Category: Stock Market

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is currently flat this afternoon, despite the mining giant unveiling a major new infrastructure agreement tied to its Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) operations.

At the time of writing, the BHP share price is down 0.12% to $44.41. Meanwhile, the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has also slightly fallen into negative territory, down 0.20%.

Let’s take a look at what was announced.

A closer look at the agreement

According to the release, BHP entered into a binding deal with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), an investment group owned by BlackRock. The latter is the world’s largest asset manager that handles more than $12.5 trillion in assets.

The partnership centres around BHP’s inland power network that supports its WAIO operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Under the arrangement, a new trust will be set up, with BHP owning and controlling 51% and GIP holding the remaining 49%.

GIP will contribute US$2 billion for its stake, while BHP will pay a tariff based on its use of WAIO’s inland power network over the next 25 years.

BHP will continue to run WAIO and maintain full control of the inland power infrastructure. Management noted that the deal does not affect any existing joint venture agreements or its commitments to the Western Australian government.

WAIO will keep operating as normal, with its long-term goal of increasing iron ore production to 305 million tonnes per year.

What will BHP do with the cash?

Management noted that the proceeds of the agreement will be evaluated and deployed according to BHP’s capital allocation framework. In essence, this will free up capital while still allowing BHP to continue running its operations.

Completion is expected before the end of FY26; however, it is subject to the usual regulatory approvals, such as the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).

What BHP’s executives said

BHP CEO Mike Henry highlighted that the deal gives BHP access to capital while maintaining operational and strategic control. He said:

This arrangement enables BHP to access capital and maintain operational and strategic control of a critical part of WAIO’s infrastructure.

While BHP CFO Vandita Pant added that the move is a strong example of disciplined portfolio management, strengthening the balance sheet and supporting long-term shareholder value.

Brief summary on GIP

Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) is one of the world’s largest infrastructure investors, with approximately US$189 billion in assets under management. Its investments span energy, transport, water, and digital infrastructure.

What this could mean for the BHP share price

Although the deal has no immediate impact on iron ore production, it does release capital, strengthen BHP’s growth pipeline, and reduce funding pressure during a period of rising project costs across the mining sector.

I think this is a smart move that gives BHP a bit more financial breathing room while still keeping control of how it runs and grows the business.

The post BHP signs US$2 billion deal: Here’s the key takeaway appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

At 2:30pm AEDT, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was down 0.3%.

That, as you’re likely aware, is when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) revealed its final interest rate decision of the year.

In the two minutes following the RBA’s announcement, the ASX 200 leapt 0.3%. At the time of writing, 30 minutes post the announcement, the benchmark Aussie index has given back those gains to again be down 0.3% for the day.

Here’s what investors are mulling over.

ASX 200 jumps then falls as RBA keeps interest rates on hold

Virtually no analysts were forecasting a December interest rate cut from the RBA, with a few economists even cautioning of a potential rate hike.

Fortunately for mortgage holders and ASX 200 investors alike, that hike did not materialise, with the RBA today announcing it had decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 3.60%.

“While inflation has fallen substantially since its peak in 2022, it has picked up more recently,” the RBA said.

While the central bank stressed that significant uncertainty remains in its battle against recently resurgent inflation, the tone was less hawkish than many had expected.

According to the RBA:

The board’s judgement is that some of the recent increase in underlying inflation was due to temporary factors and there is uncertainty about how much signal to take from the monthly CPI data given it is a new data series. Nevertheless, the data do suggest some signs of a more broadly based pick-up in inflation, part of which may be persistent and will bear close monitoring.

As for ongoing inflationary pressures from the labour market, the RBA said, “Various indicators suggest that labour market conditions remain a little tight.”

Optimistic ASX 200 investors may have picked up on the ‘little tight’ here, with the RBA adding, “The unemployment rate has risen gradually over the past year and employment growth has slowed.”

But as mentioned, the board stressed that the outlook for inflation and interest rates heading into 2026 remains uncertain, in part due to rising wages.

“Wages growth, as measured by the Wage Price Index, has eased from its peak but broader measures of wages continue to show strong growth and growth in unit labour costs remains high.”

Summarising its unanimous decision to keep Australia’s official interest rate on hold at 3.60%, the board concluded:

The recent data suggest the risks to inflation have tilted to the upside, but it will take a little longer to assess the persistence of inflationary pressures. Private demand is recovering. Labour market conditions still appear a little tight but further modest easing is expected.

The board therefore judged that it was appropriate to remain cautious, updating its view of the outlook as the data evolve.

With today’s intraday dip factored in, the ASX 200 is up 4.9% in 2025.

The post ASX 200 turbulent following the RBA interest rate decision appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

This S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) healthcare share has been one of the most dramatic movers on the market. In the past month, Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) shares have surged 20% to $2.73 at the time of writing.

Over the last 12 months, the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) share has gained a whopping 64%. By comparison, the ASX 200 Healthcare Index has lost more than 22% over the same period.

Is this it for Mesoblast, or is there more to come?

Commercial inflammatory treatment

After spending years in the doldrums, the share price of the regenerative-medicine company has roared back to life. The rally has been driven largely by renewed optimism surrounding Mesoblast’s lead therapy, remestemcel-L.

The company aims to commercialise a suite of therapies treating inflammatory and immune-based diseases, drawing on a platform that has taken years to develop.

The ASX 200 healthcare share price is climbing sharply as the company edges closer to long-awaited regulatory breakthroughs in the US. If it lands approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the coming months, it would unlock its first major commercial revenue stream.

FDA-approval crucial hurdle

This might be the milestone that fundamentally reshapes the company’s financial profile. Investors have been watching closely as the company resubmits clinical data to the FDA — the final hurdle that has tripped Mesoblast more than once in the past.

Each step forward in the regulatory process has pushed the ASX 200 healthcare share higher. Momentum traders have piled in, betting that this time the company may finally secure the approval it has been chasing for over a decade.

Burning serious capital

But the ASX healthcare share story is not without risk. Mesoblast’s business has always been a high-stakes, high-reward proposition, and that hasn’t changed.

The company has burned through significant capital over the years, repeatedly raising funds to support prolonged clinical trials and regulatory processes. Mesoblast’s history of FDA setbacks — including multiple requests for additional data — has also weighed on investor trust.

Commercialisation risk remains high. Even if the company secures approval, it must still build sustainable sales and compete with emerging cell-therapy rivals.

What do brokers think?

Despite the uncertainty and the risks, brokers seem to be optimistic about Mesoblast’s chances this time around. Many analysts see the ASX 200 healthcare share as a buy, with plenty of upside.

The average 12-month price target for the stock is $4.25, a possible gain of 56% at the time of writing.  

The team at Securities Vault is also positive and has named Mesoblast as a buy.

It highlights that the biotech company’s commercialisation strategy is progressing and its development pipeline is strong.

It noted:

The company holds a strong cash position of about $US145 million and offers flexibility via a $US50 million convertible note facility to fund the next growth phase. Company commercialisation is progressing and MSB has generated a pipeline of depth.

The post Is this soaring ASX 200 healthcare share just getting started? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares are flat at $3.15 a piece at the time of writing on Tuesday afternoon. Over the past month the shares have dived 10.5%, wiping some of the 35.2% gains made over the past 6 months. For the year-to-date Zip shares are 6.06% higher.

It’s clearly been a year of ebbs and flows for the Australian financial technology company. But right now I think the stock is a screaming buy. Here’s why.

1. Zip has had strong and improved earnings this year

The buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) provider delivered record profitability amid macroeconomic uncertainty in FY25.

In the first quarter of FY26, the company said that its total transaction value grew 38.7% to $3.9 billion and income was up 32.8% to $321.5 million. Meanwhile, net bad debts were flat at 1.6% of TTV, and the cash operating profit grew by 98.1% to $62.8 million.

At its annual general meeting (AGM) last month, the company also said it is on track for its full-year FY26 results and plans to be within all target ranges previously announced in August.

2. The company is pushing for growth

The Australian financial technology company has operations in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States and provides customer service in 12 countries. 

Zip now offers point-of-sale credit and digital payment services to consumers and merchants via interest-free BNPL technology. The company currently has two consumer products: Zip Money and Zip Pay.

But the business is also actively broadening its product base beyond traditional BPNL options too. In late October, the company announced that its US segment is expanding its partnership with Stripe, a programmable financial services business. 

Zip is looking at ways to scale its US business too. Zip management has said that the company is still considering a secondary sharemarket listing in the US which would reduce dependence on Australian markets and potentially introduce more opportunity for business expansion. A dual listing on Nasdaq which could help the business tap into US capital markets and boost its valuation among US-based investors.

3. The outlook for Zip shares looks bullish

I think there is still some opportunity for more momentum ahead for Zip shares.

Analysts are bullish on the shares too. TradingView data shows 8 out of 10 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on Zip shares. The minimum target price is $4.85 while some analysts think that Zip shares could reach as high as $6.20 over the next 12 months. At the time of writing that implies an upside as high as 96.5% for investors.

Macquarie analysts initiated coverage of the Australian financial technology company in late October, saying it expects Zip to deliver rapid growth going forward. It has an outperform rating and $4.85 target price on Zip shares. The broker also listed Zip shares among its list of best ASX stocks to buy amid a rising interest rate environment. 

UBS currently has a buy rating on Zip shares, but a higher price target of $5.40. That implies a possible rise of approximately 71.4% over the next year. The team was particularly impressed by stronger-than-expected earnings growth last quarter.

The post 3 reasons why Zip shares are a screaming buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

US stocks are on track to outperform the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) for a third consecutive calendar year.

In the year to date, the S&P 500 Index (SP: INX) is up 16.4% while the ASX 200 is up 5%.

In 2024, the S&P 500 rose about 25% while the ASX 200 lifted about 9%.

In 2023, US stocks ascended 24% while the ASX 200 rose 8%.

The last time Aussie shares did better than US stocks was 2022, when the S&P 500 fell (19.5%) compared to just (5.5%) for the ASX 200.

Bear in mind that these rises and falls exclude dividends, which add to total returns, and ASX 200 shares pay more than US stocks.

But the point remains: US shares have done better for three consecutive years.

Might this continue, or is it time to take profits?

Let’s defer to the experts.

Is it time to bail out of US stocks?

Hell no, according to respected global broker Morgan Stanley.

In fact, Morgan Stanley says US stocks are likely to continue outpacing their global peers in 2026.

And it’s willing to quantify it.

In its 2026 investment outlook, Morgan Stanley projects S&P 500 shares will experience capital gains of 14% next year.

By comparison, the broker expects a 7% rise for Japan’s TOPIX and a 4% gain for the MSCI Europe.

The broker expects US earnings and cash flow growth due to a market-friendly policy mix, interest rate cuts, corporate tax cuts from the ‘One Big Beautiful Act’, positive operating leverage, and the re-emergence of pricing power and AI-driven efficiency gains.

Serena Tang, Morgan Stanley’s Chief Global Cross-Asset Strategist, said:

There will be some bumps along the way, but we believe that the bull market is intact.

The broker anticipates that European and emerging markets are unlikely to benefit from similar tailwinds, commenting:

Tepid forecasts for growth in the eurozone and structural challenges, with the region losing ground in manufacturing to China, cloud the outlook for European equities. 

Chinese stocks face headwinds from the country’s slow reflation progress. 

In Japan, the narrative is more positive: stocks are likely to get support from fiscal and regulatory reforms, besides domestic flows into equities.

Morgan Stanley expects the artificial intelligence revolution will continue full speed ahead in 2026.

The broker said tech-related financing for AI and data infrastructure is set to be the dominant theme in credit markets next year. 

Morgan Stanley predicts a total $3 trillion investment in data centre-related capex, but says less than 20% has been deployed so far.

2025 vs. 2026

Morgan Stanley says policy and macroeconomic uncertainties dominated markets in 2025.

Looking ahead, the broker assesses a shifting investment landscape that is more favorable for risk assets like shares.

Companies and nations are likely to benefit from AI-related productivity gains amid lower inflation in 2026.

Tang said:

The triumvirate of fiscal policy, monetary policy and deregulation are all working together in a way that rarely happens outside of a recession.

This unusually favorable policy mix allows markets to shift focus from global macro concerns to asset-specific narratives—particularly those related to AI investments.

Morgan Stanley recommends that investors take an overweight position in equities in 2026, with a strong preference for US stocks.

Check out which US shares are most popular with Aussie investors and why.

The post US stocks outperform ASX 200 for third consecutive year: Is it time to bail? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

Pilbara Minerals shares have been one of the most prominent lithium stocks on the ASX for years now. The company first started attracting major attention in 2015, when it rose by about 900% at one point.

In subsequent years, the gains continued, including an incredible run between October 2020 and October 2022 that saw investors enjoy a return of 1,700%.

Of course, it hasn’t been all sunshine and roses. Given the seemingly perpetually volatile lithium market (and sentiment that surrounds it), Pilbara shares were always a wild ride. Between August 2023 and June 2025, Pilbara shares lost 75% of their value. But for those holding on, the company has once again rallied over the past six months, bouncing back with a ~205% gain as of current pricing.

That leaves the company with a year-to-date gain of 82.35% in 2025 alone.

But those looking at Pilbara shares over the past few days might be a little confused. That’s because the ASX no longer houses any company by the name of Pilbara Minerals Ltd.

If one searches for the ‘PLS’ ticker code, they will come across a company called PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS).

So what’s going on here?

Pilbara Minerals shares undergo a PLS facelift

Well, back at its annual general meeting in June, what was then Pilbara Minerals revealed that it intended to change its name to PLS Group. Shareholders duly ratified the change with a vote at the AGM, and the name change became official on 3 December last week.

Here’s how the company explained the name change:

[Our flagship lithium Pilgangoora Operation in Western Australia] is complemented by the Colina lithium development project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, secured through the acquisition of Latin Resources in February 2025. This milestone was the catalyst for our rebrand from Pilbara Minerals to PLS, signalling a new era as we boldly position for future growth.

Given Pilbara Minerals’ ticker has always been ‘PLS’, this name change to PLS Group is arguably nothing too substantial. Aside from emphasising its now-global network. It is still the same company, with the same management team, running the same portfolio of lithium mines and processing plants. But it is a big change nonetheless for a company that has long captured the attention of ASX investors. Let’s see what the future holds.

The PLS Group share price is currently trading at $4.12 a share, up 2.2% so far this Tuesday. That leaves this ASX 200 lithium stock with a market capitalisation of $13.26 billion.

The post PLS? Why did Pilbara Minerals shares just change name? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Looking for a large-cap ASX healthcare share that’s forecast to deliver some potentially outsized gains in 2026?

Then you might want to have a look into Summerset Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SNZ).

The dual-listed New Zealand based company develops, owns, and operates integrated retirement villages in New Zealand and Australia.

Summerset shares closed yesterday trading for $11.09. In thin trade today, shares are down 1.7%, trading for $10.90 apiece (or NZ$11.75 on the NZX.)

This sees the ASX healthcare share commanding a market cap of NZ$2.98 billion, or AU$3.43 billion.

Summerset shares struggled for much of the year and remain down 9.2% in 2025. But the stock has been on the rebound trail since early October, with shares now up 15.7% from the 3 October close.

And according to the analysts at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), the year ahead should see the Summerset share price continue to charge higher.

Herer’s why.

Should you buy the ASX healthcare share today?

In a new report covering the New Zealand retirement village sector, Macquarie cites research from JLL noting that 1,800 retirement units were built in the nation over the 2024 calendar year.

According to Macquarie:

This takes total RV stock to ~43,600 (ex care), which is equivalent to a 14.7% penetration rate for people aged 75+ based on cohabitation rates and not excluding those which will reside in care

Looking to the growth market ahead for ASX healthcare share Summerset, the broker said, “Demographic tailwinds remain strong which will underpin execution of development pipeline across the sector while a shortfall will exist.”

Macquarie noted:

Over the next decade, a further ~175k people will enter the 75+ demographic which based on current penetration would make up around 2,000 units p.a. of incremental demand (net, while gross will be higher with decommissions), or a 3.8% CAGR.

Out of the listed retirement village developers and operators in New Zealand, Macquarie said, “We think Summerset has the most upside given track record of development execution.”

The broker has a 12-month price target of NZ$16.00 on Summerset shares. That’s 33.0% above the current share price on the NZX.

As for risks that could see the dual-listed ASX healthcare share struggle to achieve those gains, Macquarie noted those include “quantum and speed of improvement in housing market conditions, and associated impact on sales including St Johns”.

Macquarie added, “Success and speed of ramp-up in Australia is a key driver of growth in the medium to long term.”

The post Macquarie forecasts this $3.4 billon ASX healthcare share is set surge 33% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) share price is in focus today after the company delivered its latest exploration update, highlighting strong drilling results at key targets like Garden Well Underground and Tropicana.

What did Regis Resources report?

• Over 100 exploration prospects and projects at various stages are being evaluated across the portfolio
• Garden Well Underground drilling confirmed continuity of gold mineralisation beyond current mine designs
• Beamish South drilling identified gold intersections similar to Garden Well, highlighting new open pit and underground potential
• Continued high-grade results at Rosemont Stage 3 Underground, with the mineralised system now extending roughly 300 metres beyond previous designs
• Strong, consistent high-grade intersections at Ben Hur Underground, further defining structure continuity
• Tropicana Underground drilling outlined new potential additions to the Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource base

What else do investors need to know?

The latest update is a replacement for the previous day’s announcement, with extra detail added on Competent Person disclosures for key exploration targets and a retraction of a non-material Garden Well Underground Mineral Resource subset. The company also clarified its reporting on visual mineralisation, ensuring only intervals with supporting assay results are presented as mineralised.

Detailed drilling programs across Garden Well, Beamish South, Rosemont, Ben Hur, Kintyre, and Tropicana continue to build geological confidence. These results are supporting ongoing reserve conversions, longer-term studies, and mine life extension strategies across both the Duketon and Tropicana operations.

What did Regis Resources management say?

Jim Beyer, Managing Director and CEO said:

Our exploration teams continue to deliver solid progress across the business. The work completed over the past six months has strengthened our understanding of the underground growth pipeline at Duketon and confirmed further extensions at Tropicana. The team’s systematic approach is building confidence by providing a steady flow of opportunities to support future studies, Reserve conversion and long-term mine life planning. We are very encouraged by the results to date and see ongoing potential across our portfolio as drilling continues into the second half of FY26.

What’s next for Regis Resources?

Drilling programs are set to continue, with the aim of upgrading resources and unlocking new underground and open pit opportunities. The focus remains on infill conversion, extension drilling, and drilling from new underground platforms, especially at Garden Well, Rosemont Stage 3, Ben Hur, and Tropicana.

Management highlights that the exploration pipeline supports long-term production planning and potential resource growth, with further updates expected as more results are received and assessed.

Regis Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 moths, Regis Resources have risen 159%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Regis Resources delivers gold exploration update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) closed 0.18% higher on Friday last week. At the time of writing on Tuesday lunchtime, the index is 0.3% lower for this week so far. The market is subdued ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s December cash rate announcement this afternoon.

Here’s what Australian shares investors were snapping up during the first week of December, according to new CommSec data.

Droneshield takes the top spot for another week

Droneshield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares were the most-traded Australian shares among CommSec clients between the 1st and 5th of November, based on contract note volumes either bought or sold weekly. The data shows that 58% of activity volume for the week was from buyers.

The AI drone operator’s shares dropped another 3% during the course of the week. Droneshield shares have been under significant pressure recently following the US CEO resignation, employee share sell-offs, and accidental ASX release. Analysts have said the selling is way overdone and that the stock is now priced very attractively.

Investors were selling up their BHP shares

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares came under heavy selling pressure last week, too. With a huge 80% of activity from CommeSec clients being sales of the mining giant’s stock. Over the course of the week, the ASX miner’s shares climbed just over 6%. This was mostly driven by an uptick in commodity prices.

The copper price hit a new all-time high of US$11,400 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange overnight on Wednesday. This means the base metal has now risen by more than 30% since the start of the year. Its increased use in the energy transition has been behind its strong rise.

Zip shares caught investor attention

Investor interest in Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares stormed higher last week. The company’s stock has delivered explosive growth over the past six months; however, over the course of last week, the shares dropped nearly 10%. There has been no price-sensitive news out of the company recently, so the dip is likely investors taking their profits after a strong price rally in the months before. Over the past 6 months, Zip shares have climbed 35.9%.

What else were investors buying and selling last week?

CommSec clients were also interested in Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) shares last week.

There was also a lot of activity around Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) and Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares throughout the week, but this was mostly investor selling.

The post 10 most-traded ASX shares last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 reasons why Zip shares are a screaming buy right now
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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, DroneShield, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

One of the reasons I bought Wesfarmers Limited (ASX: WES) shares many years ago was the unique business model it offered – one that no other ASX 100 share possesses.

That unique offering is the stable of four of the best retail companies in Australia, supplemented by a diverse range of other businesses.

Wesfarmers is essentially a retail company, if we go by the numbers anyway. Its four retailing jewels, Bunnings, Target, Kmart and OfficeWorks, habitually bring home the lion’s share of both revenues and earnings.

Over FY2025, for example, Wesfarmers reported total revenues of $45.7 billion. Of that $45.7 billion, its four big retailers contributed $34.45 billion, or over 75%, to that total. Bunnings alone was responsible for $19.56 billion.

The remaining revenues and earnings are generated by Wesfarmers’ other divisions, which include WesCEF (Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy, and Fertilisers), Industrial and Safety, and Wesfarmers Health.

In effect, Wesfarmers can be thought of as a company that owns four of the best retail businesses in Australia, supported by a range of other diversified sources of income.

No other ASX 100 share can match this unique offering. Perhaps the only one that might come close is Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV), owner of Smiggle and Peter Alexander. But Premier is a pure-play retailer, with no supplementary diversification. Plus, it has recently been making moves to downsize its portfolio.

Can the unique offering from Wesfarmers shares last?

The ASX is an ever-changing institution. Plus, conglomerates of Wesfarmers’ nature are increasingly rare around the world. The temptation to spin off bits and pieces of companies like Wesfarmers is always there. Wesfarmers itself has done this in the past, most notably with Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL). Coles was formerly part of Wesfarmers, but was spun out of the company’s nest back in 2018.

So how long can Wesfarmers maintain its unique offering to ASX investors?

Well, I have confidence that it will. Wesfarmers is a very old company, having been in operation for over a century. Its managers know what has always worked for the company and its shareholders, and what hasn’t. Every move Wesfarmers has made in recent history has benefitted its investors mightily. That ranges from the sale of Coles to the acquisitions of Priceline and Kidman Resources. The latter fortuitously occurred right before the lithium boom.

Wesfarmers shares have returned healthy capital growth and meaningful dividend income for decades. I’m confident that its unique nature among other ASX 100 shares will allow it to continue doing so for many years to come.

The post Wesfarmers shares offer one thing no other ASX 100 stock does – can it last? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Premier Investments and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.