Category: Stock Market

The Immutep Ltd (ASX: IMM) share price is in the red this morning, down 1.05% at the time of writing to 47 cents.

The biotech company is developing LAG-3 related immunotherapy treatments for patients with cancer and autoimmune disease.

Below, we take a look at the latest clinical study update from the ASX medical share.

What study update was announced?

The Immutep share price is falling after the company reported good safety results from the first 5 patients in its INSIGHT-003 study.

INSIGHT-003, according to the release, is an investigator-initiated study conducted by the Institute of Clinical Cancer Research IKF at Krankenhaus Nordwest in Frankfurt, Germany.

The study is evaluating the triple combination therapy of eftilagimod alpha (efti) given alongside chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 therapy.

Immutep said it had not observed any additional safety signals in the study from the first 5 patients given the triple therapy.

However, the news does not appear to have excited investors, judging by the Immutep share price this morning.

Commenting on the results, lead investigator Salah-Eddin Al-Batran of the Institute of Clinical Cancer Research IKF said:

The INSIGHT-003 study has commenced well. We are very pleased with the safety of the triple combination so far and all patients are still participating in the study. This is important as it is the first time patients have received a triple combination therapy with efti. Patient recruitment is advancing in line with our projections.

INSIGHT-003 expects to recruit up to 20 patients with a range of solid tumours. The trial is meant to assess the safety, tolerability, and initial efficacy of the triple combination treatment.

Additionally, Immutep intends to release further results from the ongoing study in 2022 — results shareholders will be watching closely.

Immutep share price snapshot

The Immutep share price is up 69% over the past year, and 12% this year to date. By comparison, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up around 10% over both those timeframes.

Over the past month, Immutep shares are down around 20%.

The post Immutep (ASX:IMM) share price slips amid trial safety update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Afterpay, Immutep, Pushpay, and Vulcan shares are falling
• Immutep (ASX:IMM) share price slides 20% despite latest trial results

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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The Li-S Energy Ltd (ASX: LIS) share price is accelerating during Thursday morning trade. This comes after the lithium-sulphur battery company excited investors with a positive update to the ASX.

At the time of writing, Li-S Energy shares are swapping hands for $1.85, up 3.64%.

Li-S Energy progress commercial opportunity

In today’s statement, Li-S Energy advises it has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Insitu Pacific (Insitu). The latter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of global behemoth, Boeing Co (NYSE: BA).

Under the MoA, both parties will work together in developing Li-S Energy’s battery technology into Insitu’s uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).

The batteries will undergo a number of tests to check they meet certain specifications before being put into production. This relates to adopting the same size, weight and power constraints as Insitu’s UAS, and using the same payload space and connectors.

From there, a joint flight-testing campaign will take place at Insitu’s test range in Queensland to demonstrate the improved performance.

If successful, this will place Insitu in a favourable position for contending numerous global small tactical UAS opportunities. In turn, this highlights a strong potential revenue stream for Li-S Energy.

Li-S Energy CEO Dr Lee Finniear commented:

We are very pleased to be working with one of most recognised names in the aviation industry. As the market for UAVs continues to accelerate with new applications and capabilities, battery weight and energy density has become one of the most critical factors for UAV performance.

We are looking forward to working with Insitu Pacific to demonstrate the benefits of Li-S Energy batteries in these applications.

About the Li-S Energy share price

Since the company’s debut on the ASX boards at 85 cents, the Li-S Energy share price has doubled. The company’s shares hit an all-time high of $3.05 on the day of listing (28 September 2021).

Based on today’s price, Li-S Energy has a market capitalisation of roughly $268 million, with approximately 150 million shares on issue.

The post Li-S Energy (ASX:LIS) share price climbs on partnership news with Boeing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s why this fund manager thinks PPK (ASX:PPK) is a great buying opportunity
• The Li-S Energy (ASX:LIS) share price is still running low. What’s happening?

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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If you’re looking for a few new additions to your portfolio in December, then look no further.

Analysts at Morgans have picked out a number of ASX shares that they class as their best ideas for the month.

The first two I looked at can be found here. Whereas below are two more that the broker rates highly in December:

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Morgans is a big fan of this toll road operator. The broker notes that the company’s high quality toll road portfolio gives investors exposure to trends such as “regional population and employment growth and urbanisation.” Its analysts currently have an add rating and $14.79 price target on Transurban’s shares.

Morgans commented: “We think TCL will continue to be attractive to investors given its market cap weighting (important for passive index tracking flows), the high quality of its assets, management team, balance sheet, and growth prospects. Watch for rapid recovery in DPS alongside traffic recovery and WestConnex acquisition prospects. A negative overhang is the contaminated soil disposal issues related to its West Gate Tunnel Project.

Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL)

If you’re looking for exposure to the energy sector then Morgans has a couple of options on its best ideas list. One of those is Woodside, which it believes will benefit greatly from the transformative merger with the petroleum assets of BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP). Morgans has an add rating and $29.95 price target on Woodside’s shares.

Its analysts explained: “We believe WPL has benefited from being in the right place, at the right time. With: 1) BHP/WPL having an existing relationship, 2) BHP eager to boost its ESG profile, and 3) WPL being a quality operator (safe hands which is important for BHP). From an economic standpoint we think WPL is clearly getting the better of the deal, with synergies not baked into deal metrics and BHP willing to accept a discount. The deal is transformative, lifting WPL into being a top 10 global E&P with +2 billion barrels of 2P reserves, with EBITDA of US$4.7bnpa and growth options.”

The post 2 more of Morgans’ best ASX share ideas for December appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price ends higher on Wednesday after energy giant vows to fight Pluto legal challenge
• ASX shares to buy for the Omicron COVID outbreak
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Why is the Woodside (ASX:WPL) share price climbing today?

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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The market may be trading lower today but that hasn’t stopped the Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ASX: API) share price from rocketing higher.

In morning trade, the pharmacy chain operator and distributor’s shares are up 16% to $1.74.

Why is the API share price rocketing higher?

Investors have been driving the API share price higher after a bidding war for the Priceline owner broke out between two of Australia’s biggest retailers.

This morning Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) announced that it has submitted a non-binding transaction proposal to acquire API by way of a scheme of arrangement.

According to the release, Woolworths has offered $1.75 cash per share, valuing API’s equity at $872 million. But more importantly, this offer represents a significant 20 cents per share or 12.9% increase over the offer tabled by Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) last month.

The release also notes that the offer is a 52.8% premium to the undisturbed API share price on 9 July.

Why does Woolworths want to acquire API?

Woolworths’ CEO, Brad Banducci, believes there is a compelling strategic rationale to acquire API.

He notes that: “Health and wellness is a large, fast-growing category and API would be a fantastic addition to our food and everyday needs ecosystem.”

“The combination of the two businesses is expected to lead to material shared benefits and synergies, much of which will be reinvested back into strengthening and growing API and its pharmacy partners,” Mr Banducci added.

What’s next?

According to a separate release from API, the company’s Board believe the Woolworths proposal is more favourable to API shareholders than the Wesfarmers scheme. It also feels it is reasonably likely to be a superior proposal, as defined in the Wesfarmers scheme implementation deed.

As a result, the API Board has decided to allow Woolworths to undertake confirmatory due diligence to facilitate a binding offer.

However, the company has warned that there is no certainty that a deal will ultimately be agreed. As such, shareholders do not need to take any action at this stage.

API also highlights that the Wesfarmers scheme includes a matching right in favour of Wesfarmers, which is exercisable before API enters into any binding agreement in respect of a competing proposal. All eyes will be on Wesfarmers in the coming days.

The API share price is up 38% in 2021 following today’s gain.

The post API (ASX:API) share price rockets 16% higher after Woolworths launches takeover approach appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why the Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) share price lost momentum in November
• Woolworths (ASX:WOW) share price falls after outbidding Wesfarmers for API
• Why did the Woolworths (ASX:WOW) share price tumble today?
• Here’s why ASX retail shares are in the spotlight on Tuesday
• How does the Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) share price typically perform in the lead up to Christmas?

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 owns shares of and has recommended Wesfarmers 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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The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price lost momentum during November 2021.

In the first half of November, Wesfarmers shares rose by more than 5%. Indeed, between mid-October and mid-November the Wesfarmers shares had actually risen by 11%.

But the second half November saw the diversified retailer erase those gains over he second half of the month. It ended November 2021 essentially flat from where it was at the start of the month.

What’s going on with the Wesfarmers share price?

It’s the buyers and sellers of the month that decade how the share price performs.

There were a few interesting events that occurred last month.

On 8 November 2021, Wesfarmers announced that it had entered into a scheme implementation deed with Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ASX: API) for a cash consideration of $1.55 per share. Wesfarmers currently owns a 19.3% shareholding of API.

The API board had unanimously recommended that API shareholders vote in favour of the scheme, though only if there wasn’t a superior proposal.

Wesfarmers believes it has opportunities to invest and strengthen the competitive position of API and its community pharmacy partners by expanding ranges, improving supply chain capabilities and enhancing the online experience for customers. Wesfarmers thinks API can form the start of a health and beauty division.

The Wesfarmers share price will be in focus this week as Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) has come in with a higher bid for the pharmacy business of $1.75 per API share, which is 12.9% higher than the Wesfarmers bid. Woolworths also said it’s willing to explore potential alternative control transaction structure options such as a takeover bid with a minimum acceptance condition of 50.1% and/or other transaction structure that would be subject to receiving 50.1% of API shareholder support.

Broker thoughts on the Wesfarmers share price

Sometimes, investors may take into account what some of the leading brokers think about a business.

In mid-November, Citi released a note that still rated Wesfarmers as a sell because the broker thought that the Wesfarmers share price was too expensive. It thought that the takeover would add to the value of the overall business though.

Let’s look at the earnings valuation from Citi on Wesfarrmers. The broker thinks the Wesfarmers share price is valued at 27x FY22’s estimated earnings.

Latest trading update

When Wesfarmers held its AGM, it gave a trading update which said its retail businesses have been effective in managing the disruptions in the global supply chains and are well positioned with inventory for the Christmas trading period.

In Bunnings, sales were “robust” keeping in mind the lockdowns. Sales growth from commercial customers has been strong which, when combined with elevated online sales, have partially offset the impact of lower consumer sales growth.

Kmart and Target sales were impacted by store closures, but Catch sales have benefited from the shift to online during the lockdowns.

Officeworks sales have benefited from the strong demand to support customers working and learning from home, but the shift in sales mix to technology and furniture products meant margins are being impacted.

The post Why the Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) share price lost momentum in November appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Woolworths (ASX:WOW) share price falls after outbidding Wesfarmers for API
• Here’s why ASX retail shares are in the spotlight on Tuesday
• How does the Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) share price typically perform in the lead up to Christmas?
• This sector could be a $50 trillion investment opportunity: expert
• Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) plans for e-commerce to fuel Bunnings growth

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. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Wesfarmers 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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The Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price is falling this morning after outbidding rival Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) for Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (ASX: API).

At the time of writing, the retail conglomerate’s shares are down 1% to $39.51.

In respect to the others, the Wesfarmers share price is down 0.5% and the API share price is up almost 14%.

What’s happening?

Wesfarmers has been dealt a major blow in its quest to acquire the Priceline pharmacy chain operator.

According to an announcement, Woolworths has submitted a non-binding transaction proposal to API to acquire it for a cash offer price of $1.75 per share by way of a scheme of arrangement.

This values API’s equity at $872 million and represents a 20 cents per share or 12.9% increase over the offer tabled by Wesfarmers last month.

Woolworths has also revealed that it is willing to explore potential alternative control transaction structure options. This includes a takeover bid with a minimum acceptance condition of 50.1%, in order to deliver more value and certainty for API shareholders.

Though, any such alternative transaction structure option would only be pursued by Woolworths with the approval of the API directors.

The good news for Woolworths, but not for Wesfarmers, is that the API Board believes the offer is more favourable to API shareholders than the Wesfarmers scheme. For these reasons, the API Board has determined that the Woolworths proposal is reasonably likely to be a superior proposal, as defined in the Wesfarmers scheme implementation deed.

Accordingly, the API Board has decided to allow Woolworths to undertake confirmatory due diligence to facilitate a binding offer.

Why would Woolies acquire API?

Woolworths Group CEO, Brad Banducci, explained the rationale for acquiring API.

He said: “There is a compelling strategic rationale to support Woolworths Group’s acquisition of API. Health and wellness is a large, fast-growing category and API would be a fantastic addition to our food and everyday needs ecosystem. If successful, we will continue to support API’s community pharmacy partners to deliver better experiences for both customers and pharmacists. We will also work to strengthen API’s wholesale and distribution business to ensure that all Australians continue to have timely, cost-effective access to a full range of PBS and other medicines, via their community pharmacy, regardless of where they live.”

“The combination of the two businesses is expected to lead to material shared benefits and synergies, much of which will be reinvested back into strengthening and growing API and its pharmacy partners. If successful, the transaction is expected to be funded from the Group’s existing balance sheet capacity and to deliver attractive returns for Woolworths Group shareholders over the medium term,” he concluded.

The Woolworths share price is up almost 17% in 2021.

The post Woolworths (ASX:WOW) share price falls after outbidding Wesfarmers for API appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why did the Woolworths (ASX:WOW) share price tumble today?
• Here’s why ASX retail shares are in the spotlight on Tuesday
• How does the Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) share price typically perform in the lead up to Christmas?
• This sector could be a $50 trillion investment opportunity: expert
• Is the Woolworths (ASX:WOW) share price a buy in the lead up to Christmas?

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 owns shares of and has recommended Wesfarmers 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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The Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV) share price is under pressure on Thursday morning.

In morning trade, the retail conglomerate’s shares are down 2.5% to $29.45.

Why is the Premier Investments share price falling?

Investors have been selling down the Premier Investments share price on Thursday after a broad market selloff offset the release of an upbeat trading update ahead of its annual general meeting.

According to the release, the company notes that since the beginning of FY 2022, the Premier Retail business has been forced to close more than 50% of its global store network for significant periods of time due to government mandated shutdowns. This led to the company losing over 42,000 trading days so far this financial year.

Positively, over the past three weeks, Premier Retail was able to open all stores globally for the first time this financial year. Combined with a product range that is resonating well with customers, this has led to a rebound in sales. Premier Retail reported a 10.1% lift in sales over the prior corresponding period during the three weeks ending 27 November.

This ultimately means that sales during the first 17 weeks of FY 2022 are now down just 3.5% over the prior corresponding period. This is a big improvement on the 9.5% decline in sales during the first seven weeks of the financial year, as reported with its full year results release in September.

And while management acknowledges that there are some significant trading weeks ahead, it highlights that the positive customer reaction to its product provides it with confidence for the remainder of the half. Premier expects to release its half year results in late March.

The Premier Investments share price is still up 23% in 2021 despite today’s decline.

The post Premier Investments (ASX:PMV) share price falls despite upbeat trading update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• ASX retail shares in focus as CBA forecasts bumper Black Friday weekend
• Is the Premier Investments (ASX:PMV) share price a bargain buy?
• Myer (ASX:MYR) share price holds the fort amid news of Vicinity lawsuit
• 2 ASX shares that could be buys for both growth and dividends

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Premier Investments 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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This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) has nearly doubled in value so far in 2021 with just a month to go until the new year. It’s been a wild ride getting there, though. After a big surge last winter, the original cryptocurrency was halved in price over the summer, only to reclaim all-time highs again in the autumn.

But with the new omicron coronavirus variant sending investment markets into turmoil again, the arbitrary but long-awaited $100,000 Bitcoin milestone (74% higher than the going price as of this writing) is still a ways off at this point and looks unlikely to be reached in 2021.  

But cryptocurrency prices are volatile, both on the way down and the way up. It’s possible Bitcoin could reach the $100,000 mark in 2022. Here’s how it could happen.

Three catalysts for another Bitcoin run higher

Bitcoin enjoys first-mover status since it launched in 2009, six years ahead of what is now the second-largest cryptocurrency, Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH). With a market cap of over $1 trillion, Bitcoin also sits high atop the crowded cryptocurrency field and has picked up plenty of adopters among individual and institutional investors alike.

But since it’s a type of scarce resource (presently, nearly 18.9 million coins have been mined, out of a long-term maximum of 21 million coins), Bitcoin could go higher if demand increases. Here are three catalysts that could edge it to $100,000 next year:  

• Bitcoin is viewed as a store of value if inflation persists.
• Adoption spreads among companies, institutional investors, and sovereign nations.
• Increased adoption of the Bitcoin network as a decentralized finance (DeFi) solution after the Taproot update.

A better value-storing alternative to cash?

With prices for basic goods and services soaring in 2021 due to the effects of the pandemic, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell frequently called inflation a “transitory” event. I, too, have thought of inflation as being temporary, and perhaps it could start to ease in 2022. But with supply chains still constrained, that “transitory” adjective has been retired for now at the Federal Reserve as we enter the second year of an inflationary environment.  

As inflation erodes the buying power of cash, one reason many investors have begun to accept Bitcoin as a legit asset class is its potential to keep up with (or outpace) higher prices in the economy. That’s because of the cap on the number of coins that can ever be mined, versus fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar that have no limit to how much can be printed. If inflation concerns persist in 2022, more investors might seek out Bitcoin as an alternative to their cash, which could help send it toward that $100,000 goal line. 

More adoption by big investors

All indications point to a growing list of big institutional investors getting involved with the cryptocurrency industry. For example, the bank Silvergate Capital (NYSE: SI) operates an exchange (called SEN) that facilitates digital currency payments 24/7, a crucial capability for cryptocurrency investors and traders since the market is always open. SEN had 1,305 institutional users at the end of the third quarter, up from 1,224 three months prior and only 928 in the year-ago period.

Besides big investors, the Central American republic of El Salvador recently became the first country to accept Bitcoin as legal tender. Other countries, especially in Latin America, have also expressed interest in following suit one day. And a handful of big companies have also replaced some or all of the cash on their balance sheet with Bitcoin.

Paired with institutional investor support, these cryptocurrency adopters could also spur on smaller retail investors. A boost in demand from all of the above could push the value of Bitcoin toward $100,000 in 2022.

An update to Bitcoin’s everyday functionality

In November 2021, the Bitcoin blockchain network underwent its first major update since 2017. Known as Taproot, the upgrade is aimed at making Bitcoin a more viable solution for everyday DeFi services and apps (online-based digital payments, lending, etc.). This is an area Bitcoin has struggled in, as features of its blockchain have made it difficult to use for an everyday payments solution. In contrast, Ethereum was purpose-built for DeFi and dominates on this front.

It took years for the last major Bitcoin update (known as SegWit) to be adopted by miners and other holders of the cryptocurrency. Nevertheless, Taproot received overwhelming support among its ecosystem of users and investors, and a gradual update to the ecosystem could attract developers who are building new financial services and products using cryptos. More daily use of Bitcoin as a means of transacting business would also be good news for its value in 2022.  

Should you invest in Bitcoin for 2022?

What I’m not saying here is that you should pile into Bitcoin. Investing in cryptocurrencies of any kind — including the original and largest token on the block — isn’t for everyone. Even if Bitcoin should arrive at $100,000 in 2022, it’s going to be a wild ride. If you do invest in this volatile space, keep those bets a small percentage of your total investable net worth.

And if you decide to replace any cash position in your investment portfolio with Bitcoin, don’t use up all your dollars. Inflation does eat away at your buying power over time, but cash has its merits. It doesn’t fluctuate in value as cryptocurrencies do, and having some cash laying around affords the opportunity to buy on the inevitable dips in investment values. 

Nevertheless, Bitcoin is picking up interest from all sorts of big organizations around the globe, and a rally higher in 2022 is quite possible. If you’re interested in investing in cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin is a great place to start. 

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

The post Can Bitcoin reach $100,000 in 2022? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Australia’s first direct Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs are launching
• Here’s what happened with Bitcoin’s record-breaking November
• Why Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin are all surging today
• Can Bitcoin edge out gold and bonds as a future store of value?
• Why did the Omicron crypto just rocket 900% and what is it doing now?

Nicholas Rossolillo owns shares of Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Bitcoin and Ethereum. 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.

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

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The Openpay Group Ltd (ASX: OPY) share price has bounced back after hitting a 52-week low on Wednesday.

In morning trade, the buy now pay later (BNPL) provider’s shares are up 3% to $1.00.

Why is the Openpay share price pushing higher?

Investors have been bidding the Openpay share price higher today after it announced a new partnership.

According to the release, Openpay has signed an initial 12-month agreement with leading multinational financial services company American Express (NYSE: AXP). This will see Openpay’s US business Opy accept American Express as a payment method for plans in the US.

The partnership will initially focus on the Healthcare and Automotive sectors.

Management expects the offering to deliver additional value to American Express merchants by connecting them to Opy’s merchant and consumer-friendly solution. Additionally, American Express Card Members will be able to enter into Opy plans in the US and make repayments funding them via their American Express card.

The release notes that the two parties will also explore opportunities to collaborate on product development initiatives that would leverage Opy’s B2C and B2B platforms.

“Thrilled”

Opy USA CEO and Openpay Global Chief Strategy Officer, Brian Shniderman, commented: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with American Express, a company that helps their merchants and consumers make sound, savvy decisions. We are excited to offer our innovative products to American Express merchants and Card Members alike, particularly for larger, more meaningful life purchases.”

American Express’ President of Merchant Services US, Colleen Taylor, added: “We are constantly striving to drive additional value to our Card Members and merchants. With Opy, we are pleased to offer another payment option for customers who make and accept larger healthcare, auto repair, and maintenance purchases.”

Despite today’s gain, the Openpay share price is down 57% in 2021.

The post Openpay (ASX:OPY) share price pushes higher on American Express deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Can Bitcoin reach $100,000 in 2022?
• Australia’s first direct Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs are launching
• How did the Sydney Airport (ASX:SYD) share price perform in November?
• The Beach Energy (ASX:BPT) share price dropped 15% in November. December is also off to a lousy start
• Why have investors been saying goodbye to Helloworld (ASX:HLO) shares lately?

American Express is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. 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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Finally it’s happening.

For the very first time, Australian investors will be able to invest in Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) without actually buying the cryptocurrencies themselves.

Local provider ETF Securities is the first to make this happen for the Australian market, in conjunction with European cryptocurrency manager 21Shares.

The two funds will be called ETFS 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (Chi-X: EBTC) and ETFS 21Shares Ethereum ETF (Chi-X: EETH).

“Australians wanting to buy Bitcoin and Ethereum have historically been forced onto unregulated crypto exchanges,” ETF Securities stated in an email to customers.

“But with the launch of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, investors will be able to trade on highly regulated exchanges.”

While the two ETFs are coming soon, an exact launch date has not yet been disclosed as some regulatory red tape is still pending.

The cryptocurrency revolution is not happening on the ASX

The Motley Fool has confirmed the funds will be hosted on Australia’s second biggest market Chi-X, rather than the ASX.

Chi-X shares are available on most online stockbroking platforms, such as CMC Markets, Superhero, Selfwealth Ltd (ASX: SWF), NABTrade, AusieX, CommSec and Pearler.

It is understood there are still some regulatory hurdles with listing blockchain and cryptocurrency-related shares on the ASX.

ETFS head of distribution Kanish Chugh told The Motley Fool last month that ETFS Fintech & Blockchain ETF (Chi-X: FTEC) debuted on Chi-X to get the product out to market faster than its rivals.

“We felt there were potentially some hurdles, at the time, with the ASX,” he said.

“We really wanted to say ‘Investors want this strategy — how can we get it to market?’ And Chi-X were working quite closely with us around that… we’d get this out to investors quicker.”

New cryptocurrency research centre for Australians

21Shares has nearly US$3 billion of funds under management across 20 European cryptocurrency exchange-traded products already.

“Once we had decided to build a range of crypto ETFs for the Australian market, there was only one partner we wanted to work with,” ETF Securities executive chair Graham Tuckwell. 

“They are the cutting edge of crypto ETPs in the world today.”

The two partners are also launching a cryptocurrency “research and education centre” for Australian investors.

The information hub will cover not just Bitcoin and Ether but the more obscure currencies such as Solana (CRYPTO: SOL), Polygon (CRYPTO: MATIC) and Avalanche (CRYPTO: AVAX).

“The research centre will explain in simple English how the often-complicated world of blockchain works,” stated ETF Securities.

“It will also feature the bleeding edge news on crypto, various blockchain metrics, price action and important news on miners, custodians and other companies in the supply chain.”

The post Australia’s first direct Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs are launching appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo owns shares of Bitcoin and Ethereum. 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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