares also trade on a partly franked 2.8% trailing dividend yield.

The last price-sensitive news out from the company was its third-quarter trading update back on 10 February.

But the stock may be getting an added boost this week amid an upgrade from Morgan Stanley. The broker has an overweight weighting on Macquarie shares with a $270 price target. That represents a potential upside of almost 13% from current levels.

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) gets a funding boost

PLS Group – formerly known as Pilbara Minerals – is also hitting new highs today.

Shares in the ASX 200 lithium titan are up 3.1% at the time of writing, trading for $5.56 apiece. That’s not just a new one-year high, but if PLS can hold these gains to close, it will mark a new all-time high for the stock.

PLS looks to be getting an added boost today after announcing a new US$600 million (AU$847 million) debt funding issuance.

The new senior unsecured notes come due in 2031 at an annual interest rate of 6.88%. The lithium miner intends to use the proceeds to refinance its AU$375 million drawn-on revolving credit facility and for general operating purposes.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) shares riding the uranium wave

Paladin Energy shares are also trading in new one-year-plus high territory today.

Shares in the ASX 200 uranium stock are up 4.4%, changing hands for $14.40 each. That’s the highest level since June 2024.

There’s no fresh news out from Paladin Energy, but the uranium sector is broadly outperforming today amid rising global sentiment for the nuclear fuel.

Looking at some of Paladin’s chief rivals, Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) shares are up 6.1% today, Bannerman Energy Ltd (ASX: BMN) shares are up 4.4%, and Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) shares are up 2.3%.

The post 3 ASX 200 titans charging to new one-year-plus highs today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why the PLS share price just hit an all-time high
• Why is everyone talking about New Hope, PLS and Viva Energy shares on Thursday?
• Why I’d buy these ASX 200 stocks if I were a beginner
• PLS Group prices US$600m in senior notes for growth and refinancing
• Macquarie shares soar 21% to a 52-week high: Buy, sell or hold?

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.

If you have $10,000 ready to invest, putting it into high-quality ASX growth shares can be a smart way to build long-term wealth.

However, you can’t just put it in any old share. The key is focusing on businesses with scalable models, strong tailwinds, and the ability to keep growing earnings over time.

While there will always be volatility along the way, the right companies can reward patient investors.

Here are three ASX growth shares that analysts think could be worth considering.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

The first ASX growth share that could be a standout pick is Pro Medicus.

It operates in medical imaging software and has built a reputation as one of the highest-quality growth companies on the ASX.

What makes it particularly compelling is its business model. The company wins large, long-term contracts with hospitals and healthcare providers, creating recurring revenue and strong visibility over future earnings.

It also operates with very high margins, which means a large portion of its revenue flows through to profit.

The team at Bell Potter thinks recent share price weakness has created a buying opportunity. Earlier this week, it put a buy rating and $226.00 price target on its shares.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Another ASX growth share that could be worth considering is Life360.

Life360 has built a global platform focused on family safety and location sharing, with almost 100 million active users.

The company is increasingly monetising its platform through subscriptions, partnerships, advertising, and new services. This is underpinning significant recurring revenue.

And with management confident that 2026 will see further strong user growth, Life360 looks likely to deliver another year of stellar revenue and profit growth.

Bell Potter is also bullish on this one and recently put a buy rating and $35.50 price target on its shares.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

A third ASX growth share that could be worth considering is WiseTech Global.

It provides software solutions for the global logistics industry, with its CargoWise platform deeply embedded in customer operations.

This creates strong switching costs and recurring revenue, both of which are attractive traits in a growth company.

The company continues to expand its product offering and global reach, positioning itself at the centre of increasingly complex supply chains.

With global trade becoming more digitised, WiseTech has a long runway for growth.

Last week, the team at Morgan Stanley put an overweight rating and $70.00 price target on its shares.

The post 3 ASX growth shares to buy with $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why AMP, Life360, Netwealth, and Ora Banda shares are racing higher today
• Down 38% this year, is it finally time to buy low on CSL, ResMed and Pro Medicus shares?
• 5 ASX ETFs that could supercharge your portfolio
• One ASX share to double, one yielding 11% — ASX picks for April
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360, Pro Medicus, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

After spending months under pressure, Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) shares are finally drawing stronger buying interest again on Thursday.

At the time of writing, the Netwealth share price is up 5.86% to $25.215, extending its gain over the past month to roughly 17%.

The rebound comes after the stock traded above $38 at its 2025 peak before sliding through much of this year.

Today’s move suggests confidence is rebuilding in Netwealth’s ability to keep attracting adviser and client funds despite recent market volatility.

Here’s what investors are looking at today.

March quarter flows stay strong

According to the release, Netwealth reported total funds under administration (FUA) of $125.8 billion, up 20.9% on the prior corresponding period.

More notably, quarterly FUA net flows came in at $4 billion, which more than offset a $3.7 billion market movement decline during the period.

Custodial FUA net flows were $3.9 billion, up 12.5% on the prior corresponding period, while total FUA net flows excluding pension payments rose 13.6% to $4.3 billion.

The number of accounts also continued rising, increasing by 4,454 during the quarter to 176,675, which is 13.4% above the prior corresponding period.

Managed account net flows remained especially strong at $1.2 billion, up 34.8% year on year, reinforcing that advisers are still directing more client assets onto the platform.

Why this quarter landed well with investors

The market response appears tied less to the overall FUA figure and more to the strength of the underlying flows.

The March quarter was choppy, with the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) falling 3.7% across the period, yet Netwealth still delivered enough net inflows to lift total FUA.

That tells us Netwealth is still winning adviser market share rather than benefiting from broader market conditions.

The update also showed platform activity stayed elevated through March. Average cash balances stayed steady at 5.7% of custodial FUA, while flows continued through existing intermediary channels.

Another encouraging detail is that higher-margin managed accounts are still expanding faster than the broader platform base.

That rapid growth should also support stronger earnings over time.

Outlook remains supportive

Management also pointed to continued progress across product initiatives, including the rollout of its individual HIN solution and broader enhancements to adviser workflow tools.

These platform upgrades can help support retention and make it easier for advisers to consolidate more client assets onto one system.

The wider industry backdrop also remains favourable.

More advisers are still moving client money away from older platforms, and Netwealth continues to capture part of that shift.

The post This beaten-down ASX financial share is bouncing back fast today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why AMP, Life360, Netwealth, and Ora Banda shares are racing higher today
• 3 ASX 300 shares that could be much bigger in 5 years
• Netwealth Group lifts FUA to $125.8B with strong quarterly flows
• These ASX shares look too good to ignore after the recent pullback
• 3 ASX shares that could double over the next decade (or much sooner)

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

Sims Ltd (ASX: SGM) shares are edging lower today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) metal and electronics recycler closed yesterday trading for $20.17. During the Thursday lunch hour, shares are changing hands for $19.93 apiece, down 1.2%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.3% at this same time.

Taking a step back, Sim shares have strongly outperformed over the past year. Shares in the ASX 200 industrial stock have gained 45% in 12 months, racing ahead of the 15.4% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

And that doesn’t include the two fully-franked dividends the company paid eligible stockholders over this time. Sims stock trades on a fully-franked trailing dividend yield of 1.4%.

And looking to the months ahead, Shaw and Partners’ Jed Richards expects the stock is well-placed to deliver more outperformance (courtesy of The Bull).

Here’s why.

Should you buy Sims shares today?

“Sims offers exposure to long term stronger and sustainable commodity themes through its global metals recycling operations, particularly in Europe,” said Richards, citing the first reason you might want to buy Sims shares today.

As for the second reason, Richards noted, “Demand for recycled inputs, such as lithium, copper and gold, continue to grow as electrification and decarbonisation trends advance.”

Richards concluded:

The business provides leverage to improving industrial activity, although earnings can be volatile given commodity price swings and cyclical end markets.

In our view, the strategic positioning justifies a buy despite near term volatility.

The (slightly less) bullish case for the ASX 200 industrial stock

DP Wealth Advisory’s Andrew Wielandt also ran his slide rule over Sims shares on The Bull this week.

“Sims is a global metals and electronics recycler providing exposure to North America, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand,” said Wielandt, who has a hold recommendation on the ASX 200 stock following the strong run higher in its share price.

According to Wielandt:

The outlook for Sims is encouraging in response to the company upgrading full year earnings guidance. Impressive share price gains in the past 12 months leaves SGM a hold for now and a potential buy on further weakness. The stock has risen from $12.51 on April 9, 2025 to trade at $20.62 on April 9, 2026.

What’s the latest on Sims shares?

As Wielandt mentioned above, on 18 March, Sims announced that it expects full-year FY 2026 underlying earnings before income on tax (EBIT) to be in the range of $350 million to $400 million.

That’s a big leg up from FY 2025 underlying EBIT of $175 million.

Sims shares closed up 9.9% on the day of the announcement.

The post Up 45% in a year, 3 reasons to buy Sims shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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