• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    Fancy font saying top ten surrounded by gold leaf set against a dark background of glittering stars.

    It was a disappointing start to the trading week for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX shares this Monday. After an extraordinarily positive week last week, which saw the markets rise every single day, investors decided to break that winning streak today, sending the ASX 200 0.33% lower. That leaves the index at 8,874.7 points

    This Garfield-esque start to the Australian trading week comes after a sluggish end to the American week on Saturday morning (our time).

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) ended its week on a sour note, dropping 0.17%.

    The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared a little better, losing 0.06%.

    But let’s return to this week and our local markets now for a look at how the various ASX sectors performed amid today’s trading conditions.

    Winners and losers

    The red sectors outnumbered the green ones this Monday.

    Leading those red sectors were tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) got a hammering this session, tanking 2.49%.

    Communications shares were out of favour too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) cratering 1.11%.

    Consumer discretionary stocks weren’t making friends either. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) saw its value plunge 0.76% today.

    Healthcare shares had a rough one as well, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ)’s 0.61% tumble.

    Financial stocks were just ahead of that. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) retreated by 0.57% this session.

    Consumer staples shares weren’t a great place to hide out, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) dipping 0.55%.

    Nor were real estate investment trusts (REITs). The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) had taken a 0.46% slide by the closing bell.

    Industrial stocks were our last losers, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ)’s 0.24% slip.

    Turning to the green sectors now, it was gold shares that claimed today’s crown. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) came out swinging, rocketing up 2.91%.

    Utilities stocks saw some decent demand too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) soaring 0.99% higher.

    Mining shares continued their recent run as well. The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) bounced 0.42% higher this Monday.

    Finally, energy stocks scraped over the line, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)’s 0.2% improvement.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Our top-faring stock this Monday was uranium stock Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE). Boss shares exploded 13.61% higher this session to finish at $1.80 each.

    There wasn’t any news out of the company today, but perhaps investors were influenced by a bullish broker note.

    Here’s a look at the rest of today’s best:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) $1.80 13.61%
    Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL) $9.64 7.11%
    Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) $11.84 6.57%
    Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) $16.28 5.17%
    Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) $1.70 4.63%
    Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) $6.94 4.36%
    Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) $15.37 4.13%
    Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) $7.57 3.70%
    Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) $6.04 3.60%
    Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO) $1.88 3.59%

    Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Boss Energy Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Boss Energy 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 Boss Energy 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…

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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 recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

  • The a2 Milk Company shares fall 11% after responding to an ASX price query

    a woman stands with her hand to the side of her head and a sad, slightly distressed look to her expression while holding a large glass of milk in her other hand.

    The a2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) shares have fallen 11% after the company responded to an ASX price query, confirming no undisclosed material information. Management pointed to an external market announcement as a context for the volatility.

    What did The a2 Milk Company report?

    • The company confirmed it is not aware of any unannounced information that could explain its recent share price drop.
    • The share price declined from a close of $9.40 on 16 January 2026 to a low of $8.01 on 19 January 2026.
    • The company cited the official release of China’s newborn statistics for 2025 as a potential contributor to share price movements.
    • A2M confirmed it continues to meet its ASX disclosure obligations.
    • All responses to the ASX were properly authorised and compliant with its continuous disclosure policy.

    What else do investors need to know?

    The a2 Milk Company’s update was issued following a formal price query from ASX, triggered by the recent sharp fall in the a2 Milk share price. Management responded to assure investors and the market that no confidential or material information had been withheld.

    The company also clarified that it remains compliant with all ASX Listing Rules, particularly around continuous disclosure. The only explanation provided for the market reaction was the public release of China’s annual newborn numbers, which are closely watched by investors due to the company’s exposure to the infant formula segment.

    What’s next for The a2 Milk Company?

    Looking ahead, The a2 Milk Company will continue to focus on its strategies in international markets, particularly China, where sector trends and birth rates can influence investor sentiment. The business remains committed to transparency and compliance to help bolster investor confidence in periods of share price volatility.

    Investors can expect further updates from a2 Milk as new market data emerges, particularly as the company navigates evolving demographic and regulatory landscapes overseas. The company reassures shareholders that it remains vigilant in monitoring market disclosures.

    The a2 Milk Company share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, the a2 Milk Company shares have risen 43%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has increased 6% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post The a2 Milk Company shares fall 11% after responding to an ASX price query appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in The a2 Milk Company Limited right now?

    Before you buy The a2 Milk Company 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 The a2 Milk Company 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…

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

  • Xero breaks below $100 for the first time since 2023. What is happening?

    A man with his back to the camera holds his hands to his head as he looks to a jagged red line trending sharply downward.

    Shares in accounting software company Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) have had a tough start to the year.

    The Xero share price is now down almost 15% in 2026, and in the latest session it has fallen 4.77% to $98.69. Importantly, that move pushed the stock below the $100 psychological level for the first time since November 2023.

    So why is Xero under pressure, and does this move signal something more serious for investors?

    Earnings worries are weighing on sentiment

    One key reason behind the weakness is earnings.

    Xero continues to grow revenue at a healthy pace as more small businesses move to cloud accounting. Subscriber numbers are rising, and customer retention remains strong.

    However, profit growth has fallen short of expectations. In its most recent results, Xero reported earnings per share (EPS) below what the market was looking for, despite higher revenue and a higher overall profit.

    Investors also raised questions around costs and margins, particularly as Xero continues to spend heavily on product development and its US expansion. While these investments may support long-term growth, they have weighed on near-term profitability.

    Big US expansion comes with risks

    Another factor weighing on sentiment is Xero’s push into the United States.

    The company has invested heavily to expand its presence in the US market, including major spending on payments and platform capability. Over the long term, this could unlock a much larger growth opportunity.

    In the short term, though, investors are focused on higher costs and margin pressure. It appears the market wants clearer evidence that this spending will translate into stronger profits, not just revenue growth.

    Global tech weakness is not helping

    It is also hard to ignore the global backdrop.

    Technology stocks have been volatile, particularly in the United States. As the old investing saying goes, when the US sneezes, the rest of the world often catches a cold.

    As a well-known ASX technology stock, Xero is especially sensitive to changes in global risk sentiment. Recent weakness in offshore tech markets has likely added to the selling pressure on its shares.

    The big picture

    Despite the recent fall, Xero remains a high-quality business with recurring revenue, strong brand recognition, and a long growth runway.

    That said, investors are becoming more cautious about profitability and execution. In my view, the move below $100 reflects hesitation rather than panic.

    For investors, the key issue now is whether earnings growth can catch up to expectations. If it does, confidence could return. If not, the share price may continue to drift lower.

    The post Xero breaks below $100 for the first time since 2023. What is happening? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Xero 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 Xero 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…

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

  • BHP shares at 52-week high: Here’s why I’m not buying

    Happy miner with his hand in the air.

    It’s been a very pleasant week, and indeed month, for BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares. Today, the mining giant has lost a little bit of steam, down 0.8% at the time of writing to $48.60 a share. But even so, the Big Australian remains up a happy 9.54% over the past month alone. That gain stretches to a confident 20.8% over the past 12 months.

    Just last week, this momentum resulted in BHP shares hitting a new 52-week high. Thursday’s session saw this mining stock clock $49.75 a share, its highest price in over two years.

    As one of the ASX’s largest companies, this share price appreciation has been a boon to anyone holding an ASX index fund, and, by extension, anyone with a superannuation fund (which is almost all of us).

    It’s not hard to see why investors are excited about BHP at the moment. Commodities across the board have been rallying in recent months. We’ve seen fresh new highs after fresh new highs for gold and silver, while copper has been burning higher too. It’s the latter material that probably has investors excited over BHP shares today. Although iron ore remains BHP’s primary resource, it has been expanding its copper operations rapidly in recent years. With copper up close to 35% since the middle of last year, it’s no surprise BHP shares are capturing investors’ attention.

    But despite the impressive run that BHP has been on over the past 12 months, I’m not considering jumping on this bandwagon and buying BHP shares today.

    Here’s why I’m not buying BHP shares today

    Mining shares like BHP tend to be highly cyclical. Their share prices tend to follow the price curves of the commodities that they mine and process. BHP is no different. This is a company that has been as low as $33.25 and as high as $49.75 a share over just the past year alone.

    This is a familiar pattern in this company’s history. Back in July of 2007, for example, BHP was going for about $32 a share. By October of that year, those same shares hit $39 each, before dropping back to $30 by early 2008.

    Sure, if you time these swings correctly, there can be a lot of money to make. But that is far easier said than done. I would rather buy shares of companies that don’t undergo these rather vicious pricing cycles. It’s just less stressful. Even if I did have a penchant for buying mining companies, I would not be doing so after a big gain as we’ve seen over the past year. Perhaps BHP shares go higher from here. But buying in after such a long run-up rarely ends well for investors.

    This cyclicality also makes it very difficult for mining companies to compound their earnings over time and generate the massive wealth appreciation that the world’s best stocks are known for.

    So all in all, there’s nothing I’m finding tempting about BHP shares when they are close to their new 52-week high today. There are simply better places to put your money, at least in my view.

    The post BHP shares at 52-week high: Here’s why I’m not buying 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…

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

  • Region Group names Greg Chubb as new CEO and Managing Director

    CEO of a company looking straight ahead.

    The Region Group Ltd (ASX: RGN) share price is in focus today after the company announced a leadership transition, naming Greg Chubb as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, starting 9 March 2026. Outgoing CEO Anthony Mellowes will stay on until Greg begins in the role.

    What did Region Group report?

    • Greg Chubb to become CEO and Managing Director from 9 March 2026
    • Anthony Mellowes to step back from day-to-day operations on 8 March 2026
    • Mellowes to remain with the company until 31 May 2026 to support the transition
    • ASX announcement confirms Board authorisation of the succession plan

    What else do investors need to know?

    The Board has confirmed that Anthony Mellowes will assist with handover during his remaining tenure, aiming for a smooth leadership transition. This change forms part of a planned succession, as announced in September 2025, with no disruption expected to daily business operations.

    Region Group emphasises its commitment to keeping investors updated on leadership changes and assures that Greg Chubb’s experience aligns with its ongoing strategy.

    What’s next for Region Group?

    With Greg Chubb set to take the reins in March, Region Group is focused on ensuring a seamless leadership transition. The company expects business to continue as usual during the changeover, with ongoing support from Anthony Mellowes.

    Investors can look forward to hearing more about Greg’s vision for Region Group closer to his official start date. The company will update the market as further details emerge.

    Region Group share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Region Group shares have risen 10%, running ahead of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period. 

    View Original Announcement

    The post Region Group names Greg Chubb as new CEO and Managing Director appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Region 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 Region 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…

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

  • The A2 Milk Company in trading halt: What investors should know

    A man using a phone shouts and puts his hand out in a stop motion indicating the Yancoal trading halt today

    The A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price has been temporarily paused on the ASX pending a further announcement. Investors are watching closely after the company’s latest trading halt was declared today.

    What did The A2 Milk Company report?

    • Trading in A2 Milk Company shares has been paused by the ASX, effective 19 January 2026.
    • No new earnings, revenue, or updates were disclosed in the current statement.
    • Investors will need to wait for further details from the company or the ASX.
    • The pause follows a standard practice when price-sensitive information is pending.

    What else do investors need to know?

    The ASX has put The A2 Milk Company securities into a trading halt. This is often used when a company is set to make a potentially market-moving announcement or requires time to prepare and release an important update.

    Shareholders can expect an official statement or further details soon, which will clarify the reasons behind this pause. Until then, trading of A2M shares remains suspended.

    What’s next for The A2 Milk Company?

    Investors should monitor ASX announcements closely for the company’s next update, as the trading pause usually signals pending news. Once the halt is lifted and more information is released, the share price could move in response, depending on the nature of the announcement.

    The A2 Milk Company is expected to provide further details promptly to keep the market informed and ensure shareholders are updated.

    The A2 Milk Company share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, A2 Milk shares have risen 43%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has increased 6% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post The A2 Milk Company in trading halt: What investors should know appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in The a2 Milk Company Limited right now?

    Before you buy The a2 Milk Company 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 The a2 Milk Company 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 1 Jan 2026

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

  • Why Unico Silver shares are jumping today after a big quarterly update

    Two workers walking through a silver mine

    The Unico Silver Ltd (ASX: USL) share price is soaring today after the company released a big quarterly update.

    At the time of writing, Unico Silver shares are up 4.78% to $1.095, as the market digests the latest results.

    So, let’s take a closer look at the announcement.

    What does Unico Silver do?

    Unico Silver is a silver and gold explorer with projects in Argentina and Australia.

    Its main focus is the Joaquin silver-gold project in Argentina, an advanced exploration asset with existing mineral resources. The company is working to expand those resources and advance the project towards development.

    Drilling activity continues to ramp up

    In its December 2025 quarterly update, Unico said it continued to increase drilling at the Joaquin project.

    During the quarter, the company completed infill and extension drilling to better define the size and quality of the silver mineralisation. Early results pointed to wide zones of shallow mineralisation, which is seen as positive from a future mining perspective.

    Unico also began additional technical work during the quarter, including metallurgical testing and geotechnical studies. These are key steps needed as the company works towards more detailed development studies.

    A strong cash position

    Just as importantly, Unico finished the quarter with a very strong cash balance, giving it plenty of funding to keep moving.

    The company ended December with $66.7 million in cash, up from $28.9 million in the previous quarter. This followed a successful capital raising that brought in around $50 million before costs.

    During the quarter, Unico spent $9.6 million on exploration and evaluation, reflecting the higher level of drilling and technical work underway.

    With more than 6 quarters of funding available at current spending levels, the company appears well funded to continue drilling and advancing its projects without needing to raise more money in the near term.

    Silver prices help set the backdrop

    The broader market environment has also been supportive.

    Silver prices have been strong recently, after hitting record highs this year before easing slightly. At the time of writing, silver is trading around US$93 per ounce, according to Trading Economics.

    The rally has been driven by a mix of investor demand, expectations of lower interest rates, and silver’s growing use in industrial applications such as solar panels and electronics.

    What investors should keep in mind

    Unico Silver is still an exploration company, which means it remains high risk. There are a number of things that can disappoint investors, such as drilling results, rising costs, or timelines being pushed back.

    That said, today’s update showed the company is well funded and making steady progress at a time when interest in silver is growing.

    For investors who follow ASX small-cap resource stocks, Unico Silver is one to keep on the watchlist as drilling continues through 2026.

    The post Why Unico Silver shares are jumping today after a big quarterly update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Unico Silver Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Unico Silver 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 Unico Silver 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…

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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.

  • Gold, silver hit new highs as US punishes Europe with tariffs over Greenland stance

    Calculator and gold bars on Australian dollars, symbolising dividends.

    The gold price and silver price leapt to new record highs on Monday after the United States announced new tariffs.

    The gold price lifted more than 1% to above US$4,670 per ounce, while the silver price spiked 4% to almost US$94 per ounce.

    The previous record prices were $4,635.25 per ounce for gold and $92.34 per ounce for silver — both set last week.

    Gold and silver prices jump amid flight to safety

    Analysts at Trading Economics said investors were flocking to safe-haven assets after US President Donald Trump took his ambition to buy Greenland a step further.

    Over the weekend, President Trump announced a 10% tariff on goods from eight European nations to punish their opposition to his aspirations to acquire Greenland.

    The eight nations are Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland.

    On Truth Social, President Trump posted:

    This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.

    President Trump asserts that the US needs to own Greenland, which is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, for security purposes.

    The tariffs would start at 10% on 1 February and rise to 25% on 1 June.

    The analysts said:

    European leaders discussed potential retaliatory measures, including reviving last year’s plan to levy tariffs on US goods, while French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly called on fellow leaders to activate the EU’s anti-coercion instrument.

    The US President’s unpredictable nature has created global geopolitical and economic uncertainty since he came to office a year ago.

    Uncertainty makes investors nervous, leading to more conservative investment choices, such as buying precious metals.

    Of the gold price, the analysts said:

    Bullion has already been on a strong upward trajectory this year following a robust performance in 2025, supported by political instability in Venezuela, renewed concerns over the Federal Reserve’s independence, and expectations of more US interest rate cuts.

    The silver price is rebounding after weakening a little when the US announced it would not put a tariff on critical minerals.

    Silver was added to the US Critical Minerals list in November due to tight supply and demand.

    Demand is rising because silver is a key input in solar panels, electric vehicles (EVs), and AI infrastructure like data centres.

    Citi estimates that the solar industry alone is using 30% of annual silver production.

    Tech device manufacturers also use silver to build circuits, connectors, and to solder metals in smartphones and laptops.

    How are ASX gold and silver shares faring today?

    Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are up 2.8% to $27.57 at the time of writing.

    The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price rose 1.7% to $13.35 and reached a new record of $13.50 in earlier trading.

    Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) shares are up 1.3% to $171.49 after hitting a new all-time high of $173.12 earlier.

    ASX 200 diversified miner South32 Ltd (ASX: S32), one of the world’s largest silver producers, is 0.8% higher at $4.20 per share.

    Silver Mines Ltd (ASX: SVL) shares are up 8.6% to $2.21 after an announcement about Maverick Springs today.

    The Unico Silver Ltd (ASX: USL) share price is 3.4% higher at $1.08 after the company released its latest quarterly report.

    The post Gold, silver hit new highs as US punishes Europe with tariffs over Greenland stance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Evolution Mining 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 Evolution Mining 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…

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    Citigroup 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 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 shares for smart investors to buy and hold

    A group of businesspeople clapping.

    Smart investing is not about finding the most exciting stock in the market.

    More often, it comes down to owning high-quality businesses that can stay relevant, keep reinvesting effectively, and compound value over long periods of time. These are the ASX 200 shares that tend to justify being held through market cycles.

    With that in mind, here are three ASX 200 shares that smart, long-term investors may want to consider buying and holding.

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

    CSL is a business built around scale, expertise, and long-term investment.

    The biotechnology company’s global plasma collection and manufacturing network is not something that can be replicated quickly or cheaply. That infrastructure advantage gives CSL a strong competitive position and allows it to serve growing demand for plasma-derived therapies worldwide.

    What makes CSL particularly attractive for buy and hold investors is its research and development investments. Rather than maximising short-term capital returns, the company consistently channels capital into advancing research. Over time, that approach has translated into steady earnings growth and resilience across very different market environments.

    So, with its shares down heavily from their highs, now could be an opportune time to buy a quality company at a discount.

    ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

    ResMed operates in a corner of healthcare where demand is driven by long-term trends.

    Sleep apnoea and respiratory conditions are becoming more widely diagnosed as awareness improves and populations age. ResMed benefits from this through a combination of medical devices, masks, and software platforms that support patient monitoring and compliance.

    In addition, ResMed is increasingly becoming a digital healthcare company. It uses data and connected devices to deepen relationships with providers and patients. This shift supports recurring revenue and strengthens customer stickiness over time.

    Overall, I think ResMed offers exposure to healthcare innovation with a proven commercial foundation.

    Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

    A final ASX 200 share to buy and hold could be Xero. Its cloud-based accounting platform has become integral for millions of small businesses and their advisers. Once adopted, it is not easily replaced, which supports long-term customer retention and recurring revenue.

    Xero is still expanding its addressable market. International growth, particularly in large regions like the United States and the United Kingdom, provides it with a long growth runway. At the same time, ongoing product development and acquisitions allow Xero to increase the value it delivers to existing customers.

    In light of this, I believe Xero represents a company that can keep growing long into the future. And this is exactly what you want from a buy and hold investment.

    The post 3 ASX 200 shares for smart investors to buy and hold 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…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, ResMed, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, ResMed, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed and Xero. 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.

  • Up 365% since April, should you buy the recent dip in Core Lithium shares?

    a miniature moulded model of a man bent over with a pick working stands behind a sign that has lithium's scientific abbreviation 'Li' with the word lithium underneath it against a sparse bland background.

    Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) shares are losing ground today.

    Shares in the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) lithium miner closed Friday trading for 28 cents. In early afternoon trade on Monday, shares are changing hands for 26.5 cents apiece, down 5.4%.

    For some context, the All Ords is down 0.4% at this same time.

    If you already own or have been following this ASX lithium stock, you’ll know that outsized daily price moves are nothing new for the Core Lithium shares.

    Indeed, after the miner hit a multi-year closing low of 5.7 cents on 7 April, shares then rocketed an eye-watering 487.7% to close at a one-year-plus high of 33.5 cents on 8 January.

    Following that meteoric rise, there looks to have been some profit-taking going on.

    While the share price is still up a remarkable 364.9% since the April lows, shares have fallen 20.9% since 8 January.

    Which brings us back to our headline question.

    Should you buy the retrace in Core Lithium shares?

    Core Lithium suspended mining operations at its flagship Finniss lithium project in January 2024.

    But with lithium prices rebounding, Core Lithium shares could get another big leg up if Finniss returns to production in 2026, as I suspect it might.

    It was only back in June that spodumene, a lithium-bearing ore, was trading for just US$575 per tonne. Last week, the same tonne was fetching more than US$2,000 per tonne.

    With miners across the world reducing production in recent years, and a number following Core Lithium and suspending operations entirely, global lithium supplies have tightened amid strong demand growth. That’s being driven by the growing global EV market alongside fast-growing demand for sustainable energy storage systems, spurred by power-hungry AI data centres.

    Commenting on the impact of the fast-rising lithium price, Pls Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) CEO Dale Henderson said (quoted by The Australian Financial Review):

    At US$2,000 per tonne or above, you’re at a level that is above the consensus average of what the long-term price needs to be for the market. At these levels, a whole number of assets become profitable.

    And in what could spur further gains for Core Lithium shares, the team at Barrenjoey expect lithium prices will reach US$3,250 per tonne in 2026.

    “The rally has been driven by consistent destocking of lithium chemicals in China as lithium-ion battery production has continued to surprise the market to the upside, particularly energy storage system battery shipments,” Glyn Lawcock, head of resources research at Barrenjoey, said.

    So, will we see Core Lithium bring Finniss back online this year?

    Commenting on the mothballed Finniss project on 13 October, Core Lithium CEO Paul Brown said:

    During the September quarter we built on the Restart Study, delivering a 42% uplift in Ore Reserves with the inclusion of Carlton [in Finniss reserves] … We are well-capitalised and focused on advancing Finniss towards restart and a Final Investment Decision.

    Foolish Takeaway

    While I don’t expect we’ll see Core Lithium shares return to the $1.67 highs we saw back in November 2022 this year, should lithium prices keep marching higher and Finniss reopen, today might be an opportune time to buy the stock.

    The post Up 365% since April, should you buy the recent dip in Core Lithium shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Core 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 Core 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 1 Jan 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.