Category: Stock Market

  • Why did the Liontown share price plummet 25% in June?

    a close up of an adult male lion with a large mane fast asleep.a close up of an adult male lion with a large mane fast asleep.

    The Liontown Resources Limited (ASX: LTR) share price struggled through June despite the company releasing plenty of good news.

    Sadly, however, a broader lithium sell-off event took its toll on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lithium share.

    As of the final close of June, the Liontown share price was $1.06, 25.35% lower than where it ended May.

    For context, the ASX 200 slipped 8.9% in June while the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) slumped 12.4%.

    Let’s take a look at what went wrong (and right) for Liontown last month.

    What weighed on the Liontown share price last month?

    First off, the company shook on an agreement with electric vehicle heavyweight Tesla.

    Telsa has agreed to buy up to 150,000 dry metric tonnes (dmt) of spodumene concentrate expected to be produced at Liontown’s upcoming Kathleen Valley Lithium Project each year.

    That marked the second offtake agreement for the project, and a third wasn’t far away.

    Later in June, Liontown announced Ford also agreed to take up to 150,000 dmt of the project’s production each year.

    On the back of the agreements, Liontown made the final investment decision for the project, allowing construction at the site to kick off. First production at the project is expected in the second quarter of 2024.

    But the exciting announcements weren’t enough to spare the Liontown share price from a major downturn among its peers.

    ASX lithium shares were rocked by a sell-off event in early June, seemingly sparked by a bearish note out of Goldman Sachs, an Argentinian reference price, and reports a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer was planning to source its own lithium.

    The Liontown share price tumbled 19% on 1 June. It then continued on a general downwards trajectory for much of last month.

    The post Why did the Liontown share price plummet 25% 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 Goldman Sachs and Tesla. 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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  • Why Audio Pixels, Lake Resources, Link, and Magellan shares are dropping

    Red arrow going down on a chart, symbolising a falling share price.

    Red arrow going down on a chart, symbolising a falling share price.The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a strong gain. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 1.15% to 6,614.3 points.

    Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

    Audio Pixels Holdings Ltd (ASX: AKP)

    The Audio Pixels share price is down 2% to $17.44. Investors have been selling this digital speaker developer’s shares amid news that the Australian share market operator is querying the status of the demonstration of its playing chips. For around a decade, Audio Pixels has been promising game-changing digital speaker technology. But every time it gets close to finally revealing it, something seems to happen that delays things.

    Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE)

    The Lake Resources share price is down 4% to 73 cents. This is despite there being no news out of the lithium developer. However, it is worth noting that a number of lithium shares are falling on Monday despite the market pushing higher.

    Link Administration Holdings Ltd (ASX: LNK)

    The Link share price is down 1.5% to $3.75. This morning this administration services company rejected a takeover proposal from Dye & Durham. Last week the proposal was reduced from $5.50 per share down to $4.30 per share. The two parties are continuing discussions but Link will need a higher offer if a deal is going to be reached.

    Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

    The Magellan share price has sunk 9% to $11.81. This appears to have been driven by news that co-founder Hamish Douglass has been selling shares. Throughout June, Douglass offloaded approximately 760,000 Magellan shares. They have a current market value in the region of $9 million.

    The post Why Audio Pixels, Lake Resources, Link, and Magellan shares are dropping 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 Link Administration Holdings 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.

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  • Why APM, Block, Breville, and Superloop shares are charging higher

    Green arrow with green stock prices symbolising a rising share price.

    Green arrow with green stock prices symbolising a rising share price.

    In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on track to start the week with a strong gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 1.1% to 6,612.2 points.

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

    APM Human Services International Ltd (ASX: APM)

    The APM share price is up 9.5% to $3.20. This morning this human services provider announced the establishment of an $810 million syndicated multi-currency revolving corporate facility. These funds will be used to close a previous loan facility, which management expects to result in annual pre-tax interest savings of $15 million.

    Block Inc (ASX: SQ2)

    The Block share price is up 4% to $91.80. Investors have been buying this payments company’s shares following an equally solid rise from its NYSE listed shares on Friday evening. That was driven by a rebound in the tech sector. The local tech sector is also rising today, with the S&P ASX All Technology index up 1.45% this afternoon.

    Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

    The Breville share price is up 5% to $19.03. This morning the appliance manufacturer announced the completion of the LELIT acquisition. Breville 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.

    Superloop Ltd (ASX: SLC)

    The Superloop share price is up 4.5% to 73.2 cents. The catalyst for this was news that the telco is planning to undertake an on-market buyback. Superloop intends to buy back upwards of 10% of its issued share capital. This follows the divestment of the company’s assets in Hong Kong and Singapore in April, which generated cash proceeds of $125 million.

    The post Why APM, Block, Breville, and Superloop shares are charging higher 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 Block, Inc. and SUPERLOOP FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Block, Inc. 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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  • What’s pushing APM Human Services shares 9% higher today?

    A team celebrates a win in the office.A team celebrates a win in the office.

    The APM Human Services International Pty (ASX: APM) share price is racing higher in mid-afternoon trade.

    This comes after the international human services provider delivered a debt refinance update to the market.

    At the time of writing, APM shares are swapping hands at $3.19, up 9.25%.

    What did APM announce?

    APM shares are pushing higher as investors rally behind the company’s refinancing efforts.

    According to its release, APM advised that it has successfully secured committed funding to refinance its debts. This involves an $810 million syndicated multi-currency revolving corporate facility to extinguish its existing Term Loan B facility.

    APM noted that it has a current net debt of around $450 million with roughly $360 million of liquidity available.

    On average, the new facility funding costs are 210 basis points above BBSY at current levels of net debt. BBSY represents the ‘bank bill swap bid rate’, which is the interest rate used for debt financing.

    Pleasingly, this represents a saving of 240 basis points compared to APM’s existing Term Loan B facility.

    The new facility is revolving, which means that APM can further reduce its interest costs through cash offsets.

    The company estimates it will eliminate interest costs of $15 million annually by swapping over to the new loan.

    APM says there is no financial penalty for breaking the Term Loan B facility.

    The $810 million facility is available in two tranches, a three-year $505 million tranche and a five-year $305 million tranche.

    The company expects the refinancing to occur in mid-July.

    APM group CEO Michael Anghie touched on the successful refinancing, saying:

    Our new facilities have been strongly supported by high quality Australian and International lenders and provide APM with flexibility and reduced interest costs.

    We are particularly proud to have the first Social Loan linked corporate facility in Australia. The Social Loan demonstrates the social impact of the services APM provides and the positive impact on society and goes to our purpose of Enabling Better Lives.

    APM share price snapshot

    Over the last 12 months, APM shares have moved in circles to register a loss of 10% for the period.

    Although, when looking at year to date, its shares are 12% higher.

    APM has a market capitalisation of approximately $2.9 billion, based on the current share price.

    The post What’s pushing APM Human Services shares 9% higher today? 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 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.

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  • Why is the Magellan share price sinking 9% today?

    A young man clasps his hand to his head with his eyes closed and a pained expression on his face as he clasps a laptop computer in front of him, seemingly learning of bad news or a poor investment.

    A young man clasps his hand to his head with his eyes closed and a pained expression on his face as he clasps a laptop computer in front of him, seemingly learning of bad news or a poor investment.

    It’s news that Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) shareholders need like a poke in the eye with a blunt stick: Magellan shares are falling once again. Although the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a corker today, rising by 1.23% at the time of writing, Magellan shares are tanking this Monday. The fund manager has shed another painful 8.77% so far today and is now at $11.86 a share.

    So what on earth could be dragging Magellan back down by so much? Especially while the broader market, including other ASX 200 financial shares, is having such a cracking day…

    Well, it’s likely to be the result of two developments that came out this morning.

    Magellan share price rocked by more bad news

    The first was the news that Magellan co-founder and former chief investment officer Hamish Douglass has been offloading a significant quantity of his shares in Magellan.

    As my Fool colleague James covered this morning, Douglass sold roughly 760,000 shares over June. That would be worth approximately $9.4 million. This comes after Douglass had previously stated that “we’ve never sold a single share in Magellan”.

    This heavy selling from a Magellan co-founder is hardly confidence-inspiring stuff for investors. Particularly as they’ve already had to watch Magellan shares lose more than 78% of their value over the past 12 months.

    But that isn’t the only negative piece of news out today.

    According to reporting in the Australian Financial Review today, Magellan’s head of sales and distribution Frank Casarotti is to resign from his position. Casarotti has been at Magellan since 2007.

    Although he will only leave his post in December 2023, it’s still a blow for the company. The fund  manager has already had to deal with the departure of Douglass, as well as former CEO Brett Cairns last year.

    So it’s likely a combination of these two developments that is causing a loss of confidence in Magellan shares today and explains the steep share price drop we are seeing. It’s not exactly how shareholders might want to start FY2023, but here we are.

    At the current Magellan share price, this ASX 200 fund manager has a market capitalisation of $2.22 billion, with a trailing dividend yield of 18.92%.

    The post Why is the Magellan share price sinking 9% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Magellan Financial Group Ltd right now?

    Before you consider Magellan Financial Group Ltd, 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 Magellan Financial Group Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of June 1 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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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  • These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

    Model bear in front of falling line graph, cheap stocks, cheap ASX shares

    Model bear in front of falling line graph, cheap stocks, cheap ASX shares

    Once a week I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

    This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

    With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

    • Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) remains the most shorted ASX share with short interest of 16.1%. With living costs rising there are concerns that consumer spending on leisure travel could suffer.
    • Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) has short interest of 12.3%, which is up week on week. Short sellers continue to target this medical device company amid concerns over disruptive sales model changes in the United States.
    • Betmakers Technology Group Ltd (ASX: BET) has seen its short interest reduce again to 11.8%. Valuation concerns appear to be behind this. The betting technology company’s shares trade on sky high multiples.
    • Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) has short interest of 10.3%, which is up week on week again. This mirrors the short interest of the payment company’s shares on Wall Street.
    • Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) has short interest of 9.2%, which is up week on week. This short interest appears to have been driven by concerns over labour shortages, cost pressures, and lower grades.
    • EML Payments Ltd (ASX: EML) has short interest of 8.9%, which is down week on week. A very poor third quarter trading update caught the eye of short sellers and has put significant pressure on the payments company’s shares.
    • Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) has short interest of 8.1%, which is flat week on week. Concerns that cost of living pressures could stifle Webjet’s recovery appear why short sellers are targeting the online travel agent.
    • Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) has entered the top ten with short interest of 7.9%. Last month this biotechnology company was hit with a class action alleging that it mislead investors and failed to disclose material information over the deficiencies of clinical trials into treatments for COVID-19 and graft versus host disease in children.
    • PointsBet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH) has 7.9% of its shares held short, which is down week on week. Much to the dismay of short sellers, this sports betting company’s shares have been racing higher over the last couple of weeks thanks to news of a strategic investment.
    • PolyNovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has seen its short interest ease again to 7.9%. Short sellers appear to be losing interest in this medical device company. Some heavy insider buying may have spooked them.

    The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares 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 Betmakers Technology Group Ltd, Block, Inc., EML Payments, Nanosonics Limited, POLYNOVO FPO, and Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Block, Inc., EML Payments, and Nanosonics Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Betmakers Technology Group Ltd, Flight Centre Travel Group Limited, Pointsbet Holdings Ltd, 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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  • Why did the Regis Resources share price sink 35% in June?

    a man clasps his hand to his forehead as he looks down at his phone and grimaces with a pained expression on his face as he watches the Pilbara Minerals share price continue to fall

    a man clasps his hand to his forehead as he looks down at his phone and grimaces with a pained expression on his face as he watches the Pilbara Minerals share price continue to fall

    The Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) share price was a poor performer in June.

    During the month, the gold miner’s shares sank a very disappointing 35%.

    Why did the Regis Resources share price sink in June?

    There were a couple of catalysts for the weakness in the Regis Resources share price in June.

    The first is a disappointing mineral resource update. That update revealed that its group ore reserves had fallen to 4.14Moz. This compares to 4.83Moz a year earlier.

    In addition to this, concerns over its production during the second half have been weighing on its shares. Regis’ production has been impacted by absenteeism and labour availability problems.

    And while it hasn’t updated the market recently about its performance, disappointing updates from sector peers are pointing to tough operating conditions during the recently completed fourth quarter.

    It was for this reason that analysts at Morgan Stanley downgraded the company’s shares to an underweight rating and slashed the price target on them to $1.75.

    Is this a buying opportunity?

    While brokers may not be overly positive on the Regis Resources share price, one mining magnate appears to be.

    Last week, Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) Chair, Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest tried to snap up a 15% stake at $1.48 per share for his Wyloo business. This represented a 13.8% premium to its last close price and valued the stake at $168 million.

    However, Forrest’s fill or kill order fell short of the mark and therefore was cancelled. He still reportedly owns a stake of 4.9%.

    While this transaction failed it clearly shows that Forrest sees a lot of value in the Regis Resources share price after this recent weakness. If others feel the same way, July could end up being a significant better month for its shares.

    The post Why did the Regis Resources share price sink 35% in June? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Regis Resources Limited, 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 Regis Resources Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.* And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that are better buys.

    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 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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  • The AVZ Minerals share price went nowhere in June. Here’s why

    A man stuck up to his waist in snow looks through binocularsA man stuck up to his waist in snow looks through binoculars

    The AVZ Minerals Ltd (ASX: AVZ) share price ended last month exactly where it started, and it had a good reason too.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock spent the entirety of June in a trading halt as the company fought to keep a majority hold of the Manono Lithium Project.

    That means the AVZ Minerals share price didn’t move from its final close of May, remaining frozen at 78 cents.

    Let’s take a closer look at what’s been going on with the ASX lithium share lately.

    AVZ Minerals share price frozen through June

    AVZ Minerals shares remained halted for all of June as the company continued working to keep ahold of its majority ownership over its flagship project.

    The project, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is 75% owned by the company through a joint venture named Dathcom Mining. La Congolaise D’Exploitation Miniere SA (Cominiere) holds the other 25%.

    Previously, AVZ Minerals was planning to snap up 15% of Cominiere’s hold. It was also expecting to sell 24% of its own interest to a third party. The two transactions were meant to leave the company with a 66% interest in Manono.

    However, Cominiere recently sold 15% of its stake in Dathcom Mining to Chinese company Jing Cheng. According to AVZ Minerals, the sale breached an agreement between it and Cominiere.

    AVZ Minerals and Jing Cheng are now in arbitration proceedings, arguing whether the sale is valid.

    If everything goes wrong for the company, it could end up with a hold of just 36% in the project.

    The AVZ Minerals share price hasn’t traded since 6 May. The company announced yesterday it expects its stock will be removed from the freezer on 15 July.

    It said it’s “encouraged with the progress being made” over the dispute but noted it hasn’t won yet.

    The AVZ Minerals share price fell 11% in 2022 (since market close on 4 January) before being halted. It has gained 387% since this time last year.

    The post The AVZ Minerals share price went nowhere in June. Here’s why 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 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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  • Why are these ASX 200 mining shares behind the eight ball today?

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is climbing 1.25% today, but some ASX 200 mining shares are underperforming the index.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) and Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) are all in the red at the time of writing.

    So why are these shares having a tough day on the market?

    Iron ore prices

    BHP shares are 0.72% in the red, while Mineral Resources shares are descending 1.62%. Iluka Resources shares are slipping 0.26%.

    The iron ore price dropped 3.67% in global markets on Friday, trading economics data shows.

    BHP and Mineral Resources are iron ore producers. Iluka also receives iron ore royalties.

    Iron ore prices dropped on recession fears, according to a report from Reuters.

    Commenting on this fall, ING commodities strategy head Warren Patterson said:

    It’s not just China where steel output is under pressure.

    Expectations of slowing economic growth, and the growing risk of recession, are clearly not great for global steel demand.

    Meanwhile, iron ore prices are predicted to fall from the “extraordinary levels” of the past two financial years, a new Resources and Energy quarterly report states.

    Commenting on the iron ore prices in the report, the Industry, Science and Resources department said:

    The price has steadied in a US$110-140 a tonne range in recent months, as China’s government continues to support economic activity.

    However, the ongoing recovery in Brazilian supply, and gains in output elsewhere, are set to push iron ore prices down over the outlook period.

    Share price recap

    BHP shares have lost 8% in a year, while Mineral Resources shares have shed 18%. In contrast, Iluka Resources shares have jumped 12% in the past year.

    In comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has lost more than 9% in a year.

    The post Why are these ASX 200 mining shares behind the eight ball today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 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 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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  • Why are ASX 200 retail shares getting bought up today?

    A laughing woman pushes her friend in a supermarket trolleyA laughing woman pushes her friend in a supermarket trolley

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) retail shares are leaping today amid news shopping spending jumped in the final week of June.

    Retail shares rising today include JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH), Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

    Let’s take a look at what is impacting these retail companies today.

    ASX 200 retail shares rise

    Harvey Norman shares are leaping 1.47% today, JB Hi-Fi shares are rising 2.39%, while Wesfarmers shares are jumping 2.75%.

    Consumer shares are rising amid positive news for the retail sector. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) has released figures showing shopping jumped 7.7% in the last weekend of June, the Australian Financial Review reported.

    In quotes cited by the AFR, the ANZ also predicts a 50 basis rate rise is a “done deal” due to this consumer spending. ANZ economist Madeline Dunk said:

    The RBA has noted it will be ‘watching consumer spending carefully’, and solid June spending only reinforces the case for a 50bp rate hike on Tuesday, as do strong job vacancies, a very tight labour market and still very negative real interest rates.

    ANZ Roy Morgan New Zealand Consumer Confidence data released on Friday showed 7% of Australians rated “now” as a decent time to buy an item for the home in June. The release stated:

    The proportion of people who believe it is a good time to buy a major household item, the best indicator for spending, was up 7% points to 28% while there were now 49%, down 2% points, who said now is a bad time to buy a major household item. 

    Overall, the consumer confidence index dropped 1.8 points in June. The authors noted households are “dealing with a lot right now”.

    This includes incomes struggling to keep up with inflation, interest rate rises, house prices descending, and COVID and economic uncertainty.

    Share price snapshot

    The JB Hi-Fi share price has descended more than 22% in the past year. Meanwhile, Wesfarmers shares have leapt 27% and Harvey Norman shares are up 32%.

    For perspective, the ASX 200 has lost 9.4% in the last 12 months.

    The post Why are ASX 200 retail shares getting bought up today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

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    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of June 1 2022

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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 positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd. and 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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