Category: Stock Market

  • 4 top ASX share picks to buy

    A panel of four judges hold up cards all showing the perfect score of ten out of ten

    There’s no shortage of opportunities on the ASX right now.

    But rather than trying to chase what’s hot, I prefer to focus on businesses that are executing well, growing consistently, and have clear long-term potential.

    Here are four top ASX shares that stand out to me.

    Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

    Sigma has quietly repositioned itself over the past few years.

    The key driver is its merger with Chemist Warehouse, which has created a much larger and more competitive healthcare business. That added scale should help improve efficiency, strengthen supplier relationships, and support margins over time.

    It also gives Sigma exposure to one of the strongest retail pharmacy brands in Australia, which I think adds a layer of quality to the story.

    For me, this is a business that may not look exciting today, but could deliver steady earnings growth as the benefits of that transformation come through.

    HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

    Another top ASX share I would buy is HUB24. It continues to stand out as one of the more consistent performers on the ASX.

    Funds under administration keep growing, net inflows remain strong, and it continues to take share from competitors. That combination tells me the platform is resonating with advisers and clients.

    There’s also a broader shift toward professional financial advice and platform solutions, which provides a supportive backdrop for continued growth.

    In my view, HUB24 is a high-quality compounder that is benefiting from both strong execution and favourable industry dynamics.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    WiseTech has had a tougher run recently, but I think it’s still a high-quality technology business.

    Its CargoWise platform plays a critical role in global logistics, and once embedded, it becomes very difficult for customers to replace. That creates sticky revenue and long-term customer relationships.

    The company is also continuing to invest in product development, which should help expand its capabilities and strengthen its competitive position.

    While the share price may remain volatile as AI disruption concerns linger, I see this as a business with genuine global scale and a long runway for growth.

    SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

    SiteMinder is another technology company that I think deserves attention.

    It provides software that helps hotels manage bookings, pricing, and distribution across multiple channels, effectively sitting at the centre of their revenue operations.

    What I like is that it is now combining solid growth with improving profitability, which is an important step for any software business.

    There’s also a clear opportunity to deepen its relationship with customers by expanding the range of products it offers, which could support revenue growth over time.

    To me, SiteMinder looks like a company that is still early in its journey, with a large addressable market and increasing momentum.

    Foolish takeaway

    These aren’t the only ASX shares I’d consider buying right now, but they’re four that stand out as top picks for different reasons.

    Sigma offers a transformation story, HUB24 continues to deliver consistent growth, WiseTech has global scale, and SiteMinder is building a strong position in hotel technology.

    Together, they reflect the kind of quality and growth I’d be looking for in a long-term portfolio.

    The post 4 top ASX share picks to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in HUB24 Limited right now?

    Before you buy HUB24 Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and HUB24 Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24, SiteMinder, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Computershare shares just hit a fresh multi-year low. What is going on?

    A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer

    The Computershare Ltd (ASX: CPU) share price is heading south yet again on Thursday.

    At the time of writing, the financial administration company’s shares are down 0.93% to $27.77, after slipping to a new multi-year low of $27.76 earlier in the session. By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is also in the red by 0.5%.

    The latest move adds to a difficult stretch for investors, with the Computershare stock now trading lower for 7 straight sessions.

    Selling pressure continues to build

    Looking at the charts, Computershare shares have been trending lower for some time.

    Over the past year, the stock has steadily declined, and the move to fresh lows suggests that selling pressure remains in place. The chart shows a clear pattern of lower highs and lower lows, pointing to weak momentum.

    Short-term indicators also reflect this. The relative strength index (RSI) has been sitting in the lower range, highlighting a lack of buying support in recent sessions.

    While the decline has not been significant on any single day, the steady run of losses indicates sellers remain in control.

    Interest rate expectations remain a key factor

    One of the main drivers of Computershare’s earnings is the interest it earns on client balances.

    Recent shifts in central bank expectations seem to be weighing on sentiment. Markets are increasingly factoring in the likelihood of rate cuts across major economies, including the United States.

    This change in outlook could reduce support from one of the company’s more important earnings streams.

    Market conditions also playing a role

    Equity markets have been volatile in recent weeks amid ongoing uncertainty over inflation, economic growth, and geopolitical developments.

    This has led to a shift in positioning, with investors moving toward more defensive areas of the market.

    Computershare delivered strong returns in prior years, so some investors may be taking profits or reducing exposure as conditions change.

    A large global platform

    Despite the recent share price decline, Computershare remains a major global provider of shareholder and corporate administration services.

    The company operates across multiple regions, including Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Its services include share registry operations, corporate trust, employee share plans, and mortgage servicing.

    Its global footprint means earnings are tied to corporate activity, market conditions, and interest rate movements.

    Foolish Takeaway

    The Computershare share price is now trading at multi-year lows, reflecting ongoing weakness in sentiment and economic expectations.

    While the business continues to operate across global markets, interest rates and market conditions are likely to remain key drivers from here.

    The post Computershare shares just hit a fresh multi-year low. What is going on? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Computershare Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Computershare Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • 3 buy-rated ASX shares in today’s falling market

    A man sits thoughtfully on the couch with a laptop on his lap.

    S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares are 0.26% lower at 8,668.3 points on Friday.

    Today’s fall builds on yesterday’s 1.77% drop after missile strikes on energy assets in the Middle East caused a spike in oil prices.

    ASX All Ords shares have fallen 8.13% since the war began, and the market is now 4% in the red for the year to date (YTD).

    Meantime, brokers have named 3 ASX shares with buy recommendations amid all this volatility.

    Let’s take a look.

    Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO)

    Helloworld Travel shares are steady at $1.44 on Friday, down 23.8% YTD and down 6.5% over 12 months.

    Shaw and Partners reiterated its buy rating on this ASX travel share after the Australian Bureau of Statistics released new data.

    The broker commented:

    The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Overseas Arrivals and Departures data for January 2026 bodes well for Helloworld Travel Limited (ASX:HLO) with Departures up 8.4% Financial YTD and the travel destination mix reasonably steady. 

    Shaw and Partners kept its 12-month share price target at $2.80.

    This implies a potential 94% upside from here.

    Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

    The Bega Cheese share price is down 0.27% to $5.60 at the time of writing.

    The ASX consumer staples share is down 7.67% YTD and up 8.6% over the past year.

    This month, PAC Partners retained its buy rating and increased its price target by 7% to $7.50 per share.

    This implies a potential 34% upside from here.

    The broker said:

    Bega Cheese Limited’s (ASX:BGA) vision of a great Australian food company arrived this year with: a scalable platform #1 and #2 “better for you” brands; #1 Australian cold chain; off-shore leverage; and a 50% lift in dividend in 1H’26.

    Starpharma Holdings Ltd (ASX: SPL)

    The Starpharma share price is 47 cents, up 1.1% on Friday.

    This ASX small-cap share has risen 25.7% YTD and soared 365% over 12 months.

    PAC Partners has a buy rating on this ASX healthcare share.

    The broker forecasts growth in partnerships and over-the-counter revenue over the next four years.

    PAC Partners says it has a “high risk” 12-month price target range of 80 cents to $1 on Starpharma shares.

    This suggests a possible minimum capital gain of 70% over the next 12 months.

    PAC Partners commented:

    Starpharma Holdings Limited (ASX:SPL) will start human clinical trials of its novel radiotherapy drug for a solid cancer target by the end of 2026.

    This in-house project opens up SPL dendrimer applications beyond the Genentech, medicxi and RAD.ASX partnered projects.

    The post 3 buy-rated ASX shares in today’s falling market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bega Cheese Limited right now?

    Before you buy Bega Cheese Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Bega Cheese Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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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.

  • Does Northern Star shares have further to fall?

    A concerned man looking at his laptop.

    Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares have taken a massive hit this week, with selling picking up after a weak update from the company.

    The share price is down 2.58% to $18.47 at the time of writing. Over the past week, the stock has dropped about 32%, putting it among the worst performers in the gold sector.

    So, what has gone wrong, and where to from here?

    Production concerns weigh on sentiment

    The sell-off followed an operational update that has raised fresh concerns for investors.

    Northern Star said production is now expected to land at the lower end of its FY26 guidance range. It also flagged weaker milling performance at KCGM and softer mining productivity at Jundee.

    For January and February 2026, gold sales totalled 220,000 ounces. Open pit grades at KCGM averaged about 1.6 grams per tonne, which fell short of expectations.

    Although the company still expects full-year production to exceed 1.5 million ounces, the update has shifted the focus to execution risks.

    It is also not the first downgrade. Northern Star has lowered expectations multiple times, which is starting to weigh on investor confidence.

    Gold price pullback adds to pressure

    The broader market backdrop has not helped.

    Gold prices have pulled back in recent weeks after a strong run earlier in the year. The metal is now down around 10% over the past month, which has weighed on sentiment across the sector.

    At the same time, costs remain a concern. Rising oil prices and ongoing inflation across labour and materials are adding pressure to operating margins.

    This combination of softer gold prices and higher costs has made investors more hesitant on gold stocks in the short term.

    Mixed views from brokers

    Despite the heavy sell-off, broker views are not all negative.

    Bell Potter has kept a ‘buy’ rating on Northern Star but noted the latest update was disappointing. It expects the share price could stay under pressure in the near term as the market digests the weaker guidance.

    Morgans also revised its forecasts after the announcement, cutting its price target from $35 to $30. Even after this cut, the revised target still implies upside from current levels.

    Across the market, views remain split. Some see value at these levels if operations improve, while others remain focused on execution risks and rising costs.

    What to watch from here

    Attention will now shift to Northern Star’s next quarterly update.

    Investors will be watching production, costs, and whether performance at KCGM and Jundee starts to improve. Another downgrade would likely put further pressure on the share price.

    Gold prices will also remain a key driver in the near term.

    Until then, the market is likely to stay focused on delivery.

    The post Does Northern Star shares have further to fall? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Northern Star Resources Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Northern Star Resources Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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

  • 3 ASX 200 stocks screaming higher in this week’s sinking market

    three young children weariing business suits, helmets and old fashioned aviator goggles wear aeroplane wings on their backs and jump with one arm outstretched into the air in an arid, sandy landscape.

    With just a few hours of trade left this week, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 1.6% since last Friday’s closing bell, but that hasn’t held back these three surging ASX 200 stocks.

    It’s a diversified list of top performers on my list for the week. One is a major energy supplier; one is a leading healthcare stock; and the third is a global metals and electronics recycler.

    Here’s why they’ve been charging higher this week despite the broader market retrace.

    ASX 200 stocks leaping higher this week

    First up we have Sims Ltd (ASX: SGM).

    Shares in the metals and electronics recycler closed last Friday trading for $18.36. At time of writing, shares are changing hands for $20.65. That sees this ASX 200 stock up 12.4% for the week.

    Sims shares got a big boost on Wednesday after the company reported a positive FY 2026 trading update.

    Noting continued price strength in both the non-ferrous and memory chip markets, Sims forecast full year underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to be between $350 million and $400 million.

    Sims also reassured investors that the impact on its performance from the Middle East conflict to date remains relatively limited outside of shipping and fuel costs.

    Moving on to the second ASX 200 stock racing higher in this week’s falling market, we have Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA).

    Shares in the oil refiner and fuel supplier closed last week trading for $2.14 and are currently changing hands for $2.42 each. This puts the Viva Energy share price up 13.3% for the week.

    The stock has been a clear beneficiary of surging global oil and gas prices, with shares now up more than 37% over the past months.

    Viva Energy also caught investor interest today following news of renewed Federal government support for domestic oil refining as the war in Iran threatens imports.

    The government’s Fuel Security Services Payment (FSSP) provides financial support for Australia’s two remaining refineries when regional refining margins fall below long-term breakeven costs.

    Viva Energy owns and operates the Geelong Refinery in Victoria.

    Which brings us to…

    Leading the charge

    The top performing ASX 200 stock on my list for today is Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX).

    Shares in the diagnostic and therapeutic product developer closed last Friday at $11.29. Shares are currently trading for $12.99 each. This sees the Telix share price up an impressive 14.7% in this week’s slumping market.

    Telix shares look to have gotten a delayed boost throughout the week from Monday’s announcement that it had resubmitted a New Drug Application to the US Food and Drug Administration for its brain cancer imaging product TLX101-Px (Pixclara).

    The resubmission included additional data requested by the FDA.

    “Our resubmission is supported by an extensive and compelling data set – particularly so for an orphan indication,” Telix chief medical officer David Cade said.

    The post 3 ASX 200 stocks screaming higher in this week’s sinking market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Sims Metal Management Limited right now?

    Before you buy Sims Metal Management Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Sims Metal Management Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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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 Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • What if the stock market crashes in 2026?

    A man sits wide-eyed at a desk with a laptop open and holds one hand to his forehead with an extremely worried look on his face as he reads news of the Bitcoin price falling today on his mobile phone

    It’s probably fair to say that many ASX investors might be starting to worry that the share market is heading for a rough patch. At the extreme ends, we could see a stock market correction, or even crash, in 2026. Now, to be clear, I’m not trying to scare anyone. I, nor anybody else, knows what the markets will do tomorrow, let alone next week or next month.

    However, we can’t skirt the fact that a severe energy shock, as the the world is currently experiencing, has the potential to be highly damaging to the global economy. The US-Iran war has resulted in the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait is a vital energy artery that, until a few weeks ago, allowed the transit of about a fifth of the world’s energy supply chain. As most Australians would already be aware, this has sent energy costs soaring around the globe.

    Long story short, the possibility of a stock market correction or crash looks more likely today than it did three weeks ago. At least in my view.

    This might seem like a scary prospect. And it is. Stock market downturns can have serious implications for investors, particularly those at or approaching retirement.

    How to approach a potential 2026 stock market crash

    However, even before the US-Iran war started, ASX investors should have been preparing for a crash at some point. As the long history of the stock market proves, periodic corrections or crashes are an inevitable part of investing. There is usually a catalyst , of course. But regardless of what that catalyst turns out to be, the question when it comes to the next crash is always ‘when’, not ‘if’.

    As such, I think all investors should be wargaming the prospect of a market downturn at the best of times. If you haven’t, today is probably a good day to start.

    That doesn’t mean girding yourself to start selling shares if things get worse though. It is my firm belief that the ASX share portfolio you have when you expect the good times to roll should be the same portfolio that you have if you are bracing for a possible stock market crash. If you buy an ASX share, whether it be TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) or Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), you are buying an ownership stake in that company’s future profits.

    The future is a long time. So if you believe a company will be permanently damaged or even perish in the next recession or economic calamity, why would you own the shares in the first place? It would be the equivalent of buying a house on a floodplain.

    If the market crashed tomorrow, I would not sell a single share in my portfolio. Instead, I would be scraping whatever money I had at my disposal together to buy more shares at a much cheaper price.

    The post What if the stock market crashes in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

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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 positions in and has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Are Fortescue shares a top buy in March?

    Man in yellow hard hat looks through binoculars as man in white hard hat stands behind him and points.

    Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares have had a solid run, climbing 17% over the past 12 months to $18.68.

    That’s a strong return for a mining stock. But it also raises an important question.

    At these levels, is Fortescue still a top buy in March, or are there better options in the sector?

    There’s a lot to like about Fortescue

    To be clear, I’m not negative on Fortescue.

    In fact, if I already owned the shares, I wouldn’t be in a hurry to sell them.

    The company continues to generate strong cash flow, which supports its dividend. Its latest result highlighted a fully-franked interim dividend of 62 cents per share, reflecting a 65% payout of profits.

    It is also one of the lowest-cost iron ore producers globally, which gives it resilience when commodity prices weaken.

    On top of that, Fortescue is investing heavily in decarbonisation and future-facing projects, while also building exposure to copper through its acquisition of Alta Copper.

    So there’s clearly a lot going right.

    But I’d still choose BHP first

    That said, if I were adding mining exposure to my portfolio today, I would lean toward BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares instead.

    The main reason comes down to diversification and future earnings drivers.

    Fortescue is still heavily reliant on iron ore. While that has been a very profitable commodity, it also makes earnings more cyclical and tied to a single market.

    BHP, on the other hand, offers exposure to a broader mix of commodities.

    Most importantly, it has made copper a major part of its portfolio.

    Copper could be the key difference

    This is where I think the gap between the two companies becomes most important.

    Copper demand is expected to grow strongly over time, driven by electrification, renewable energy, and data infrastructure.

    BHP is already one of the world’s largest copper producers, with operations like Escondida and Olympic Dam underpinning its position.

    Fortescue is clearly moving in that direction as well, but it is starting from a much smaller base. Even with acquisitions, it is unlikely to match BHP’s scale in copper any time soon.

    For me, that matters.

    If I’m investing for the next decade, I want meaningful exposure to commodities with structural growth tailwinds, and BHP offers that today.

    Income vs diversification

    One area where Fortescue arguably has the edge is income. It has a strong track record of paying generous dividends, supported by its low-cost operations and high margins.

    That makes it an appealing option for income-focused investors.

    But I think there’s a trade-off.

    BHP may not always offer the highest dividend yield, but its more diversified earnings base could make its long-term returns more balanced.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Fortescue is a high-quality miner with strong cash flow, attractive dividends, and a clear strategy to evolve over time.

    If I owned the shares, I’d be happy to hold onto them. But if I were putting fresh money to work in the mining sector this month, I’d be leaning toward BHP shares instead.

    For me, its diversification and leadership in copper give it the edge right now.

    The post Are Fortescue shares a top buy in March? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BHP Group right now?

    Before you buy BHP Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BHP Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • EOS shares tumble 8% as insider selling ramps up

    A male investor wearing a white shirt and blue suit jacket sits at his desk looking at his laptop with his hands to his chin, waiting in anticipation.

    The Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) share price is under pressure on Friday after a significant round of insider selling caught the market’s attention.

    At the time of writing, the EOS share price is down 8.19% to $8.86. This follows a strong run over the past year, with the stock still up close to 600% over 12 months despite today’s pullback.

    So, how many shares did the management team offload?

    Let’s take a look.

    CEO leads major share sale

    According to the release, EOS Chief Executive Dr Andreas Schwer has sold 1.5 million shares in an off-market transaction.

    The shares were sold at $9.28 each, which implies proceeds of roughly $13.9 million.

    Following the sale, Dr Schwer still holds 1,407,211 shares, along with 585,929 unvested share rights and 986,842 unvested share options.

    The company noted that the sale follows a previously announced intention to divest shares after exercising options.

    EOS also confirmed that Dr Schwer does not intend to make further sales before the next trading window, which is expected to open in mid-April.

    Other executives also reduce holdings

    Clive Cuthell, the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, has also sold shares. The size and value of the transaction have not been disclosed.

    In addition, Non-Executive Director Kate Lundy sold 13,000 shares at $8.96 each, raising just over $116,000.

    On the other side of the ledger, Chairman Garry Hounsell purchased 5,000 shares on market at prices between $9.15 and $9.17. This increases his total holdings to more than 522,000 shares.

    Why the share price pulled back

    Despite the company flagging management’s intention to sell shares last week, the decline appears to reflect a mix of factors.

    The size of the CEO’s sale stands out. A $13.9 million disposal is enough to raise questions, even if it was disclosed in advance.

    The timing is also notable. EOS shares have surged in recent weeks, hitting an all-time high of $11.80, which appears to have prompted profit-taking from both insiders and investors.

    The broader backdrop is also playing a role, particularly the ongoing Middle East conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. ASX defence stocks have been volatile in recent months, meaning any news has been triggering sharp moves either way.

    Foolish Takeaway

    EOS shares have pulled back following a wave of insider selling. Even so, the broader trend remains strong after a sharp rally through the middle of 2025 and into 2026.

    The company operates in defence and space markets, where demand continues to grow as global tensions remain elevated.

    That said, this update shows how quickly sentiment can shift when management reduces holdings, particularly after a strong run in the share price.

    Whether this proves to be a short-term pullback or a sign of slowing momentum remains to be seen. It will depend on the company’s ability to deliver further contract wins and earnings growth.

    The post EOS shares tumble 8% as insider selling ramps up appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you buy Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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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 positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. 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.

  • Why EOS, Latitude, Northern Star, and Rio Tinto shares are falling today

    Person with thumbs down and a red sad face poster covering the face.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is out of form on Friday and trading lower. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.2% to 8,482.8 points.

    Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

    Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

    The EOS share price is down 5% to $9.13. This defence and space company’s shares are falling today after it confirmed that its CEO, Dr Andreas Schwer, has sold shares as planned. It advised that on Thursday, Dr Schwer sold 1.5 million shares for an average of $9.28 per share. This equates to a total consideration of approximately $13.9 million. EOS notes that Dr Schwer still holds approximately 1.4 million shares in EOS. These are valued at approximately $12.7 million based on its current share price. The company’s leader has “no intention to make further divestments before the next trading window which may open in mid-April 2026.”

    Latitude Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: LFS)

    The Latitude share price is down 7% to 94 cents. This has been driven by the consumer finance company’s shares going ex-dividend this morning. Last month, the company released its FY 2025 results and declared a final fully franked dividend of 5 cents per share. Eligible shareholders can look forward to receiving this payout next month on 21 April.

    Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

    The Northern Star share price is down almost 3% to $18.46. This follows a pullback in the gold price overnight amid concerns that soaring energy prices could lead to higher inflation in the United States and send interest rates higher. This would be bad news for gold, which is a safe haven asset and popular when interest rates are low. The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index is down 2% at the time of writing.

    Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

    The Rio Tinto share price is down almost 3% to $146.94. Investors have been selling miners on Friday following a drop in base metal prices overnight. According to CommSec, copper futures dropped 2.2% and hit three-month lows on concerns that surging oil prices could hit global economic growth. This has led to the S&P/ASX 200 Resources index falling 1.4% this afternoon.

    The post Why EOS, Latitude, Northern Star, and Rio Tinto shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you buy Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. 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.

  • Guess which ASX lithium share is leaping 14% in Friday’s sinking market

    A female athlete in green spandex leaps from one cliff edge to another representing 3 ASX shares that are destined to rise and be great

    The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is down 0.6% during the Friday lunch hour, but that’s not holding back this rocketing ASX lithium share.

    The fast-rising miner in question is Atlantic Lithium Ltd (ASX: A11).

    Atlantic Lithium shares closed yesterday trading for 31.5 cents. During the lunch hour today, shares are changing hands for 36.0 cents apiece, up 14.3%.

    At the current price, Atlantic Lithium shares are now up 100% since this time last year.

    If you’re not familiar with Atlantic, the junior ASX lithium share is primarily focused on its flagship Ewoyaa Lithium Project. Located in Ghana, Atlantic is working to advance Ewoyaa through to production to become the country’s first lithium-producing mine.

    Now, here’s what grabbing ASX investor interest today.

    ASX lithium share jumps on project approval

    Investors are bidding up the Atlantic Lithium share price after the company announced that Ghana’s parliament has ratified the mining lease for Ewoyaa.

    The Ewoyaa mining lease is the first to ever be granted and ratified for mining lithium in Ghana.

    Having received formal approval for its proposed Ewoyaa Lithium Mine and Processing Plant, the ASX lithium share said it can now advance project funding discussions and continue its progress towards a Final Investment Decision (FID).

    Under the terms of the mining lease, Atlantic Lithium has the exclusive rights to carry out mining and commercial production activities for an initial 15-year period, renewable in accordance with Ghanaian legislation.

    The ASX lithium share will pay the government a royalty rate between 5% and 12%, based on the spodumene prices at the time.

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the government approval boosting the ASX lithium share today, Atlantic CEO Keith Muller said, “Parliamentary ratification of the mining lease for the Ewoyaa Lithium Project marks a watershed moment for both Ghana and Atlantic Lithium.”

    Muller added:

    We are delighted to have the full support of the government as we work towards achieving first production of spodumene. Having already built itself to become a leading gold producer, Ghana has now taken a major step towards a new lithium future.

    Looking ahead, Muller concluded:

    Shortly, we intend to provide further clarity on the outcomes of the work we completed through H2 2025 to enhance the viability of the project through ongoing commodity price volatility.

    This work will help define the direction of the project’s development and inform the steps to be taken ahead of a project Final Investment Decision.

    The post Guess which ASX lithium share is leaping 14% in Friday’s sinking market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Atlantic Lithium Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Atlantic Lithium Ltd shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Atlantic Lithium Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 20 Feb 2026

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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.