Category: Stock Market

ASX financial shares are the worst performers of the 11 market sectors on Thursday, down 1.9%.

Meantime, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 1.4%.

ASX 200 financial shares have weakened by 3% in 2026 compared to a 1% slip for the broader benchmark index.

Experts explain why they’ve placed buy ratings on three ASX financial shares today.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

The CBA share price is $161.51, down 2% today and down 7.5% over the past month.

Earlier in May, CBA shares experienced their biggest one-day fall in history.

This happened on the day the bank released its 3Q FY26 update and in the first trading session post-Federal Budget.

Mark Elzayed from Investor Pulse has a buy rating on the market’s biggest ASX financial share. 

On The Bull, Elzayed explained why he is one of the first analysts to give CBA shares a buy rating in many months.

CBA remains Australia’s dominant retail bank. The recent sharp sell-off has created a more attractive entry point for long term investors.

The bank generated unaudited cash net profit after tax of $2.7 billion in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, up 4 per cent on the prior corresponding period. Lending and deposits continued to grow despite a softer economic backdrop.

CBA also maintains strong capital levels and recently paid a fully franked interim dividend of $2.35 a share for the first half of fiscal year 2026.

The shares fell heavily following housing concerns flowing from the Federal Budget. We see scope for a recovery once sentiment stabilises.

Top broker Morgan Stanley tips a 5% earnings downgrade for ASX 200 bank shares due to capital gains tax (CGT) changes in the Budget.

L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF)

The L1 Long Short Fund share price is $4.39, down 0.7% today and up 20% over six months.

The fund is run by independent global investment manager, L1 Capital.

L1 Capital says the fund is a highly diversified portfolio of long and short positions based on a fundamental bottom-up research process. 

On The Bull, Jed Richards from Shaw and Partners explained his buy call on this ASX financial share:

LSF offers exposure to global growth opportunities through a highly regarded investment team with a strong long term track record.

Management has meaningful personal investment in the fund, aligning interests with investors.

Recent performance has been supported by global equity exposure.

The fund also offers a solid income stream, making it an attractive option for growth and income in a diversified portfolio.

Qualitas Ltd (ASX: QAL)

The Qualitas share price is steady at $2.87 on Thursday, and down 20% in 2026.

Qualitas is an Australian alternative investment manager offering local and global investment strategies across real assets and private credit. 

Morgans recently upgraded Qualitas shares to a buy rating with a 12-month price target of $3.50.

This implies a potential 22% upside ahead for the ASX financial share.

Morgans commented:

Our valuation and recommendation change was driven almost entirely by a reduction to our discretionary valuation discount (+75 cps), reflecting our lower perceived risk as a) the company reiterates that FUM commitments continue to increase and b) FUM deployments set new records.

Following QAL’s recent 3QFY26 update, the announced changes to residential real estate investment in the Federal Budget and the sale of a further interest in the comparable Metrics Credit, we have upgraded QAL to a BUY with a $3.50/sh price target.

The post 3 ASX financial shares to buy: experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Investors are celebrating yesterday’s inflation news. Here’s how it might impact ASX financial stocks
• This ASX bank ETF has a 5.2% dividend yield right now
• ASX 200 rises as inflation surprise leaves investors with one big question
• Why ASX, CBA, Endeavour, and Tuas shares are falling today
• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $3,000 monthly passive income?

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

AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL) and Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) shares are a popular option for investors looking for exposure to the energy sector.

But should investors be buying these ASX energy shares today?

According to analysts at Ord Minnett, the answer is no.

What is the broker saying?

This month, Ord Minnett has been taking a fresh look at AGL and Origin Energy and has come away more cautious on both companies.

The broker believes electricity market transition dynamics are evolving less favourably than previously expected.

In particular, it is concerned that battery capacity in the National Electricity Market is being deployed much faster than required at a time when coal-fired generation is not closing quickly enough. It explains:

Ord Minnett sees increasing downside risk to AGL Energy and Origin Energy as electricity market transition dynamics evolve less favourably than had been anticipated. Our central thesis is that battery capacity in the National Electricity Market (NEM) is being deployed materially faster than required in the absence of corresponding coal-fired generation retirements.

Battery-capacity additions are now running at close to double the pace implied by system requirements to 2030, meaning anticipated needs are likely to be met as early as 2027. Many of the coal-fired power station closures assumed in long term planning, however, have yet to occur. This timing mismatch has materially reduced volatility across the electricity market, and is evident in lower gas demand from power generation, a sharp fall in capacity contract prices, weaker frequency control ancillary services revenue, and narrower intraday price spreads.

This has led the broker to downgrade both companies.

AGL and Origin shares downgraded

AGL shares have been cut to a hold rating from buy, with its price target reduced to $11.75 from $13.25.

The broker notes that AGL supplies energy generated from coal, gas-fired, wind, hydro, solar and grid-scale batteries. It also has natural gas storage and other firming and storage technology.

These flexible assets were expected to become increasingly valuable as the energy transition progressed. However, Ord Minnett now believes the outlook for battery earnings is weaker than previously assumed.

The broker is even more cautious on Origin Energy.

Ord Minnett has downgraded Origin shares to a lighten rating from hold and reduced its price target to $10.40 from $11.00.

Commenting on its earnings downgrades, the broker said:

We now forecast battery operating earnings (EBITDA) of around $150 million per annum for AGL Energy in FY28 and FY29, well below prior expectations for EBITDA of $250–300 million. For Origin Energy, we estimate battery earnings contributions for FY27 and FY28 of $230–270 million before lease cash costs of approximately $120 million per annum.

The post Should you buy AGL and Origin Energy shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• AGL Energy shares tumble 19% from their peak: Buy, sell or hold?
• 3 ASX shares that could win big from Australia’s push to net zero
• Passive income investors: These 3 ASX dividend shares yield 5% (or more)
• AGL shares lifting off on improved $2.1 billion full year earnings expectations
• AGL Energy narrows FY26 guidance as project pipeline grows

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

S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) shares are down 1.1% to 8,849.4 points on Thursday.

Among the 11 market sectors, only the consumer staples and consumer discretionary sectors are in the green.

Let’s find out how the experts rate these three ASX All Ords shares.

Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN)

The Kingsgate share price is $6.05, down 7.6% today and up 41% over six months.

Mark Elzayed from Investor Pulse has a buy rating on this ASX All Ords gold share.

He explained why on The Bull this week:

Kingsgate operates the Chatree gold mine in Thailand and is benefiting from elevated gold prices and improving operational momentum.

We like the stock because March quarter gold production reached 21,036 ounces, with record margins of $US2613 per ounce.

Total cash and bullion climbed to $213.4 million, while debt was significantly reduced.

Management is also targeting gold production of between 85,000 ounces to 95,000 ounces in full year 2026, supported by stronger grades and ongoing exploration upside near Chatree.

Metcash Ltd (ASX: MTS)

The Metcash share price is $3.06, down 1% today and down 17.3% over six months.

Metcash owns the IGA supermarket network.

Jed Richards from Shaw and Partners has a hold rating on this ASX All Ords consumer staples share.

Richards commented: 

Metcash remains a quality defensive business with diverse earnings across food, liquor and hardware. Its strong customer network provides consistent cash flow and resilience during economic uncertainty.

Recent updates show stable margins despite increasing cost pressures, and the company continues to generate an attractive dividend yield.

While growth is modest, its defensive characteristics and reliable income stream support a hold position. It remains well positioned to benefit from steady consumer demand.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside share price is $30.47, down 0.8% today and up 29% in 2026.

Like most ASX All Ords energy shares, Woodside has benefitted from higher oil and gas prices due to the Iran war.

Richards reckons it’s time to take profits, and has a sell rating on Woodside shares.

He said: 

Woodside has benefited from elevated oil and gas prices driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

However, in our view, the share price strength appears largely macro driven rather than based on underlying company improvements.

Given Middle East tensions are expected to ease over time, energy prices could soften and reduce earnings support.

The stock now appears fully valued. In response to share price gains, it makes sense to lock in profits and re-allocate the proceeds to opportunities with stronger growth outlooks.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Kingsgate, Metcash, Woodside shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• With a 6% dividend yield, should I buy Metcash shares today?
• Beach Energy, Ampol and Woodside shares: 1 to buy, 1 to hold and 1 to sell
• Here is what this ASX energy giant is paying income investors in 2026
• Buy, hold, sell: L1 Long Short Fund, Metcash, and Wesfarmers shares

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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 1.1% lower on Thursday amid no progress on negotiations between the US and Iran.

Meantime, brokers have indicated a changed view on several ASX 200 shares, and have upgraded their ratings.

Let’s check them out.

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)

The Sandfire Resources share price is $19.46, down 1.6% today.

Over the past month, this ASX 200 copper share has ripped 16%.

UBS upgraded Sandfire Resources shares to a hold rating this week.

The broker increased its 12-month price target from $16.75 to $20.

This implies just 3% upside ahead.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The Evolution share price is $12.21, down 3.4% today.

Over the past year, this ASX 200 gold share has climbed 39%.

UBS upgraded Evolution shares to a buy rating this week.

The broker upped its price target from $13.80 to $14.

This suggests a potential 15% upside ahead.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

The Woolworths share price is $34.84, up 0.6% today.

Over the past six months, this ASX 200 consumer staples share has recovered 18%.

JP Morgan upgraded Woolworths shares to a buy rating this week.

The broker lifted its 12-month price target from $35 to $37.

This implies a potential 6% upside ahead.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

The Wesfarmers share price is $78.13, up 0.7% today.

The market’s largest consumer discretionary share has lifted 8% over the past month.

Morgans upgraded Wesfarmers shares to a buy rating with an $81.10 price target on Monday.

This indicates possible growth of 4% over the next year. 

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

The Paladin Energy share price is $11.41, up 0.4% today.

Over the past six months, this ASX 200 uranium share has leapt 40%.

Macquarie upgraded the stock to a buy rating with a $13.25 target this week.

This suggests potential capital growth of 16% over the next year. 

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) 

The NAB share price is $37.05, down 1.9% today.

The ASX 200 bank share has fallen 13% in 2026.

Citi upgraded NAB shares to a hold rating this week.

The broker reduced its 12-month price target from $39.25 to $37.40.

This suggests almost no capital growth ahead.

The post 6 ASX 200 shares just upgraded by the experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Wesfarmers shares remain the gold standard of ASX retail investing
• 2 ASX dividend shares I’d buy for reliable passive income
• This ASX bank ETF has a 5.2% dividend yield right now
• 3 reasons to buy Woolworths shares at $34
• ASX 200 rises as inflation surprise leaves investors with one big question

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 positions in and has recommended JPMorgan Chase, Macquarie Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is down 1.1% in afternoon trade today, but that’s not holding back this surging small-cap ASX energy stock.

The fast-rising stock in question is Invictus Energy Ltd (ASX: IVZ).

Invictus Energy shares closed yesterday trading for 6.7 cents. In earlier trade on Thursday, shares leapt to 10.5 cents apiece, up 56.7%. After some likely profit taking, at time of writing shares are swapping hands for 8.1 cents each, up 20.9%.

Here’s what’s grabbing investor interest.

ASX energy stock rockets on Zimbabwe news

The Invictus share price is off to the races after the company announced that it has executed a milestone petroleum production sharing agreement (PPSA) with the Republic of Zimbabwe.

The agreement was inked by Geo Associates, which is 80% owned by the ASX energy stock.

Geo Associates is the operator and holder of Special Grant 4571 in Zimbabwe, which contains the Mukuyu gas-condensate discovery within Invictus Energy’s Cabora Bassa licence area.

The ASX energy stock said the agreement establishes a strong legal, fiscal, and operational framework governing the Cabora Bassa Project, providing investment protection, contract stability, and development support mechanisms.

And both Zimbabwe’s government and citizens could benefit under the agreement, with direct participation in the project’s profits as well as royalties and corporate taxes,

What did Invictus management say?

Commenting on the deal sending the ASX energy stock soaring today, Invictus CEO Scott Macmillan said, “Execution of the Petroleum Production Sharing Agreement represents a landmark milestone for both the Cabora Bassa Project and the broader development of Zimbabwe’s oil and gas industry.”

Macmillan added:

The PPSA establishes a robust, transparent and globally competitive framework that provides long term certainty for all stakeholders, while creating a strong foundation to accelerate development activities across the basin.

Looking to what’s next for the ASX energy stock, he concluded:

With this critical framework now in place, the company is firmly focused on advancing the next phase of exploration, appraisal and development activities, including the upcoming high impact Musuma-1 exploration well.

“The Cabora Bassa Project has the potential to become transformational for Zimbabwe through energy security, industrial development, employment creation and broader economic growth,” Zimbabwe’s minister of finance, economic development and investment promotion, Mthuli Ncube, said.

Ncube added:

This agreement creates a balanced and aligned framework that supports investor confidence while ensuring that Zimbabwe and its citizens directly participate in the long-term success of the project.

Zimbabwe’s minister of mines and mining development, Polite Kambamura, concluded, “Through this agreement, Zimbabwe has established a framework that balances investor confidence with national participation and long-term value creation for the country.”

The post Guess which ASX energy stock is surging 57% today on huge African news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Should you buy AGL and Origin Energy shares?
• Buy, hold, sell: Kingsgate, Metcash, Woodside shares
• 6 ASX 200 shares just upgraded by the experts
• Why Eagers Automative, Endeavour, IPH, and Newmont shares are sinking today
• Why Temple & Webster, Web Travel and Guzman Y Gomez shares could have even further to fall

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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on track to record a disappointing decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down by 1.6% to 8,579.3 points.

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

Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)

The Eagers Automotive share price is down 8.5% to $20.81. This is despite a number of brokers putting buy ratings on the auto retailer’s shares today. One of those was Morgans, which has retained its buy rating with a reduced price target of $27.25 (from $30.00). It said: “Despite some near-term earnings uncertainty, we continue to view a meaningful structural opportunity across consolidation (AUS/CAD), strategic alliances (Mitsubishi Corporation), used vehicles (EA123) and ongoing NEV leadership. We see recent share price pressure (~18x FY27F PE) as an attractive entry point given the earnings trajectory ahead (CY27F EPS growth ~19%).”

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

The Endeavour share price is down a further 2.5% to $2.85. Investors have been selling this drinks giant’s shares this week following a strategy update. To support the strategy, the BWS and Dan Murphy’s owner has announced a reduction in its dividend payout ratio. In response, this morning, Macquarie retained its underperform rating on Endeavour’s shares with a heavily reduced price target of $2.80.

IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

The IPH share price is down 1% to $3.82. This morning, the intellectual property services company announced the appointment of Anthony (Tony) O’Malley as its new managing director and CEO with effect from 1 July 2026. IPH’s chair, Peter Warne, said: “Following a comprehensive global search, the Board is pleased to appoint Tony as our new CEO. His calibre and broad professional services experience position him well to lead the next phase of the Company’s growth strategy.”

Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM)

The Newmont share price is down 6.5% to $146.86. Investors have been selling Newmont’s shares following a pullback in the gold price overnight. The precious metal hit a two-month low after investors increased their US interest rate hike bets. Newmont isn’t the only gold miner falling today. The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index is down a sizeable 7.2% at the time of writing.

The post Why Eagers Automative, Endeavour, IPH, and Newmont shares are sinking today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Morgans says these ASX 200 shares are buys
• Investors are watching this ASX stock after a big CEO announcement
• Does Bell Potter rate this ASX 200 share as a buy, hold, or sell?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Why ASX, CBA, Endeavour, and Tuas shares are falling today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Endeavour Group. 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 Eagers Automotive Ltd and IPH Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW), Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB) and Guzman Y Gomez (ASX: GYG) shares have had a year to forget.

Over the past 12 months the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned a relatively tepid 2.8%. But that’s a stellar performance compared to these three crashing stocks.

Here’s how these ASX 200 consumer focused stocks have performed over this same time:

• Online hotel booking travel agency Web Travel shares are down 52.3%
• Online furniture and homewares retailer Temple & Webster shares are down 75.6%
• Mexican fast food restaurant chain Guzman Y Gomez shares are down 36.1%

Atop some of their own operational issues, all three companies have faced stiff headwinds amid resurgent inflation and fast rising interest rates, which could see consumers continue to cut back on their discretionary spending.

And despite the past year’s sharp falls, those share price losses might keep coming in the months ahead.

Here’s why.

Temple & Webster, Web Travel and Guzman Y Gomez shares facing headwinds

Bell Potter institutional sales and trading director Richard Coppleson believes that Australia is approaching a recession that could continue to see investors exit ASX consumer stocks

According to Coppleson (quoted by The Australian Financial Review):

I have grave fears that we are heading down that [recession] road and my view remains the same for now: avoid domestic cyclicals, retail and anything tied to the consumer because this could get ugly, really ugly.

We have had the market slapping us in the face and warning us that it may be coming; the selling of retail stocks has been savage and going for a long time. The market can see it coming, even if we can’t yet

Ten Cap’s Jun Bei Liu also expects ASX consumer-oriented shares are likely to face ongoing headwinds this year.

Liu noted:

The consumer was already under pressure prior to recent geopolitical uncertainty, and we expect conditions to soften further as higher interest rates continue to work through the economy.

As if this isn’t enough of a concern for Temple & Webster, Web Travel and Guzman y Gomez shares, the AFR reported that Morgan Stanley expects all three stocks to get booted from the ASX 200 as part of the S&P Dow Jones Indices quarterly rebalance next week.

Losing their spots on the benchmark Aussie index could place these beleaguered stocks under further selling pressure as ASX 200 index tracking ETFs, and some fund managers limited to the larger end of the market, will have to sell their existing holdings.

The post Why Temple & Webster, Web Travel and Guzman Y Gomez shares could have even further to fall appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Morgans says these ASX 200 shares are buys
• 3 highly undervalued ASX 200 stocks to target in June with up to 87% upside
• Are Guzman Y Gomez shares a buy after rebounding 28% from a historic low?
• Why EOS, Life360, Nufarm, and Web Travel shares are pushing higher today
• Why are shares in this ASX travel company charging higher today?

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

Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA) shares are sliding on Thursday after the iron ore producer released its fourth-quarter results.

The Champion Iron share price is down 3.39% to $4.84 at the time of writing.

It has been a mixed ride for shareholders. Champion Iron shares are down about 20% in 2026, despite still being up around 14% over the past year.

Here’s what happened in the 3 months ended 31 March.

Production lifts despite rail disruption

According to the release, Champion Iron produced 3.4 million wet metric tonnes (wmt) of high-purity 66.2% iron ore concentrate during the quarter.

That was up 8% from the same period last year.

The company said the result reflected stronger productivity and improved iron recovery at its Bloom Lake operations in Canada.

Sales volumes were also solid, coming in at 3.5 million dry metric tonnes (dmt). That was broadly in line with the prior corresponding period.

The miner said this was achieved despite rail service disruption caused by a third-party train derailment in late December.

This affected operations through part of the quarter, although rail service later resumed.

Champion also said its direct reduction pellet feed project remains on schedule.

The project is designed to upgrade about half of Bloom Lake’s capacity to produce higher-grade material.

Initial production tests were completed in March, with commercial production expected by the end of the June quarter.

Profit takes a hit

The weaker share price reaction appears to be coming from the financial side of the result.

Revenue fell to US$414.5 million for the quarter, down from US$425.3 million a year earlier.

Earnings also moved lower. Champion Iron reported EBITDA of US$114.3 million, compared with US$127.4 million in the prior corresponding period.

Net income fell, dropping to US$23.2 million from US$39.1 million.

Costs are also receiving attention.

Champion reported a C1 cash cost of US$82.7 per dmt, up from US$80 a year earlier.

Its all-in sustaining cost (AISC) rose to US$96.9 per dmt, compared with US$93.1 last year.

The company pointed to higher freight and other costs, including pressure from the C3 freight index.

It also said the lower EBITDA and margin were mainly driven by a stronger Canadian dollar against the US dollar.

Champion’s average realised selling price was US$120.0 per dmt, slightly below the P65 index average of US$120.8 over the period.

Cash and dividends stay in focus

The company ended March with US$296.8 million in cash and cash equivalents.

It also had US$515.5 million in available loans and total cash, working capital, and available credit facilities of more than US$1 billion.

Champion Iron also announced a revised dividend policy.

Under the new framework, future dividends are expected to equal 30% to 40% of free cash flow.

Despite this, no dividend was declared for the March half.

Management said this reflected a focus on preserving liquidity during volatile macroeconomic conditions.

The post Warning: Champion Iron shares slide as profits take a hit appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: Mineral Resources, Fortescue, Champion Iron shares
• Champion Iron announces production gains and new growth projects

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.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) is not the loudest growth share on the ASX.

It is not selling products to consumers, building artificial intelligence (AI) models, or chasing a glamorous global market. But I think it is one of the best ASX 200 growth shares to buy for the long term.

The reason is simple. Hub24 sits in the middle of a wealth management industry that is still changing.

A strong position in a large market

Hub24 provides investment platform technology used by financial advisers and their clients.

That may sound niche, but I think it is a very attractive part of the market.

Financial advice is becoming more complex. Clients can have superannuation, pensions, managed accounts, tax needs, estate planning considerations, and investment portfolios that need to be managed across different life stages.

Advisers need systems that make that work easier.

That is where Hub24 has built its position. Its platform helps advisers manage client money, administration, reporting, and investment choices more efficiently.

I like that because once a platform becomes part of an advice practice’s daily operations, it can become very sticky. Advisers do not want clunky technology, poor service, or unnecessary admin slowing them down. If Hub24 keeps delivering a better experience, it can keep winning share.

It still has room to grow

One of the big reasons I like Hub24 is that it is already large, but not close to being finished.

In its latest update, Hub24 said total funds under administration reached $151.7 billion at 31 March 2026, up 22% on the prior corresponding period. Platform funds under administration reached $127.8 billion, up 25%.

That is already a substantial business.

But the company also noted that its platform market share was 9.7% at 31 December, up from 8.3% a year earlier. This means it ranked as the sixth-largest platform by funds under administration.

That tells me two things.

First, Hub24 is clearly gaining ground. Second, there is still a lot of market share available to win from incumbents.

This is the part of the story I find most compelling. Hub24 does not need to invent a new industry to grow. It needs to keep attracting advisers, winning flows, and improving its platform in a market where many older providers may still be vulnerable to better technology and service.

Why I’d buy this ASX 200 growth share

I think Hub24 has several traits I like in a growth share.

It operates in a large market, has a strong reputation, benefits from structural changes in wealth management, and still has meaningful market share to win.

There are risks to consider. Competition remains strong, and platform businesses can be sensitive to market falls because funds under administration are linked to asset values. Valuation is also important, particularly for a high-quality growth stock.

But I think Hub24’s growth runway and current valuation remain attractive.

Foolish takeaway

Some growth shares need a dramatic breakthrough to justify investor optimism.

Hub24’s opportunity looks different. The company is already doing the thing it needs to do: winning advisers, attracting flows, and taking share in a market that still has plenty of room for better technology.

That does not mean the share price is guaranteed to move higher. But if Hub24 keeps strengthening its position over the next few years, I think it could become a much larger and more valuable ASX 200 business.

The post Why I think this could be one of the best ASX 200 growth shares to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX shares that could build serious wealth for shareholders
• Where I’d invest $5,000 in ASX shares this week
•  3 ASX shares that could be future blue chips
• Could these ASX growth shares help you retire rich?
• 3 high-quality ASX shares to buy this week

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. 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.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares are down again during Thursday lunchtime trade.

At the time of writing, the shares are down around 1% to $98.03 a piece.

May wasn’t a good month for the CSL share price. Today’s slump means the biotech stock has now fallen around 24% over the past month alone, and is just over 60% lower than a year ago.

Now the question is, have CSL shares now hit the bottom? Or will they tumble even lower in June?

What happened to CSL shares in May?

CSL shares suffered their biggest-ever one-day crash in early-May after the company lowered its FY26 outlook after interim CEO Gordon Naylor completed his 90-day review.

The company now expects FY26 revenue of around US$15.2 billion on a constant currency basis. It also expects NPATA of about US$3.1 billion, excluding restructuring costs and impairments.

The downgrade has come about following several issues. 

CSL noted that in US immunoglobulin, demand is still growing but normalisation of channel inventory is expected to cause a revenue impact of approximately US$300 million. 

In China, the company expects a US$200 million impact from a decline in the market value of albumin. 

Meanwhile a further US$150 million impact from the Middle East conflict, revised HEMGENIX growth, and competition in iron.

Investors were spooked by the downgrade, and it highlighted that the business is facing several issues all at once. 

At the same time, there has also been a broad market rotation away from healthcare-related stocks in 2026. 

ASX healthcare shares have lagged behind most other sectors on the index so far this year as investors reposition themselves towards ASX energy stocks, resources, and defensive assets. 

Should I buy the shares in June?

The good news is that CSL has said its growth initiatives are working. However the company added that the financial benefits will take longer than previously expected.

At the time of writing, analysts consensus is for an upside ahead of the next 12 months, but it’s clear that investors can’t expect the shares to return to previous levels.

I can’t see that the increase will start filtering through as early as the next few months, so some patience is needed. In fact, I’m expecting more downside ahead before the shares start to rebound.

What is clear is that the market needs to readjust its expectations for CSL shares going forward. 

TradingView data shows that sentiment is evenly split. Nine out of 18 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the stock, and the other nine rate the shares as a hold.

The average $147.55 target price implies a potential 51% upside at the time of writing. 

That increase would take us back to the valuation the shares were trading at in February this year, which is a far cry from the $300-level see through 2020 to 2024.

The post Should I buy CSL shares in June? 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 positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.