Category: Stock Market

  • IAG (ASX:IAG) share price takes wild ride on Greensill fears

    asx share price bounce represented by investor being bumped along volatile price chart

    The Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) share price is on a roller coaster today. Shares in the insurer crashed 10.6% to a 5-year low of $4.30 before being placed in a trading halt. Since resuming trade, the share price is at $4.6o, almost 5% down on yesterday’s close.

    In contrast, the S&P/ASX 200 Index is up 0.47%.

    Let’s take a closer look at what is weighing on the IAG share price.

    IAG and Greensill’s insolvency

    As previously reported, Greensill was a supply-chain debt provider. Its business model was to provide funds to suppliers awaiting accounts receivable in the form of a loan to the purchasing business.

    As with the 2008 financial crisis, Greensill collateralised these debts into securities and sold them to investors. Greensill became too reliant on a few companies and when COVID-19 hit, many loanees were unable to repay their debts.

    According to the Australian Financial Review (AFR), BCC (an insurer IAG had a 50% stake in) sold policies to Greensill in 2019 covering the bonds. However, as IAG clarified in an announcement to the ASX, “it has no net insurance exposure to trade credit policies including those sold through BCC to Greensill entities.”

    IAG sold BCC in April 2019 to Tokio Marine Management (TMM) and completed the transaction by July. IAG informed the market TMM retained the risk for all policies during this period – including Greensill. Both BCC and IAG refused to renew their policies with Greensill this year. Greensill admitted in court the move was catastrophic. That was the catalyst for its insolvency.

    Before IAG released its statement today, investors were panicking. Many believed IAG may be liable for the bad debts owed to Greensill. Fearing the worst, owners sold off their holdings in the insurer. IAG then placed its shares into a trading halt.

    When IAG informed the market no such liabilities existed, many came flocking back on the resumption of trade.

    Simply put, as more investors were selling IAG shares than buying, the price collapsed. When more investors began purchasing IAG shares than offloading, the price increased. In economics, this is known as the laws of supply and demand.

    IAG share price snapshot

    Today aside, IAG’s share price has been sliding for the past year. One year ago, the insurer’s share price was $6.36. At today’s price, this calculates as a 27% loss in value. In fact, in mid-2018, the IAG share price was around the $8.80 mark.

    IAG has a current market capitalisation of $11.7 billion.

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    Motley Fool contributor Marc Sidarous 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’s why the NAB (ASX:NAB) share price just hit a 52-week high

    NAB share price

    The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price continued its positive run and pushed higher again on Tuesday.

    In fact, at one stage on Tuesday, the banking giant’s shares hit a 52-week high of $27.10.

    When the NAB share price hit that level, it meant it was up an impressive 56% over the last six months.

    Why did the NAB share price hit a 52-week high?

    Investors have been buying NAB shares since the release of its first quarter update last month.

    That update revealed that the bank has returned to profit growth, with cash earnings rising 1% over the prior corresponding period (which was COVID-free) to $1.65 billion.

    This result was all the more impressive when you compare it to NAB’s most recent quarters.

    According to the update, NAB advised that its first quarter cash earnings (excluding large notable items) improved 47% on the quarterly average it achieved during the second half of FY 2020.

    Another positive was that its expenses fell 1% over the prior corresponding period thanks to productivity benefits and lower restructuring related costs. Looking ahead, management advised that it continues to target FY 2021 expense growth of between 0% to 2%.

    What else is supporting its shares?

    Also giving the NAB share price a lift was the response to its first quarter update by brokers.

    Brokers such as UBS and Credit Suisse responded by putting buy ratings and $27.00 price targets on its shares.

    But the most bullish broker was Goldman Sachs. It has a conviction buy rating and $28.93 price target. Which, based on the current NAB share price of $26.65, implies potential upside of ~8.5% over the next 12 months.

    And if you include the $1.10 per share fully franked dividend that Goldman expects NAB to pay in FY 2021, this potential return stretches to almost 13%.

    In light of this, don’t be surprised if the NAB share price hits new 52-week highs in the coming weeks.

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  • Latest broker ASX buy ideas for 2021

    ASX shares Hand writing Time to Buy concept clock with blue marker on transparent wipe board.

    There’s a rotation underfoot on the ASX share market that will make picking 2021 winners a little more challenging, but the latest broker buys could offer clues on which ASX shares you should buy now.

    Some stocks that have rallied right through the pandemic aren’t faring quite as well in the past few weeks.

    The rotation from COVID-19 winners to losers is expected to continue even as experts are forecasting more gains for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO).

    Latest ASX shares upgraded to “buy”

    You don’t want to be buying the wrong shares as the market repositions itself for the next leg of the bull market.

    But one stock that could put a smile on your face is the Pacific Smiles Group Ltd (ASX: PSQ) share price. Wilsons upgraded the dental practice to “overweight” as it looked at the impact of the group opening 20 new offices a year from 10 to 12 offices.

    “Scale benefits in corporate dentistry are less about margin expansion and more about structural advantages,” said the broker.

    “We conclude that PSQ’s scale-up agenda is feasible without a material change in capital structure nor any variation in dividend policy.”

    Wilsons’ 12-month price target on the Pacific Smiles share price is $2.95 a share.

    Right port of call

    Meanwhile, the Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB) share price is another worth putting on your “buy” list, according to Jarden.

    The broker looked at container movements across our nation’s ports and believes shares in the New South Wales logistics group is cheap.

    Container volumes at the NSW port jumped by 14.9% in January 2021 compared to the same time last year.

    Container recovery more promising than it looks

    While the start of 2020 was marred by bushfires and the drought, its encouraging to see that this January’s figures were still 7.6% ahead of January 2019.

    “Strong organic volume growth in January presents upside risk to Qube’s growth outlook for 2H21e, as future months begin to be inflated by cycling low, COVID-19 impacted bases,” said Wilsons.

    “We think the stock remains catalyst rich, and that earnings will be supported as industry volumes should continue to normalise post-COVID.”

    The broker’s 12-month price target on the Qube share price is $3.60 a share.

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    Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau 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’s why the First Graphene (ASX:FGR) share price is rebounding today

    The First Graphene Ltd (ASX: FGR) share price has made a strong comeback today. This comes after the company announced that it has entered a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Gerdau S.A.

    During most of the day, the graphene producer’s shares were trading in the red, as low as 23.5 cents. However, the company’s latest news has given investors an upbeat perspective with its shares bouncing to 25.5 cents, up 6.2%.

    What’s moving the First Graphene share price higher?

    The First Graphene share price is rocking higher today after releasing details of its MoU to penetrate the Americas.

    According to its release, the MoU will look into Gerdau to distribute First Graphene’s products in mutually agreed economic sectors and business areas. This includes territories such as Brazil, South America, and potentially the United States.

    Furthermore, the MoU will allow both companies to set up formal proceedings to negotiate and establish a commercial agreement. Under the deal, First Graphene will provide Gerdau with its knowledge and technology for use in different Graphene applications. In return, Gerdau will invest and develop end-use applications and become the exclusive distributor for the company’s products.

    Quick take on Gerdau

    Brazil largest steel producer, Gerdau is a leading manufacturer of long steel in the Americas region. The company has steel mills located in Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, the United States, Brazil, and many others.

    It transforms 13 million metric tonnes of metal scrap heap into steel every year, used across an array of industries.

    Management commentary

    First Graphene CEO Mike Bell welcomed the partnership, saying:

    We are pleased Gerdau recognises the enormous commercialisation opportunities graphene offers industry with the creation of a dedicated graphene division.

    Gerdau’s recognition of First Graphene as a key global producer is testament to the advances made by First Graphene in the commercialisation of this disruptive nanomaterial.

    The association with Gerdau, a world leader in the long steel and specialty steel markets with a very strong position in the Americas, will undoubtedly accelerate the use of graphene across a wide range of applications.

    Gerdau Graphene business unit general manager Alexandre Corrêa added:

    We are enthused about the opportunities available to Gerdau in the graphene industry in the Americas. We have selected First Graphene as a partner because of their robust supply capability, product quality and technical expertise.

    The First Graphene share price has accelerated by more than 88% over the past 12 months.

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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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  • Brokers raise ratings on these 2 ASX shares this afternoon

    ASX share price broker upgrade represented by upgrade button on computer keyboard

    In a whirlwind of a day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), shares are being divided. Financials and traditional value shares are pushing higher, while tech is slaughtered.

    However, in the mess of it all, 2 ASX shares have been upgraded by leading brokers.

    2 ASX shares getting upgraded

    ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ)

    ALS Ltd is an ASX share that has performed solidly over the year, adding nearly 34% over the period. However, the global testing, inspection, and certification company has been caught up in the selloff since mid-February. As a result, the share price is nearly 20% off its February high, trading at $9.54 today.

    Investors were buying up the share yesterday, following the announcement of the company acquiring Investiga. The purchase adds Investiga’s pharmaceutical testing operations in Brazil and the east coast of the US to ALS.

    This afternoon JP Morgan lifted its coverage on the ASX share to a ‘neutral’ rating. The broker noted the increase in geochemistry sampling activity and the acquisition as positives for the business. Subsequently, the price target was set at $9.80 a share for March 2022.

    At the time of writing, ALS is trading down 0.9% to $9.46. The company’s market capitalisation is now $4.61 billion.

    Infomedia Ltd (ASX: IFM)

    The Infomedia share price has been left battered and bruised in the recent ASX tech share thrashing. Prior to the February sell-off, the part cataloging software provider’s share price had been hovering around $1.85. At that price, the share had only shaved off 7% since last year. However, the tech armageddon has left Infomedia’s share price down 32% at $1.34.

    It certainly didn’t help when the company reported flat earnings growth in late February. Management put the poor result down to timing delays in negotiations and installations. Additionally, the reluctance to provide future guidance further rattled investors.

    However, this hasn’t stopped Bell Potter from raising its rating to a ‘buy’ on Infomedia. The broker is expecting double-digit earnings growth in both 2021 to 2022 and 2022 to 2023 for this ASX-listed share. Bell Potter believes the share is undervalued at $1.35, compared to its price target of $1.75, implying nearly 30% of upside on the current trading price.

    At the time of writing, the Infomedia share price is flat at $1.33. The company’s market capitalisation is now $499 million. 

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    Mitchell Lawler has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Infomedia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Infomedia. 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 Creso (ASX:CPH) share price fizzles despite new distribution deal

    View of hand holding pen signing new deal with glasses sitting on table next to contract papers

    The Creso Pharma Ltd (ASX: CPH) share price has been up and down today following a signed letter of intent (LOI) with ImpACTIVE.

    At the time of writing, Creso shares are down 2.5% to 20 cents in late afternoon trade, after earlier peaking at 21 cents.

    Let’s take a closer look at what Creso updated investors with.

    What did Creso announce?

    The Creso share price is rising after providing investors with plans to enter the growing North American sports and recreational market.

    According to the release, Creso advised that it has entered a non-binding LOI with ImpACTIVE to distribute its CBD-based products. This includes the company’s CannaDOL and CannaQIX10 products which are expected to drive sales in the North American market.

    Based in Canada, ImpACTIVE is a company that is focused on providing a range of CBD-based products for people suffering from muscle and joint inflammation. The use of its alternative health treatments negates the need for pharmaceutical drugs.

    ImpACTIVE was formed by current and former high-profile athletes who saw a gap in the market for people struggling with injury.

    Terms of the agreement

    Under the LOI, both parties will commence formal discussions to enter a commercial agreement on or before 1 April 2021. While the terms of the contract are still being finetuned, the deal will see Creso’s products distributed through established sales channels across America and Canada.

    Furthermore, Creso will be granted rights to become an authorised supplier of ImpACTIVE’s CBD roller application in Switzerland and Europe. This is also projected to launch around April 2021.

    The company has its sights on targeting the sports and recreational sector by providing easy access to its products. In Switzerland alone, Creso has developed relationships with all key wholesalers, reaching over 2,100 points of sales. This comprises pharmacy networks, drugstores, specialised retailers as well as 400 sports and fitness centres.

    The initial period of the contract will be set for 1-year and will automatically renew. Either party may cancel the agreement provided it is done within 90 days before the end of the term.

    What did management say?

    Creso’s commercial director Jorge Wernli commented on the partnership:

    We are very proud to enter the sports and recreational market with such a high calibre partner as ImpACTIVE. This LOI is important for Creso Pharma, as it further broadens our international footprint and provides another large market opportunity.

    We look forward to working with ImpACTIVE to ensure all products are well received in Europe and North America, and also leveraging their innovative product range to further add to the Company’s growing sales profile.

    About the Creso share price

    The Creso share price has performed relatively well over the past 12 months, jumping 192%. Although the company’s shares were mostly flat until last November, positive investor sentiment picked up after the landmark announcement that the UN had decided to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous drug.

    On current valuations, Creso has a market capitalisation of around $195 million.

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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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  • ASM (ASX:ASM) share price in flux after deal with South Korean Government

    A man climbing stairs that go up and down in a chart style, indicating a moving share price

    The Australian Strategic Materials Ltd (ASX: ASM) share price is trending downwards today.

    Despite an early rise of 1.3% in morning trade, the share price has slipped and is now 0.5% down on yesterday’s close. At the time of writing, shares in the metal company are selling at $5.30. In comparison, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index is up 0.3%.

    Let’s take a closer look at the company’s most recent announcement and how it could be affecting the ASM share price.

    What did ASM announce today?

    In a statement released to the ASX, ASM announced it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the South Korean, Chungbuk provincial government and Cheongju city government. The MoU is for the establishment of a metals plant within the Ochang Foreign Investment Zone.

    The scope of the MoU includes “supply of utilities, administrative licenses and permit procedures…”

    The plant is located 115km south of Korea’s largest city, Seoul. It will initially produce neodymium-iron-boron powder and titanium powder.

    The company will also receive an as-yet undisclosed government grant as part of the deal.

    Management commentary

    Speaking on today’s announcement, ASM Managing Director David Woodall said:

    This MoU, along with the strong support from the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and the Chungbuk Provincial Government, provides ASM with confidence to build the metals plant in the Ochang Foreign Investment Zone. With key Korean manufacturing companies like LG Chemical, Samsung SDI, SK Hynix, and Hyundai Mobis within close proximity, we are confident that building our first metal plant in this well-established industrial area will provide significant benefits.

    The Governor of Chungbuk, Si-Jong Lee, also gave his thoughts on the future plant:

    To sustain the growth of the Chungcheongbuk-do economy, we strongly support this investment. ASM is establishing its Korean headquarters, 2 R&D centre and metals plant in the Ochang Foreign Investment Zone. This will provide key rare earth metals to the Korean economy and local employment to revitalise our local economy.

    ASM share price snapshot

    Despite today’s negative movement, the ASM share price is on the upward swing. Listed on the ASX at a price of $1.40 on 30 July 2020, the share’s value has increased by 277.1%. ASM shares reached their highest price ($6.84) in December last year.

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    • ASM (ASX:ASM) share price jumps as scoping study supports $45m plant build

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  • IOUpay and Zip were among the most traded ASX shares last week

    Stock market, ASX, investing

    Australia’s leading investment platform provider CommSec has released data on the most traded ASX shares on its platform from last week.

    Here’s the data:

    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P)

    For a fourth week in a row, this buy now pay later (BNPL) provider’s shares were the most traded on the CommSec platform. Zip shares accounted for 3.7% of trades last week, with approximately 60% coming from the buy side. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to stop the Zip share price losing 8% of its value over the five days. This was driven by weakness in the tech sector due to rising bond yields.

    Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT)

    Afterpay was the next most traded share and attributable to 2.2% of total trades on the CommSec platform. Approximately 61% of these trades came from buyers. But as with Zip, this couldn’t stop the Afterpay share price from falling 3.5% last week. Once again, weakness in the tech sector appears to have weighed on its shares.

    Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

    This exchange traded fund (ETF) was popular with investors once again. It accounted for 2% of trades on CommSec over the five days. A whopping 88% of these trades came from buyers. They may have been looking to take advantage of a recent pullback by the Nasdaq 100. The ETF fell 1% during the week.

    IOUpay Ltd (ASX: IOU)

    A new addition to the top five this week is Malaysia-based BNPL provider IOUpay. Its shares were responsible for 1.9% of trades on CommSec during the week. And while two-thirds came from buyers, the buying wasn’t strong enough to stop the IOUpay share price falling 10% over the five days. Last week IOUpay announced a partnership with leading online payment gateway, iPay88. The agreement will see the company provide BNPL services to iPay88 customers.

    CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)

    CSL shares were back in the top five after accounting for 1.4% of trades last week. And as with the others, although 79% of trades came from the buy side, it wasn’t enough to stop the CSL share price sliding 5% lower. Part of this decline was due to CSL’s shares trading ex-dividend for its interim dividend. That will now be paid to eligible shareholders on 1 April.

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    James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO, BETANASDAQ ETF UNITS, CSL Ltd., and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BETANASDAQ ETF UNITS. 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 the Duratec (ASX:DUR) share price is up 10% this afternoon

    ASX real estate investment trust or REIT represented by high rise city buildings photographed from below

    The Duratec Ltd (ASX: DUR) share price is on the rise after the company announced it has executed a letter of intent for a $63 million contract.

    If successful, the engineering, construction, and remediation company will begin preliminary works to refurbish the façade of a high-rise in Perth’s CBD. Specifics as to which high-rise are yet to be made public.

    The Duratec share price is currently sitting at 52 cents, up more than 10% from yesterday’s closing price of 47 cents.

    More about the $63 million contract

    Up for grabs is the contract to re-clad and enhance the façade of a significant Perth high-rise building.

    Duratec is in final contract negotiations with the owners of the building, Perron Investments and APF Management (acquired by Frasers Logistics & Commercial Asset Management).

    Finalising of the contract is now conditional upon the issuing of a Certified Building Permit and final negotiations of terms and conditions.   

    Once granted the contract, Duratec will begin the construction phase of the refurbishment. The works are expected to take 165 weeks to complete.

    Management commentary

    Managing Director of Duratec Phil Harcout congratulated Duratec’s Building and Façade Team on its professionality throughout negotiations.

    This is a significant announcement for Duratec as we continue to execute on our national specialist façade strategy.

    This is an excellent example of the success of Duratec’s ECI business model meeting the needs and expectations of clients via transparency, consultation and provision of budget and programme certainty. We look forward to delivery of this project safely, on-time and to an outstanding standard of finish.

    He added:

    To date Duratec has successfully completed replacement of combustible cladding on buildings in NSW, Victoria and WA and we see this market sector is undergoing considerable growth, of which, we are well placed to capture a significant market share.

    Duratec share price snapshot

    Duratec has lost 13% of its value since it was first listed on the ASX in November 2020. It’s currently down 19% year to date.

    After today’s rise of 10%, Duratec’s share price is 52 cents apiece. It has a market capitalisation of $112.79 million with approximately 237 million shares outstanding.

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    Brooke Cooper 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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  • Goldman Sachs CEO: GameStop share price and the Reddit phenomenon

    A group of young people smiling and watching TicToc on their mobile phones

    This morning’s Business Summit hosted by the Australian Financial Review certainly provided plenty of interesting commentary on the economy, financial markets, politics, and more.

    Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon joined the panel of speakers and spoke on a range of topical subjects. In particular, Solomon discussed the surge in retail participation in the stock market, which has led to occurrences such as the obscene fluctuations in the GameStop Corp (NYSE: GME) share price.

    Digitisation catches regulators off guard

    Soloman mentioned the prominence of retail traders thanks to the innovation in trading platforms. Low and no fee app-based brokers like Stake and Robinhood have aided in providing a cheap and easy means for transacting in the share market. However, Solomon stated that this is forcing legislators and regulators to catch up.

    He admitted that a high involvement of retail investors has occurred numerous times over the years, although the velocity and scale were amplified drastically this time around. Solomon commented:

    The pace of digitisation is outstripping the pace of… rule making and regulatory structure. There’ll be a lot of discussion about what aspects of this are good, and what aspects of this need some, some moderation I think that’ll be a healthy discussion.

    The comments come at an interesting time, as the GameStop share price rockets ahead overnight. As a result, the Reddit-driven share has rallied 320% in roughly a week, with continuing short-selling pressure.

    Solomon further stated, “Whether that participation is a good thing or a bad thing, whether people are going to make money on a sustainable basis and protect their wealth, we’ll see.”

    GameStop share price flying high

    GameStop’s recent rally comes after news that the Chewy.com founder Ryan Cohen will spearhead an e-commerce strategy. Ryan joined the GameStop board back in January, before the skyrocketing run in the company’s share price.

    As reported by MarketWatch, the US Senate Banking Committee will hold another hearing tonight to discuss the GameStop theatrics. Specifically, Robinhood and other zero-commission brokers will be in focus.

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    Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler 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.

    The post Goldman Sachs CEO: GameStop share price and the Reddit phenomenon appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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