Category: Stock Market

  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

    Red buy button on an apple keyboard with a finger on it.

    Red buy button on an apple keyboard with a finger on it.

    Many of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models again, leading to the release of a large number of broker notes this week.

    Three ASX shares brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why they are bullish on them:

    Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX: BOQ)

    According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have retained their buy rating and $10.25 price target on this regional bank’s shares. The broker believes the post-result market selloff was unjustified and has created a buying opportunity for investors. It feel the current price to book value of 0.8x and dividend yield of 6%+ are too low for a bank that delivers ~9% cash return on equity. The Bank of Queensland share price is currently trading at $8.06.

    Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO)

    Another note out of Citi reveals that its analysts have upgraded this mining giant’s shares to a buy rating with a $135.00 price target. This follows the release of Rio Tinto’s quarterly update, which revealed production that fell short of Citi’s forecasts. However, the broker notes that management has retained its full year guidance. And while Citi now expects the mining giant to achieve just the low end of its iron ore guidance range, a sharp increase to its iron ore price forecasts offsets this and boosts the broker’s earnings estimates. The Rio Tinto share price is fetching $116.66 today.

    Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

    Analysts at Morgans have retained their add rating and lifted their price target on this energy company’s shares to $10.10. This follows the announcement of a US$250 million on-market share buyback. The broker believes this is a signal that management believes the current Santos share price is cheap despite it trading at multi-year highs. In addition, Morgans was pleased to see Santos prioritising shareholder returns, particularly during periods of elevated earnings. The Santos share price is trading at $8.39 today.

    The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy 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.

    *Returns as of January 12th 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Betmakers share price rockets 21% as new betting venture unveiled

    A group of men in the office celebrate after winning big.A group of men in the office celebrate after winning big.

    The Betmakers Technology Group Ltd (ASX: BET) share price exited a trading halt on Thursday with news of a major agreement.

    Betmakers will be supplying technology and services to a new wagering venture – operated by a consortium made up of News Corporation (ASX: NWS); Tekkcorp Capital, run by Betmakers’ largest shareholder, Matt Davey; and TGW, a trust that counts gambling entrepreneur Matt Tripp among its investors.

    As of Thursday’s close, the Betmakers share price is 78 cents, 20.93% higher than its previous close.

    Let’s take a closer look at the news that’s got the market excited over the betting technology developer and provider.

    Betmakers share price launches on major agreement

    The Betmakers share price is rocketing on news the company will be involved with a new betting venture.

    The venture – so far dubbed NTD – is planning to run a new online wagering product in Australia and New Zealand. It’s expected to be launched in the second half of 2022.

    The company has entered into a 10-year exclusive agreement to provide the venture’s platform technology and wagering solutions.

    The agreement will provide multiple revenue streams over its life and potentially culminate in more than $300 million of revenue.

    Getting to the nitty-gritty, Betmakers will receive a $2 million platform establishment fee.

    It will also get a launch development fee of $500,000 a month between signing and the ‘go live’ date. The ‘go live’ date is expected to be within the next six months.

    From then, it will receive at least $7.5 million each year, increasing with CPI annually, for development and services.

    Finally, Betmakers will get an annual fee based on a revenue-sharing arrangement.

    The agreement will initially represent 25% of the venture’s ongoing net gaming revenue. Though, Betmakers’ share will drop by 1% each year as the business scales.

    The revenue-sharing agreement will also be subject to an initial annual cap of $20 million. That cap will increase 10% each year for eight years and 5% each year thereafter.

    Thus, on the final year of the agreement, Betmakers could receive $43 million.

    All in all, the revenue sharing agreement represents approximately $313 million of potential revenue over its 10-year life.

    Additionally, the agreement in its entirety will bring in a minimum of around $80 million in revenue over its life.

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the deal that has been powering the Betmakers share price today, CEO Todd Buckingham said:

    We are delighted to have entered into this landmark agreement to be the [business-to-business (B2B)] supplier of wagering technology to a consortium with such high calibre investors, including a global media giant and two experts in wagering, Matt Tripp and Matt Davey …

    We believe it validates our strategy and supports our view that the end-to-end B2B solution the company provides is an efficient and commercially viable way to successfully launch a wagering platform in today’s global wagering markets.

    What else did Betmakers announce?

    There are two other happenings announced by Betmakers today that could, feasibly, be impacting its share price.

    First, the company announced that, under a previous strategic advisory agreement, Tripp has received 35 million performance rights for delivering a strategic deal.

    Tripp has agreed to escrow the rights for three years in return for $15 million. He will continue to work with the company, exclusively advising on business-to-business opportunities.

    Additionally, Davey is stepping down from the company’s board as of today.

    Davey is the chair and CEO of Tekkorp Capital. He is leaving the board to devote his time to the new venture and other international pursuits.

    “I’m excited to be handing over the reins to a very competent board that will now drive the company into the next phase of growth,” said Davey.

    “As the largest shareholder in the company, I remain a committed shareholder that believes in the vision and direction of the company and hold great confidence the team is in place to execute on this strategy.”

    Betmakers share price snapshot

    Despite today’s gains, the Betmakers share price is still in the year-to-date red.

    Right now, it’s 5% lower than it was at the start of 2022. It has also slipped 33% since this time last year.

    The post Betmakers share price rockets 21% as new betting venture unveiled appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betmakers right now?

    Before you consider Betmakers, 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 Betmakers 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 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. owns and has recommended Betmakers Technology Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Betmakers Technology Group Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • 2 rapidly growing ASX shares that are on sale: experts

    Two plants grow in jars filled with coins.Two plants grow in jars filled with coins.

    Some ASX shares are displaying rampant growth. Despite that, there are a number that have fallen heavily in recent times.

    While a lower share price doesn’t mean a business is necessarily better value, it does mean that the market capitalisation has dropped, which some investors may view as attractive.

    Here are two ASX shares that fit that description:

    Volpara Health Technologies Ltd (ASX: VHT)

    The Volpara share price has dropped by 30% over the last six months and is currently 87 cents.

    It’s currently rated as a buy by the broker Morgans with a price target of $1.94. That implies a potential upside of around 120%.

    The ASX healthcare share recently released its update for the three months to 31 March 2022.

    The breast screening software business reported growth in a number of different areas. Its market share has reached 35.5% of US women being screened, up from the prior quarter of around 35%.

    Its quarterly cash receipts from customers were up 48% to NZ$8 million year-on-year. Meanwhile, cash receipts for the year to 31 March 2022 were up almost 45% to around NZ$28.5 million.

    Annual recurring revenue (ARR) has reached NZ$31.8 million. This was an increase of more than US$700,000 from the third quarter of FY22. The company said that its software-as-a-service (SaaS) churn remains low.

    Average revenue per user (ARPU) over the installed base was US$1.51 at the end of March 2022.

    The company signed distribution deals in Italy and the Middle East during the quarter.

    Today, the company announced the appointment of its first female CEO, Teri Thomas.

    Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

    The Pilbara Minerals share price has declined by more than 20% since 4 April this year to $2.85.

    This ASX share is rated as a buy by the broker Citi, with a price target of $3.60. That implies a potential rise of more than 25% over the next year.

    Citi notes the strong lithium price and this is expected to stay high for longer than initially expected.

    The quarterly production in the three months to March 2022 by Pilbara Minerals was 81,431 dry metric tonnes (dmt) of spodumene concentrate. The average realised sales price in the quarter was around US$2,650.

    The next Battery Material Exchange (BMX) auction is targeted in the last week of April, with 5,000 dmt planned for delivery during June 2022.

    FY22 annualised production guidance is expected to be between 340,000 dmt and 380,000 dmt.

    The rise in lithium prices is helping the company’s financials. FY22 half-year sales revenue jumped almost 400% to $291.7 million. It grew its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to $151.1 million, up from $3.2 million.

    When the lithium ASX share released its FY22 half-year result, the Pilbara Minerals managing director Ken Brinsden said:

    The outlook for Pilbara Minerals in the second half of FY22 and beyond remains extremely bright. The current momentum in lithium markets continues to demonstrate higher price outcomes and we are very well placed to participate in this as production and sales volumes from the combined Pilgangoora operation continue to increase. I am confident that a combination of hard work, innovation and focus on production growth will continue to drive our success.

    The post 2 rapidly growing ASX shares that are on sale: experts 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.

    *Returns as of January 12th 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended VOLPARA FPO NZ. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended VOLPARA FPO NZ. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Here’s why brokers love these ASX 200 mining shares

    Happy man in high vis vest and hard hat holds his arms up with fists clenched celebrating the rising Fortescue share price

    Happy man in high vis vest and hard hat holds his arms up with fists clenched celebrating the rising Fortescue share price

    The resources sector has been on form this year and has played a key role in driving the ASX 200 to within a whisker of its record high.

    The good news is that analysts still believe there are plenty of gains ahead for shares in the sector.

    For example, the two ASX mining shares listed below have recently been tipped as buys with material upside. Here’s what you need to know about them:

    Iluka Resources Limited (ASX: ILU)

    The first ASX 200 mining share that could be in the buy zone is Iluka. It is a mineral sands and rare earths producer with a number of quality operations across South Australia, Western Australia, and Sierra Leone. Though, the company is in the process of demerging the latter into a separate ASX listing.

    Goldman Sachs is very positive on the company. The broker highlights its attractive valuation, the favourable outlook for mineral sands, and its exposure to rare earths. Goldman explained:

    “We are Buy rated on mineral sands/rare earth producer ILU (on CL) on attractive valuation and compelling Zircon and TiO2 price upside and Rare Earth growth potential. ILU is trading at a >50% discount to RE peers and >10% discount to min sands/pigment peers on an EV/EBITDA basis.

    ILU recently announced the long awaited approval of the 17.5ktpa TREO (4ktpa NdPr) Eneabba Phase 3 Rare Earth Refinery (ERER) in Western Australia and a compelling risk sharing arrangement with the Australian Government, including a A$1.25bn non-recourse loan, to be paid back by 2032. Construction of the refinery will commence in 2H 2022, with first production expected in 2025. We value the ERER at ~A$3.2bn (A$7.5/sh) with a calculated IRR of c.30%, assuming feed from ILU’s Wimmera project in Victoria from 2026.”

    The broker currently has a conviction buy rating and $14.00 price target on Iluka’s shares.

    Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN)

    Another ASX 200 mining share that could be in the buy zone is Mineral Resources. Is it a mining and mining services company with a focus on two in-demand commodities – iron ore and lithium.

    The team at Citi is very positive on the company, particularly given its recent decision to increase lithium production in response to the insatiable demand for the battery making ingredient. Citi commented:

    “MIN plans to double spodumene processing capacity (mixed 6% concentrate, and a lower grade product) at Mount Marion lithium mine (MIN 50%) to 900 ktpa by the end of CY22, after capital investment of $120m. At Wodgina (MIN 40%), the production restart of processing Train 1 is ahead of schedule, now expected in May 2022. And processing Train 2 is now scheduled to restart in July 2022.

    MIN’s expansion and restart plans are in response to strong market demand for lithium products. MIN’s share of the expanded equivalent 6% spodumene concentrate (650 ktpa) equals around 100 ktpa of LCE (by lithium units). For context, Allkem Ltd’s (AKE) targeted FY22 production capacity is 50 ktpa LCE (on a 100%), and FY26 capacity is 145-to-158 ktpa LCE.”

    Citi has a buy rating and $76.00 price target on Mineral Resources’ shares.

    The post Here’s why brokers love these ASX 200 mining 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.

    *Returns as of January 12th 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns Allkem Limited. 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Appen shares may be at a 5-year low, but their dividend yield has never been higher

    Woman looking at her smartphone and analysing share price.

    Woman looking at her smartphone and analysing share price.

    It would be a safe bet that the Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price has not been a favourite amongst most ASX investors in recent times. This former ASX tech darling has certainly had a painful fall back to earth in recent months. A year ago, Appen was priced at $15.64. In August 2020, it was asking over $40 a share. Today? Appen is currently at $6.69, down a nasty 40% in 2022 alone so far.

    The human annotated dataset company has been struggling with uncertainty in its field, which has led to guidance downgrades and a savage earnings multiple compression from investors as a result.

    As Appen shares have fallen, its dividend yield has been rising…

    But it hasn’t been all bad news for investors. As we covered earlier this month, Appen has been consistently raising its dividend behind the scenes in recent years, even as the company faces the woes discussed above. In 2017, when the company was last facing a share price with a ‘6’ in front of it, it doled out a total of 6 cents in dividends per share.

    In 2021, the company paid out 20 cents per share, a good 67% increase on 2017’s payouts. This has helped push Appen’s dividend yield to record highs. A dividend yield is a function of a company’s raw dividends per share, and its share price. Thus, a lower share price combined with rising dividends per share is a recipe for a higher dividend yield. And that is exactly what’s been happening with Appen.

    So on current pricing, Appen’s 10 cents per share in dividends gives the company a dividend yield of 1.52%. That’s likely close to the highest dividend yield new investors have ever seen in front of the Appen share price. Appen’s recent and painful share price fall certainly has this silver lining to consider

    At the current Appen share price, this ASX 200 tech share has a market capitalisation of $827.9 million, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 21.98.

    The post Appen shares may be at a 5-year low, but their dividend yield has never been higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Appen right now?

    Before you consider Appen, 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 Appen 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 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. owns and has recommended Appen 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why Betmakers, Brambles, Challenger, and Stockland shares are charging higher

    A woman with strawberry blonde hair has a huge smile on her face and fist pumps the air having seen good news on her phone.

    A woman with strawberry blonde hair has a huge smile on her face and fist pumps the air having seen good news on her phone.

    In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on form again and pushing higher. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.4% to 7,601.3 points.

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

    Betmakers Technology Group Ltd (ASX: BET)

    The Betmakers share price is up 17% to 75.7 cents. This afternoon the betting technology company revealed that it has been selected as the exclusive technology and services provider in Australia and New Zealand for a new online sports betting venture with News Corp (ASX: NWS). The 10-year contract includes a revenue share arrangement with potential revenues greater than $300 million. As one of the most shorted ASX shares, short sellers may be wishing they had closed their positions sooner.

    Brambles Limited (ASX: BXB)

    The Brambles share price is up 8% to $10.83. This morning the logistics solutions company released a trading update which revealed that year to date sales were up 7% to US$4,067 million during the first three quarters of FY 2022. This was stronger than the company was expecting, leading to management upgrading its full year sales and earnings guidance.

    Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

    The Challenger share price is up 10% to $7.53. This follows the release of the annuities company’s third quarter update. That update revealed solid growth across its Life business, which has led to management making a soft upgrade to its FY 2022 guidance. It now expects to hit the upper end of its normalised net profit before tax guidance of $430 million to $480 million.

    Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP)

    The Stockland share price is up 3% to $4.22 following the release of the property company’s quarterly update. Stockland revealed that it had a strong quarter, with 95% of commercial property rent collections made and high occupancy levels maintained. This led to management reiterating its full year guidance.

    The post Why Betmakers, Brambles, Challenger, and Stockland 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.

    *Returns as of January 12th 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. owns and has recommended Betmakers Technology Group Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Betmakers Technology Group Ltd and Challenger Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why are some ASX coal shares flaming out today?

    Miner with a light in the darkness as he moves coalMiner with a light in the darkness as he moves coal

    Multiple ASX coal shares are struggling today. Three ASX coal shares are Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC), Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) and New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC).

    Yancoal is 4.7% in the red today while New Hope is descending 2.3%. Meanwhile, Whitehaven Coal is climbing 0.73% For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 0.4% today.

    Let’s take a look at what might be impacting ASX coal shares today.

    Coal export outlook ‘bleak’

    Australian National University researchers published a study today predicting a “bleak” outlook for coal exports from Australia.

    Modelling by the researchers found China thermal imports could fall by at least 26%, from 210 megaton to 155 megaton annually between 2019 and 2025.

    Commenting on the report, lead author Dr Jorrit Gosens said:

    Our findings are clear: Beijing’s plans for rapid decarbonisation and energy security signal the end for Australia’s current coal export boom.

    And this isn’t going to happen far off into the future; it is imminent.

    Fund manager Alex Turnbull and ANU climate change economics professor Frank Jotzo were also co-authors on the report.

    Meanwhile, Yancoal released quarterly results to the market after close yesterday.

    Total saleable coal production fell 13% on the previous quarter to 8.1 million tonnes (Mt). Sales volume also fell 21% to 7.8 Mt. However, the average realised price of coal surged 23% to $258 per tonne. Yancoal attributed this fall in production to the impact of COVID-19 on labour.

    Commenting on the coal prices, CEO David Moult said:

    Our average realised coal price for 1Q 2022 comprised a thermal coal average realised price of A$243/tonne and a metallurgical coal average realised price of A$349/tonne; both were close to three times the prices achieved just 12 months ago.

    Share price summary

    The Whitehaven share price has surged 233% in a year, while Yancoal has risen 121%. Meanwhile, New Hope shares have rocketed 164%.

    In contrast, the benchmark ASX 200 has increased about 8% in the past year.

    The post Why are some ASX coal shares flaming out 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.

    *Returns as of January 12th 2022

    More reading

    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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Thursday

    An office worker and his desk covered in yellow post-it notes

    An office worker and his desk covered in yellow post-it notes

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has just hit 7,600 points today so far after another session of pleasing gains. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 has added another 0.45% and is sitting at just over 7,600 points.

    But let’s dive a little deeper into these market moves by taking a look at the shares topping the ASX 200’s volume charts right now, according to investing.com.

    The 3 most-traded ASX 200 shares by volume this Thursday

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

    The Big Australian is not an ASX 200 share that often graces this list. But here we are. So far today, a hefty 9.96 million BHP shares have swapped hands. This comes after the mining giant delivered its quarterly operational update this morning covering the three months to 31 March.

    As my Fool colleague James ent through, this update didn’t seem to fulfil all investors’ expectations. This is further evidenced by BHP’s nasty 2.6% drop today to just under $51 a share at the time of writing. It’s this combination that has probably led to some higher-than-normal trade volumes for the miner.

    Alumina Limited (ASX: AWC)

    Another ASX 200 resources share in Alumina is next up. This aluminium producer has had a notable 11.62 million shares change owners so far today. There has been no news out of Alumina itself.

    However, Alumina’s partner, the US-based Alcoa, has just reported its own set of quarterly earnings as well. Investors don’t seem too impressed though, given that the Alumina share price is currently down a depressing 3.6% at $1.88 a share. It’s this steep drop that is likely the cause of the elevated trading volumes we are seeing.

    Telstra Corproation Ltd (ASX :TLS)

    ASX 200 telco Telstra is our third and final share to take a gander at this Thursday. So far today, a sizeable 13.06 million Telstra shares have been bought and sold on the markets. In this case, there are no news or announcements out of the company to speak of at all, save for a routine share buyback notice.

    So it could be some share buybacks, as well as the 0.4% gain Telstra has notched so far today to $4.04 a share, which could be behind this high volume of shares that have been traded thus far 

    The post Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Telstra right now?

    Before you consider Telstra, 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 Telstra 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.

    *Returns as of January 13th 2022

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen owns Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Talga shares jump on ‘milestone’ news

    Female miner smiling while inspecting a mine site with another miner.Female miner smiling while inspecting a mine site with another miner.

    The Talga Group Ltd (ASX: TLG) share price is on the move today following a positive update from the company.

    Earlier this afternoon, the technology minerals provider’s shares were up 5.45% at $1.74 apiece. However, they have since fallen back and are currently up 1.52% at $1.68.

    Talga advances permit process on northern Swedish mine

    In today’s statement, Talga advised its environmental permit application for the Vittangi graphite project has progressed.

    The significant milestone comes as the Swedish Land and Environment Court provided a preliminary timetable for the next steps. This includes a formal hearing for the development of a graphite mine and concentrator at the Nunasvaara South deposit.

    Talga noted the “announcement follows rigorous scrutiny of submitted application documentation and extensive consultation with relevant authorities over several years”.

    Nonetheless, based on the court’s schedule, the application needs to be submitted before 23 June 2022. A formal hearing is being planned for some time in the European autumn of 2022.

    It’s worth noting that this is the last step before the court hands down its verdict for the environmental permit application.

    The initial Vittangi graphite project operation, fed from the Nunasvaara South mine, is aiming to produce 19,500 tonnes per annum of Talga’s flagship battery anode product Talnode-C over 24 years.

    Commenting on the news that appears to be boosting the Talga share price, managing director Mark Thompson said:

    We are very pleased to attain this milestone in the permitting process for our integrated graphite mine-to-anode development in northern Sweden.

    Now more than ever the need for secure, local and green graphite anode is critical for the building of lithium-ion battery value chains. Following years of diligent work and investment in the unique graphite source of Vittangi, we look forward with confidence to the Court’s decision.

    Talga share price summary

    Since the beginning of the year, the Talga share price moved mostly sideways, posting a 3% gain for the period.

    However, when looking at the last 12 months, its share price is up around 21%.

    Based on today’s price, Talga commands a market capitalisation of roughly $519.52 million.

    The post Talga shares jump on ‘milestone’ news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Talga right now?

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    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Talga 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.

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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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why Australian Ethical, BHP, Endeavour, and Megaport shares are tumbling today

    Red arrow going down, symbolising a falling share price.

    Red arrow going down, symbolising a falling share price.

    In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to extend its winning streak. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.45% to 7,602.5 points.

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

    Australian Ethical Investment Limited (ASX: AEF)

    The Australian Ethical share price is down 7% to $6.19. This follows the release of the fund manager’s third quarter funds under management (FUM) update. That update revealed that Australian Ethical’s FUM fell 1.9% during the quarter to $6.83 billion. This was due to a combination of softening inflows and negative market movements.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

    The BHP share price is down over 2.5% to $50.90. Investors have been selling the mining giant’s shares following the release of its third quarter update. That update revealed that COVID-19 related disruptions have been weighing on its operations and led to much of its production missing consensus estimates. And while the Big Australian has reaffirmed most of its production and unit cost guidance for FY 2022, it was forced to make some downgrades.

    Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

    The Endeavour share price has dropped 4% to $7.54. This morning the alcohol retailer released a trading update for the third quarter. That update revealed that sales dropped 2.1% over the prior corresponding period to $2,728 million. This was driven by the Easter holidays falling into the fourth quarter this year and the impact of the floods on sales in certain markets.

    Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

    The Megaport share price has crashed 20% to $10.24. Investors have been selling this network as a service provider’s shares after its third quarter update disappointed. For the three months ended 31 March, Megaport reported only modest quarter on quarter revenue growth of 5% to $27.9 million. This appears to have left the company with an uphill struggle to achieve the market’s full year expectations.

    The post Why Australian Ethical, BHP, Endeavour, and Megaport shares are tumbling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Australian Ethical Investment Ltd. and MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Australian Ethical Investment Ltd. and MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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