Stock Pick

  • 5 ASX All Ords shares that rose 250% to 700% in FY24

    Woman looks amazed and shocked as she looks at her laptop.

    When reviewing some of the best performers of the ASX All Ords in FY24, it can seem deceptively easy to make major money on the share market, can’t it?

    While past performance is never a guarantee of future performance, let’s take a look at some of the ASX All Ords shares that went gangbusters in FY24, delivering some mesmerising share price gains.

    5 ASX All Ords shares that skyrocketed in FY24

    Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: CU6)

    ASX All Ords healthcare share Clarity Pharmaceuticals screamed 674.29% higher in FY24. Excitement is building around Clarity’s highly targeted radiopharmaceuticals that can be used for both the diagnosis and treatment of serious diseases, including cancer.

    The bulk of the stock’s meteoric price rise in FY24 began in April. The company announced that the first patient ever to be dosed with two cycles of 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA at 8GBq achieved a complete response to treatment based on RECIST criteria. That meant the patient had maintained undetectable levels of prostate cancer for almost six months.

    Droneshield (ASX: DRO)

    The share price of ASX All Ords defence company Droneshield went skyward in FY24, rising 647.83%.

    The stock got a substantial lift in January after the company launched its Expeditionary Fixed-Site (EFS) Kit for the DroneSentry-X Mk2, which provides AI-driven detection, identification and defeat capabilities for mobile and expeditionary uses.

    Another game-changing announcement came in May when Droneshield revealed a repeat order of A$5.7 million from a US Government customer for several of its CUxS (Counter-UxS) systems.

    Spartan Resources Ltd (ASX: SPR)

    ASX All Ords gold miner Spartan Resources (formerly known as Gascoyne Resources) had a fantastic year in FY24, with the share price rising 482.35%. Spartan owns the Dalgaranga Gold Project, located 65km northwest of Mt Magnet in Western Australia’s Murchison Region.

    The stock moved up steadily all year but got a good bump in March when the company released assay results showing the Never Never Gold Deposit was 1km deep. In May, further drilling results also excited the market and put the stock on a steeper upward trajectory through to the end of FY24.

    Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL)

    ASX All Ords technology stock Nuix edged higher all year, racking up a 262.35% share price gain for FY24.

    The analytics and intelligence software provider released a bullish FY24 earnings update in May. Nuix was forecasting that its FY24 statutory earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) would increase by more than 35% to be in the range of $47 million to $52 million. Just two weeks later, the company updated those forecasts again and is now expecting EBITDA of $55 million to $60 million.

    Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

    Shares in this ASX All Ords buy now, pay later (BNPL) company zipped 256.1% higher over the course of FY24.

    The stock began a gradual lift in value from October, brought about by strong first-quarter results. The Zip share price got another boost on the back of the half-year update released in January.

    But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The BNPL stock gave back 10.5% of its gains on 16 April, the day it released its third-quarter results. The Zip share price then recovered to finish the year a few cents shy of its 52-week high.

    The post 5 ASX All Ords shares that rose 250% to 700% in FY24 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Clarity Pharmaceuticals right now?

    Before you buy Clarity Pharmaceuticals 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 Clarity Pharmaceuticals 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield and Zip Co. 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.

  • Broker says these ASX shares can rise 25%+

    Looking for some big returns? Then check out the two ASX shares listed below.

    The team at Bell Potter is positive on them and is tipping their shares to rise over 25% from current levels. Here’s what the broker is saying about these shares:

    Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ)

    The first ASX share to look at is Smartgroup. It is a leading fleet management and salary packaging company.

    The broker highlights its undemanding valuation and sees plenty of near-term catalysts that could drive its shares higher. It explains:

    We are attracted to the significant earnings leverage via novated and see the current 10.5x EV/EBITDA as less demanding. Catalysts to drive share price appreciation in the near-term include (1) Revenue uplift from tender wins in FY25e; (2) Introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard from 1 January 2025, with forthcoming PHEV models specific to the Ford Ranger and BYD Seal U; and (3) The announcement for 671 EV charging ports to be installed across 391 sites in NSW.

    Bell Potter has a buy rating and $10.95 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of 28% for investors. In addition, dividend yields of ~6% are expected through to FY 2026.

    Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

    Bell Potter also sees big return potential from this ASX share. Universal Store is a youth focused apparel, footwear and accessories retailer in Australia. It operates under the flagship Universal Store brand and is expanding its private label brands by growing the stand-alone formats of Perfect Stranger and Thrills.

    The broker is feeling very positive about the company’s growth trajectory. This is due to its store rollout plans and margin improvement opportunities. It said:

    Management execution remains a key strength for UNI and we see good growth trajectory for the name given the building of core brands while growing its store rollout. In our view, the higher margin sales from the majority of private label sales should become a major driver of margin improvement and earnings growth, in an expanded store footprint. While we remain cautious on the overall consumer sentiment, given the return to positive comps while cycling elevated pcp through Jan-Feb, we think UNI is well placed as comps become supportive through the 2H.

    Bell Potter has a buy rating and $6.15 price target on its shares. This suggests that upside of 27% is possible over the next 12 months. In addition, 5%+ dividend yields are expected in the coming years.

    The post Broker says these ASX shares can rise 25%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Smartgroup Corporation Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Smartgroup Corporation 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 Smartgroup Corporation 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. 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 positions in and has recommended Smartgroup. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Best 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares for price growth in FY24

    Three health professionals at a hospital smile for the camera.

    In this article, we examine the best ASX 200 healthcare shares of FY24 based on share price growth.

    Here are the best performers, according to data from S & P Global Market Intelligence.

    The top 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares of FY24

    Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME)

    The Pro Medicus share price was the No 1. stock of the entire S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) in FY24, not just the top riser among healthcare shares. Pro Medicus shares surged 118.3% in FY24.

    As my colleague Bernd reports, the imaging company moved higher all year thanks to a record number of new contracts. Most recently in May, Pro Medicus announced five new contracts worth $45 million.

    Pro Medicus CEO Sam Hupert said the pipeline for other contract opportunities “remains strong with a broad range of opportunities both in terms of size and market segments”. Investors are also excited about the company’s plans to leverage artificial intelligence to reduce costs and improve its products.

    The Pro Medicus share price finished the session on Thursday at $129.41, down 5.12%.

    Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU)

    The second top-performing ASX 200 healthcare share in terms of share price growth was Neuren Pharmaceuticals, up 73.6% in FY24.

    The last piece of price-sensitive news from Neuren was the top-line results from the Phase 2 clinical trial of its second drug candidate, NNZ-2591. The drug treats Pitt Hopkins syndrome (PTHS), which is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes developmental delays in children. The top-line results showed a “statistically significant improvement” across all four efficacy measures.

    In 2023, the company’s US marketing partner, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, reported the first full quarter of sales for Neuren’s first approved drug, Daybue, which treats Rett syndrome. Net sales totalled US$66.9 million.

    The Neuren Pharmaceuticals share price closed at $19.97, up 0.35% on Thursday.

    Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

    Rounding out the top three ASX 200 healthcare shares of FY24 is Telix Pharmaceuticals, up 66.2%. Telix shares began a steady northbound trajectory in November 2023.

    Telix develops highly precise diagnostic and therapeutic products to treat cancer using targeted radiation. Its diagnostic imaging can precisely locate tumours and its therapeutics can deliver isotopes directly to the cancerous cells.

    Telix shares surged in April after the company released its 1Q FY24 revenue and business update. Telix was upgraded to strong buy status last month.

    The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price closed at $18.18 yesterday, down 0.76%.

    The post Best 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares for price growth in FY24 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Neuren Pharmaceuticals 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 Neuren Pharmaceuticals 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

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

  • Netflix axes its cheapest ad-free plan in the UK and Canada, giving users deadlines to upgrade

    Netflix office with mountains in the background
    Netflix office with mountains in the background

    ROBYN BECK/Getty Images

    • The demise of Netflix's lowest-priced ad-free plan continues in the UK and Canada.
    • Basic users in those markets report receiving deadlines to upgrade or accept ads.
    • Co-CEO Greg Peters said the price hikes are intended to help pay for a wider range of content.

    As with even the most bingeable series, all good things must come to an end.

    So it goes with the demise of Netflix's lowest-priced ad-free plan, as users of the Basic tier in the UK and Canada report receiving deadlines to upgrade to a higher-cost option or accept ads.

    A Canadian user posted a photo on Reddit Monday of their TV with the message: "Your Basic plan has been discontinued, but you can easily switch to a new one. Plans start at just $5.99 with upgraded features."

    That starting price is for the new Standard with ads tier in Canada, while the option without ads costs $16.49, replacing the Basic plan, which costs $9.99.

    Previously, a user in the UK quipped, "Joke's on you, Netflix, I choose to save 100% on my new plan," in response to a similar message touting 35% savings with the ad-supported plan.

    Netflix stopped offering its Basic plan to new and returning users last year, but the company's US help page says existing subscribers may remain on their plan until it is changed or canceled.

    The company indicated earlier this year that it would be retiring the Basic option in favor of more revenue-generating alternatives.

    Co-CEO Greg Peters told the Verge last month that the price hikes are intended to help the company invest in a wider range of content options.

    "They want a higher diversity of shows, they want more quality shows, so that's our job," he said. "If we do that well, we'll go back and occasionally ask members to pay a little bit more to keep that flywheel running."

    Netflix is far from alone among the streaming services getting more expensive.

    Ten of the top services have raised prices at least once in the past year, with the latest hike from Max taking effect Thursday.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Scientists invented ‘no melt’ ice cream that holds its shape for 4 hours, but you can’t eat it yet

    ice cream
    Scientists discovered a type of compound the helps ice cream hold its shape at room temperature for multiple hours.

    Liliya Krueger/Getty Images

    • A new innovation could help prevent ice cream from becoming a puddle at room temperature.
    • Compounds called polyphenols, found in green tea and berries, can help stabilize the ice cream.
    • More research is needed to make no-melt ice cream a delicious reality. 

    Sloppy sundaes and drippy cones could become a thing of the past as the wonders of science have uncovered a way to make ice cream nearly melt-proof.

    The innovation comes from (where else?) the Dairy State, specifically the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

    Plant-based compounds called polyphenols are the secret to keeping frozen treats from turning into puddles, according to Cameron Wicks, a PhD student in the university's food science department who's behind the project.

    "Adding polyphenols to ice cream can create a product that holds its shape for over four hours at room temperature. That's pretty close to a no-melt ice cream," Wicks said in a university press release.

    ice cream
    Researchers need to study polyphenols' role in flavor before the no-melt ice cream of the future becomes reality.

    Jupiterimages/Getty Images

    Although they don't prevent the ice from actually melting, polyphenols added to ice cream interact with fats and proteins in the cream to thicken the mixture. As a result, the confection is able to hold its shape longer at room temperature and stave off a sticky mess.

    The effect is similar to stabilizers already used to make ice cream easier to transport.

    But polyphenols could be a more natural alternative, Wicks said. The compounds are found in tea and berries and are even linked to benefits like a healthier heart.

    However, you may have to wait a bit longer for the ice cream of the future.

    More research is needed to find the precise amount of polyphenols to keep ice cream stable without affecting its flavor so you can have a less messy, but still delicious, treat.

    "Ice cream is such a complex system," Wicks said in the press release. "Being able to understand all of the science behind it, you can make food items better, more sustainable, and you can make better systems that feed the world."

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Biden has a new plan: Stop doing events at night

    Biden looks down with his eyes closed at the debate, standing in front of a microphone with a bright blue background with the CNN logo.

    Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

    • Biden huddled with Democratic governors to try to tamp down calls for him to quit the 2024 race.
    • Team Biden has been using excuses and finger-pointing to explain away his poor debate performance. 
    • At the meeting, Biden said he needs to get more sleep and would stop doing events after 8 p.m.

    Joe Biden has a new solution to calm concerns after his abysmal debate against Donald Trump last week: he just needs to get more rest.

    Biden — now facing increasing pressure to drop out of the race after his performance last Thursday featured a hoarse voice, meandering thoughts, verbal flubs, and vacant expressions — met with key Democratic governors on Wednesday to stamp out naysayers.

    He again brushed off criticism of the debate as a one-off mistake, according to CNN and The New York Times.

    And the 81-year-old president said he's still ready to defeat Trump. He told the governors he just needs to get more sleep and stop holding events after 8 p.m., according to the outlets.

    (Biden's disastrous live debate last week began at 9 p.m.)

    The solution wasn't well-received by governors present for the statement, according to CNN. Biden's campaign didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider about the reports.

    Biden's campaign had previously chalked up the poor performance to a cold and jet lag from international trips he had taken days earlier.

    According to Politico, Biden's family has privately blamed top aides including his senior advisor, Anita Dunn, Biden's attorney, Bob Bauer, and Biden's former chief of staff, Ron Klain, for his lagging performance.

    For now, Biden's political allies and surrogates are publicly backing him. That's even true after the governor's meeting.

    "The president has always had our backs," Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told reporters. "We're going to have his back as well."

    Other governors said they'd support Biden as he remains the nominee.

    But the leak about Biden's planned break from evening events likely won't help calm nerves about his mental capacity.

    A growing number of House Democrats are questioning whether he should just step down, and key Biden ally Rep. Jim Clyburn discussed supporting Vice President Kamala Harris if Biden were to step aside, a signal that the once-unthinkable is now being considered.

    One representative told CNN anonymously that House lawmakers are giving Biden space to decide what to do next.

    Meanwhile, Biden has a high-stakes event to plan for. On Friday, he'll have a taped interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos, an opportunity to prove he's up to the task of running for president — or a chance for a gaffe that could torpedo his campaign.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

    Business woman watching stocks and trends while thinking

    On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had one of its best days of the year and stormed higher. The benchmark index rose 1.2% to 7,831.8 points.

    Will the market be able to build on this on Friday and end the week on a high? Here are five things to watch:

    ASX 200 to edge lower

    The Australian share market looks set to end the week on a subdued note despite a positive session in Europe. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 7 points or 0.1% lower this morning. Wall Street was closed for Independence Day, but the FTSE rose 0.85% and the DAX climbed 0.4%.

    Oil prices rise

    ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) could have a good finish to the week after oil prices pushed higher again overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 0.2% to US$84.06 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 0.25% to US$87.55 a barrel. Summer fuel demand optimism has boosted oil prices this week.

    Buy Smartgroup shares

    The Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ) share price could be great value according to analysts at Bell Potter. This morning, the broker has reaffirmed its buy rating on the salary packaging and fleet management company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $10.95 (from $11.00). It said: “We have reviewed the June VFACTS data and updated our forecasts to reflect new vehicle sales and other industry developments. The YTD achievement marks a record and surpasses the previous best result in June 2018.”

    Gold price softens

    ASX 200 gold shares Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have an underwhelming finish to the week after the gold price softened overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.2% to US$2,365.3 an ounce. This may have been driven by profit taking after a strong gain on rate cut optimism.

    New Hope to make acquisition?

    New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) shares will be on watch amid speculation the coal miner is planning a major acquisition following its $300 million convertible note issue. Bell Potter commented: “In our view, NHC are capitalising on a relatively cheap source of funding, and a recent uptick in share price to secure additional cash liquidity. We see inorganic growth as key to NHC’s long-term growth outlook. The company is open about pursuing M&A opportunities within the coal sector, of which there are currently some well publicised sale processes.” Bell Potter has a hold rating and $4.70 price target on its shares.

    The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Beach Energy 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 Beach Energy 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

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

  • Broker sees Whitehaven shares and one other coal stock as top buys

    A coal miner smiling and holding a coal rock, symbolising a rising share price.

    Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) shares have soared in 2024, clipping a 20% return since January. They have also rallied 31% over the past 12 months and now fetch $8.94 per share at the time of writing.

    The recent surge in Whitehaven shares can likely be attributed to an increase in the price of coal. It bounced from lows of US$115 per tonne before peaking at US$147 per tonne in May. Whilst it has come down from that level, coal producers have held gains.

    Whitehaven is a price taker on coal, meaning its share price is highly sensitive to fluctuations in coal’s market price.

    With the black rock currently priced at US$135 per tonne, analysts are turning more bullish on Whitehaven, with consensus rating the ASX coal stock a buy, according to CommSec.

    Morgan Stanley is bullish on Whitehaven shares

    Morgan Stanley has joined the buy club on Whitehaven shares. It ranks them – along with fellow ASX coal share Yancoal Ltd (ASX: YAL) – as its top picks in the space.

    Morgan Stanley identifies metallurgical coal as its top pick amongst all the commodity groups, according to The Australian. It sees both Whitehaven and Yancoal well positioned to benefit from potential tailwinds.

    For one, the broker expects the price of metallurgical coal to rise by 15% to US$290 per tonne by the end of the year.

    It says underground fires at two key coal mines, that make up 2.5% of coking coal supply, – the Grosvenor mine in Australia and the Longview mine in the US – may cause supply imbalances, and be a tailwind for prices.

    Analyst Sara Chan said the firm sees “a near-term opportunity in coking coal, especially after the recent share price pullback”, per The Australian.

    “Our recent China coal trip suggests the market is under-appreciating the supply constraints for met coal in the country”, Chen advised investors.

    If coal prices head towards these levels, Whitehaven shares could be a beneficiary. But, we shall see.

    Some analysts are split

    There are other tailwinds to coal pricing as well. China plans to add 70 gigawatts of coal capacity this year, while India’s coal imports increased by 25% in 2023.

    Meanwhile, Whitehaven has received mixed reviews from some analysts.

    While Morgan Stanley has a bullish outlook, Goldman Sachs maintains a neutral rating on Whitehaven shares, citing potential challenges in achieving its medium-term guidance without requiring significant capital investment.

    This could reduce its readily available cash flows for growth and to fund dividends.

    In a July note, it said:

    We continue to rate WHC Neutral based on: (1) Fully valued, (2) Thermal Coal market to soften further in 2024, (3) Negative FCF over FY25 & FY26 and low dividend yield while degearing, (4) But Met coal price well-supported at US$250/t near to medium term.

    Time will tell what the impact of these market forces will have on Whitehaven shares.

    Foolish takeaway

    Whitehaven shares have experienced significant gains in 2024, driven by strong demand for coal and positive market sentiment.

    Remember that analyst ratings are just opinions, and always conduct your own due diligence.

    The post Broker sees Whitehaven shares and one other coal stock as top buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Whitehaven Coal 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 Whitehaven Coal 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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 Goldman Sachs Group. 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.

  • ASX NASDAQ (NDQ) ETF: Up 30% in a year, should you buy now or wait?

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

    The BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) has been a standout on the ASX in 2024, given its direct exposure to markets in the United States.

    The exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracks the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX), net of fees and costs.

    The NASDAQ is a basket of the top 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the US exchanges. Since its formation in 1985, its composition has been heavily weighted toward technology.

    The ASX NDQ ETF has rallied around 30% over the past year and closed trading on Thursday at $44.64 per share.

    With this impressive run, many investors may be wondering if now is the right time to buy or if they should wait for a better opportunity.

    Asset management giant Lazard released its half-yearly market commentary. Here’s a look at what the firm said and what it means for the ASX NDQ.

    Why the ASX NDQ ETF is thriving

    The ETF is heavily weighted in technology and innovation, which have been key drivers of its performance.

    Specifically, it has benefitted from the robust performances of major tech giants in the US in 2024.

    Dubbed the Magnificent 7 among market commentators, companies like Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL), Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) are a few of the tech darlings that have driven the fund’s growth – with Nvidia almost tripling in value over the year.

    But Lazard sees potential risks in this trend continuing at the same rate of dominance.

    According to Ronald Temple, Lazards’s chief market strategist, the ongoing technology and artificial intelligence (AI) boom has contributed significantly to the market’s recent gains.

    That’s great, but it might not last forever, Temple warns. This could impact the ASX NDQ ETF.

    If this overall market growth is to be sustainable, tech companies must demonstrate a return on investment from their tech and AI expenditures.

    Other non-tech companies must start to pull their weight as well, Temple says:

    From my perspective, the only way the mega-cap tech companies can continue to deliver market-beating earnings growth is if their customers realize a return on investment from buying their goods and services…

    … Upside from current levels will need to be driven by earnings growth and a broadening of the equity market rally beyond a small number of technology-related companies.

    Despite these concerns, the long-term outlook for tech remains positive. Slowing US inflation, which Lazard expects “to decelerate” by the end of 2024, supports this outlook.

    Is now the right time to buy?

    With its FY24 performance, the question is whether investing in the NDQ ETF right now is a smart move.

    Many are looking into the coming 12 months as well. Additionally, there are interest rate decisions. There is also inflation. Furthermore, unemployment rates are a factor. There are also trade deficits. You name it.

    But all of this is just noise for the patient, long-term investor.

    Attempting to time the market is a fool’s game (and not our kind of Fool!). Lazard’s Temple agrees. He says that owning stocks over the long term is “among the best” investment strategies.

    “[B]ut”, he adds, ” it is important to be fully invested through the cycle and to not try to time the markets.”

    In fact, one recent analysis indicated that over the 20 years from 2003 to 2022, investors who missed the 10 strongest up-days in the US equity market forfeited over half of the total return from the entire investment period.

    While no one likes to buy at the peak, it’s also important to recognise that five years from now, such a purchase, if targeted based on the quality of the investment and the valuation thereof, will often be seen as a wise decision.

    Foolish takeaway

    The ASX NDQ ETF has shown remarkable growth. If you’re looking to add a tech-heavy ETF to your portfolio, this might be a good option. It depends on your view of the sector.

    However, keep an eye on market conditions and consider your personal financial circumstances, always seeking professional advice.

    The post ASX NASDAQ (NDQ) ETF: Up 30% in a year, should you buy now or wait? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares Nasdaq 100 Etf right now?

    Before you buy Betashares Nasdaq 100 Etf 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 Betashares Nasdaq 100 Etf 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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 BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • What happened with the CSL share price in FY 2024?

    Cropped shot of an attractive young female scientist working on her computer in the laboratory.

    The CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) share price couldn’t quite match the gains posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) in the financial year we just said goodbye to.

    Shares in the ASX 200 biotech stock closed out FY 2023 trading for $277.38. On 28 June, the final trading day of FY 2024, shares closed at $295.21 apiece.

    That put the CSL share price up 6.4% for the full financial year, trailing the 7.8% gains posted by the ASX 200 over this same time.

    Of course, that doesn’t include the record $3.81 in partly franked dividends that CSL paid out over the year. If we add those back in, the ASX 200 biotech stock gained 7.8% in FY 2024, right in line with the benchmark index.

    Here’s what investors were considering over the past year.

    Headwinds and tailwinds for the CSL share price

    Among the headwinds impacting the CSL share price in FY 2024 were the unsatisfactory trial results for its CSL112 product.

    CSL112 is intended to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

    But the phase 3 AEGIS-II trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of CSL112 failed to meet the primary efficacy endpoint of MACE reduction at 90 days. This saw the ASX 200 biotech stock shelve its plans for a near-term regulatory filing.

    However, CSL’s head of R&D, Bill Mezzanotte, highlighted that the study had provided valuable insights and “enhanced capabilities”.

    Mezzanotte said on the day:

    AEGIS-II is the most ambitious study in our company’s history, and we are proud of the quality of the study we delivered and the enhanced capabilities we developed to do so.

    We plan to apply these capabilities as well as our plasma protein platform to future unmet medical need in cardiovascular and metabolic conditions as well as those in our other strategic therapeutic areas.

    The CSL share price closed down 4.8% on the day.

    February also saw CSL report its half-year financial results. While investors had high expectations and didn’t immediately reward the stock, the results were solid.

    Highlights included an 11% year on year increase in revenue in constant currency to US$8.05 billion. And net profit after tax in constant currency leapt 20% to US$1.94 billion.

    This saw management up the unfranked interim dividend by 11% to $1.80 per share.

    As for the nascent FY 2025, the CSL share price is up 0.78% so far in the new financial year.

    The post What happened with the CSL share price in FY 2024? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in CSL right now?

    Before you buy CSL 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 CSL 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…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

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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 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.