• With rising costs, are Woolworths shares still a good buy today?

    A man looks a little perplexed as he holds his hand to his head as if thinking about something as he stands in the aisle of a supermarket.

    Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares are in the green today.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) supermarket giant closed yesterday trading at $29.42. In afternoon trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for $29.52 apiece, up 0.3%.

    For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.1% at this same time.

    Taking a step back, Woolies has underperformed the 4.6% 12-month returns delivered by the benchmark index, with shares down 3.6% over the full year.

    Although those losses will have been somewhat mitigated by the 84 cents a share in fully franked dividends the company paid out over the year. Woolworths shares currently trade on a 2.9% fully franked trailing dividend yield.

    As you’re likely aware, shares in the ASX 200 supermarket have yet to recover from the sharp sell-down that followed the company’s FY 2025 results release on 27 August.

    Despite a 13.6% rebound since 15 October, shares remain down 11.5% since market close on 26 August.

    Which brings us back to our headline question.

    Should you buy Woolworths shares today?

    Alto Capital’s Tony Locantro recently ran his slide rule over Woolworths stock (courtesy of The Bull).

    “The supermarket giant’s full year 2025 results fell short of market expectations, highlighting margin pressure and subdued sales growth,” Locantro said.

    Indeed, Woolworths shares closed down a sharp 14.7% on the day those results were reported.

    ASX investors were pressing their sell buttons after the company revealed that its gross margin slipped 0.07% year-over-year to 27.2%.

    This came amid rising costs, with Woolies reporting a 0.66% increase in its cost of doing business to 23.3%.

    And earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) in FY 2025 took a sizeable hit, falling by 12.6% from FY 2024 to $2.75 billion.

    On the bottom line, the net profit after tax (NPAT) of $1.39 billion declined by 17.1% year-over-year. This led management to cut the final dividend by 21.1% from the FY 2024 payout to 45 cents per share, fully franked.

    With this in mind, Locantro believes the ASX 200 stock is trading for a premium.

    “WOW was recently trading on a lofty price/earnings ratio of about 37 times, which leaves limited upside, in our view,” he said.

    Summarising his sell rating on Woolworths shares, Locantro concluded:

    Rising costs combined with subdued discretionary spending suggest growth and profitability may remain constrained. We believe much of the upside is already priced in, so investors may want to consider taking some gains in a high cost, low growth environment.

    The post With rising costs, are Woolworths shares still a good buy today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Woolworths Group 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 Woolworths Group 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 18 November 2025

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

  • Telix Pharmaceuticals shares crash 58% from their peak: Buying opportunity or time to sell up?

    A medical researcher rests his forehead on his fist with a dejected look on his face while sitting behind a scientific microscope with another researcher's hand on his shoulder as if giving comfort.

    Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares have dropped another 2.54% in Tuesday morning trade. At the time of writing, the shares are trading at $12.84 a piece.

    Over the past month, the global biopharmaceutical company’s shares have plunged 9.61% and they’ve crashed 58.6% from their all-time high of $21.14 in February this year.

    What happened to Telix Pharmaceuticals’ shares?

    The commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company’s shares plunged following an issue with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

    At the time, the FDA said it had identified deficiencies related to the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) package. The FDA said it would seek additional data before moving forward with Telix’s Biologics License Application (BLA) for the company’s TLX250-CDx (Zircaix) product.

    Zircaix is a PET imaging agent designed to non-invasively diagnose and characterise clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common kidney cancer, by targeting the Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CAIX) protein.

    The company provided a statement on 28 August, saying it believes these concerns are readily addressable and submission remediation will begin immediately.

    In early September, the company announced that it had agreed on a resubmission pathway with the FDA for its affected products. The company plans to resubmit the new drug application during Q4 2025.

    Following the regulatory setbacks, brokers downgraded Telix Pharmaceuticals’ stock due to increased risk and pushed-out revenue expectations. And investor sentiment was slashed too, with investors selling their shares in the face of uncertainty.

    Is there any upside ahead, or will the shares keep falling?

    I think the tide is about to turn for the beaten-down ASX 200 stock. The company has already had huge success with its flagship prostate cancer imaging product, Illuccix. Once it receives approval for Zircaix, it has the potential to open another multi-billion-dollar global market.

    And that’s not all. The company is developing new radiopharmaceutical candidates targeting brain cancer and other cancers, too. If everything progresses well, Telix Pharmaceuticals could well have a long road of growth ahead.

    What do the experts think?

    TradingView data shows 14 out of 15 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on the shares, with a maximum target price of $34.30. At the time of writing, that represents a whopping potential 166.38% upside for investors over the next 12 months.

    UBS is bullish on the stock. It has a buy rating on the ASX biotech share, with a price target of $31. 

    Bell Potter is also positive on Telix Pharmaceutical shares. It has a buy rating and $23.00 price target on the stock, which based on the current share price, implies a potential upside of 79.1% over the next 12 months.

    RBC Capital is more reserved with a $17 price target on the shares, although this still implies a potential 32.4% upside at the time of writing. The broker said that the company has a large development pipeline but added that shareholders might have to wait some time for earnings and free cash flow to tick up.

    The post Telix Pharmaceuticals shares crash 58% from their peak: Buying opportunity or time to sell up? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Telix 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 Telix 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…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • The Commonwealth Bank has called it! Interest rates to rise in the new year, but how soon?

    Percentage sign with a rising zig zaggy arrow representing rising interest rates.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia Ltd (ASX: CBA) economists have made a call on interest rates, saying they now expect the Reserve Bank of Australia to hike the official rate as soon as February.

    Not all economists are on the same wavelength, however, with the team at RBC Capital Markets still expecting Australian official interest rates to stay on hold throughout calendar 2026.

    Modest move higher likely

    The CBA team issued a statement on Tuesday, stating that it believes the RBA will hike by 25 basis points in February, then leave the official rates on hold at 3.85% for the remainder of the year.

    The reasons why:

    Australia’s economy finished 2025 with more strength than expected. Households are spending more, wages have been rising, and businesses are investing in areas like data centres and renewable energy. But this stronger activity has arrived at a time when the economy is already close to its ‘capacity constraints’ – meaning the economy is running close to its maximum sustainable speed. When demand grows faster than the economy’s ability to supply goods and services, prices tend to rise.

    This will then feed into inflation and put further pressure on the RBA to raise rates.

    The CBA’s head of Australian economics, Belinda Allan, said the economy “has picked up more momentum than expected, and that strength is keeping inflation from easing.”

    A small rate increase in February would guide inflation back toward the RBA’s target range of 2-3 per cent.

    The CBA also said inflation has been slower to fall than expected.

    They went on to say:

    The key trimmed mean inflation measure – which removes unusually large price changes to give a clearer picture of underlying inflation – rose to 3.0% in the September quarter and is expected to stay above that level until well into 2026. The persistence of inflation suggests that price pressures are becoming more widespread, rather than being driven by only a few items. 

    No hike just yet, RBC says

    The team at RBC take a contrarian view on rates, saying that they expect the RBA to keep rates on hold, but they do admit that the chance of a rate rise is “climbing fast”.

    They went on to say in a note to clients on Tuesday:

    The last few rounds of inflation, labour market and national accounts data have brought the possibility of rate hikes firmly into the frame. A modestly more restrictive policy stance may well be both prudent and appropriate. The onus is now on the data to prevent hikes.

    The post The Commonwealth Bank has called it! Interest rates to rise in the new year, but how soon? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Commonwealth Bank of Australia right now?

    Before you buy Commonwealth Bank of Australia 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 Commonwealth Bank of Australia 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 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

  • Analysts name 2 top ASX 200 shares to buy today

    Red buy button on an apple keyboard with a finger on it representing asx tech shares to buy today

    Looking to add a few buy-rated S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares to your investment portfolio for the holidays?

    You’ve come to the right place!

    Below, we look at two stocks analysts expect to be well-placed to outperform in the year ahead (courtesy of The Bull).

    A compelling buy-the-dip opportunity

    The first ASX 200 share tipped as a buy is SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH), also known as Seven Group Holdings.

    SGH shares are up 0.4% in early afternoon trade today, changing hands for $46.26. That sees the share price up a modest 1.6% over 12 months. SGH stock also trades on a fully franked 1.3% trailing dividend yield.

    And with the share price down 11% since 11 August, DP Wealth Advisory’s Andrew Wielandt believes SGH shares are now trading for a bargain.

    “This diversified company focuses on industrial services and energy,” Wielandt said.

    He noted:

    Businesses include WesTrac, Coates and Boral, along with significant exposures to Beach Energy and Seven West Media. WesTrac is the sole authorised Caterpillar dealer in Western Australia, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

    Commenting on the growth outlook for the ASX 200 stock, Wielandt said, “We expect the Caterpillar dealerships to benefit from strong expected demand in the resources sector. SGH should also benefit from equipment hire.”

    And with the SGH share price still well down since August, now could be an opportune time to wade in and buy the dip.

    Wielandt concluded:

    Fiscal year 2026 guidance fell short of market expectations. Share price weakness provides a buying opportunity. The shares have fallen from $51.86 on August 11, the day prior to reporting full year 2025 results, to trade at $44.72 on December 11.

    Which brings us to…

    ASX 200 share offers attractive re-rating potential

    The second stock you may wish to add to your Christmas list is Ansell Limited (ASX: ANN).

    Shares in the health and safety products company are up 0.2% at the time of writing, trading for $36.06 each. Ansell shares have increased by 9.5% over the past 12 months. The ASX 200 share also trades on a 2.1% unfranked trailing dividend yield.

    Looking ahead, EnviroInvest’s Elio D’Amato sees further strong growth potential.

    “Ansell makes personal protection equipment for healthcare and industrial workplaces,” said D’Amato, who has a buy recommendation on Ansell shares.

    According to D’Amato:

    Organic sales growth, efficiency gains and favourable foreign exchange movements supported upgraded earnings per share guidance to between $US1.37 and $US1.49 in fiscal year 2026.

    The balance sheet remains sound, and margin momentum is improving across its healthcare and industrial divisions.

    And the ASX 200 share should appeal to ESG investors as well.

    D’Amato noted:

    Environmentally, ANN benefits from tightening global sustainability standards in personal protective equipment procurement and ongoing investment in cleaner manufacturing processes. ANN intends to be net zero, including scope 3 emissions, by 2045.

    Connecting the dots, D’Amato concluded, “ANN offers defensive earnings, improving cash flow prospects and attractive re-rating potential.”

    The post Analysts name 2 top ASX 200 shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Ansell 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 Ansell 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 18 November 2025

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

  • Seek shares tipped to storm 45% higher next year: Here’s why

    a line up of job interview candidates sit in chairs against a wall clutching CVs on paper in an office setting.

    Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK) shares are trading in the red again in Tuesday morning trade. At the time of writing, the job listing company‘s shares are down 1.51% to $22.50 a piece. 

    The latest tumble means the shares have now crashed 22.9% from their 3.5-year peak of $29.18 in late September. Seek shares are now trading 5.52% below their value at this time last year.

    There hasn’t been any price-sensitive news out of the company since its 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) results in mid-November. 

    But analysts at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) have updated investors on their outlook for Seek shares following the latest data on Australian job ad volumes for November.

    In the investor note, Macquarie confirmed its outperform rating and $32.50 target price on Seek shares. The broker’s stance on the stock is unchanged from August.

    At the time of writing, this implies a potential 44.5% upside ahead for investors over the next 12 months.

    Seek shares remain a top pick, despite the recent sell-off

    Macquarie stated that the Seek employment report for November 2025 showed that Australian job ad volumes decreased by 2% year-over-year and 1% sequentially. On a 3- and 6-month rolling basis, job ad volumes are 2% and 3% lower, respectively.

    Applications per ad in October were flat sequentially at 221. But this was 97 more applications (or 78% higher) compared to the 10-year average. 

    “The report generally corresponds to Seek’s paid ad volumes, but with adjustments to 1) the inclusion of free company ads in the report and 2) weighting of Australian / New Zealand volumes (MQe = 90% / 10% skew),” the broker said in its note.

    The broker commented that monthly declines in Australia continue to narrow. Assuming these trends continue through FY26, as well as continued New Zealand strength and outperformance of paid volumes, the broker said it expects Seeks’ 1H26 paid volume decline to be around 2%, and guidance for flat FY26 volumes will be achievable.

    Macquarie analysts added that potential interest rate hikes in 2026 could create headwinds for job volumes. 

    “Seek remains our top classifieds pick; with our view that FY26 guidance may be narrowed to the high end at the 1H26 result, supported by yield but with possibly some caution on volumes given near-term rate hikes,” Macquarie said.

    “With that said, classifieds globally have underperformed, with significant debates on the impacts of AI, and whether there will be significant structural changes within the industries.”

    The post Seek shares tipped to storm 45% higher next year: Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Macquarie Group 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 Macquarie Group 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 18 November 2025

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

  • Broker tips more than 15% upside for Orica shares after a “strong” start to the year

    A boy is about to rocket from a copper-coloured field of hay into the sky.

    Australian chemicals and explosives giant Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI) has started the year with “strong momentum”, while at least one broker is tipping its shares will hit a new high-water mark on continued good results.

    Orica held its annual general meeting on Tuesday, with managing director Sanjeev Gandhi bullish on the company’s prospects for the year ahead.

    As he told the meeting:

    Building on the strong performance in 2025, we have started the 2026 financial year with strong momentum. Demand for blasting technology, specialty mining chemicals and digital solutions remains strong, and our disciplined approach to execution and capital allocation positions us to navigate inflationary pressures, energy costs and geopolitical uncertainty. Looking forward, Orica is well-positioned to continue to deliver profitable growth across all three business segments and create enduring value for our customers and shareholders.

    Balance sheet management

    On capital management, Mr Gandhi said that in 2025 the company had, for the first time in a decade, conducted a share buyback which was “substantially completed … and this program has been increased by up to an additional $100 million, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to delivering value for our shareholders”.

    Mr Gandhi said the company’s “disciplined approach” to capital management and prudent balance sheet was “structured to withstand volatility in the external environment”.

    We continue to deliver our strategy in dynamic operating environments, where shifting market conditions and evolving societal expectations create new opportunities for innovation, adaptation and global growth— strengthening Orica’s position and supporting long-term value creation for our customers and shareholders.

    Share price gains on the cards

    The analysts at RBC Capital markets said in a note to clients on Tuesday morning that company’s musings at the AGM appeared to be “slightly more positive than the commentary provided at the FY2025 result on 13 November 2025 as the company stated that it had started the 2026 financial year with ‘strong’ momentum as opposed to the November characterisation of ‘good’ momentum”.

    The RBC team went on to say:

    The remainder of the language in relation to the 2026 outlook remains broadly consistent with that provided on November 13 and is consistent with our earnings forecasts. We retain our Outperform rating and $27.50 price target. Orica also reiterated that it is well-positioned to continue to deliver profitable growth across all three business segments.

    If the Orica share price were to reach the RBC price target, it would mark a fresh 12-month high and represent a 16.3% increase from the current share price of $23.64.

    Orica was valued at $11.1 billion at the close of trade on Monday.

    The post Broker tips more than 15% upside for Orica shares after a “strong” start to the year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Orica 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 Orica 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 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

  • Guess which ASX defence stock could rocket 100%+

    Man flies flat above city skyline with rocket strapped to back

    If you have a high tolerance for risk and want some exposure to the booming defence sector, then it could be worth considering the ASX stock in this article.

    That’s because Bell Potter believes it could rise more than 100% from current levels over the next 12 months.

    Which ASX defence stock?

    The stock that Bell Potter is urging investors to buy is Titomic Ltd (ASX: TTT).

    It is a $340 million cold spray technology company. It applies this technology in additive manufacturing and coating and repairs.

    Bell Potter highlights that cold spray uses compressed gas to accelerate metal powders to supersonic speeds, enabling kinetic energy to fuse/plastically deform the particles onto a substrate in solid form. The company’s high pressure systems can accept speciality alloy powders and manufacture large high-spec components.

    The broker was pleased to see that the ASX stock has signed a contract with a leading US defence prime contractor. It said:

    TTT has announced an Early Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract with a leading US defence prime contractor, valued at US$1.7m and expected to be completed by mid-2026. TTT will manufacture “next generation” defence sector components at its Huntsville Alabama facility. The contract leverages TTT’s propriety Titomic Kinetic Fusion cold spray additive manufacturing capabilities.

    The broker feels that while it is early days, the successful delivery of this contract could bring about further contracts. It explains:

    While it is a relatively early stage proof of concept agreement, successful delivery could lead to qualification and low-rate initial production contracts. The “next generation” designation for “defence modernization initiatives” implies a high-end technology application. TTT has previously outlined defence markets to include hypersonic systems, satellites, munitions and launchers as key segments of the addressable market; hypersonics and satellites being the most advanced applications.

    Big potential returns

    According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its speculative buy rating and 50 cents price target on the ASX defence stock.

    Based on its current share price of 23 cents, this implies potential upside of almost 120% for investors over the next 12 months.

    Commenting on its speculative buy recommendation, Bell Potter concludes:

    TTT provides leverage to the emerging application of its cold spray technology in AM for defence, aerospace and natural resources markets. US defence spending as a percentage of GDP is at a cyclical low and is expected to lift over the coming decade. NATO members have recently announced increased spending commitments. We expect news flow relating to TTT’s participation in US defence programs, new commercial agreements and non-dilutive government-backed funding. We have made no changes to our earnings outlook or valuation in this report.

    The post Guess which ASX defence stock could rocket 100%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Titomic 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 Titomic 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 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

  • Brooklyn man, 23, is charged in $15 million Coinbase ‘customer-care’ scheme

    This is an image of the Coinbase logo, shown on a cellphone.
    A 23-year-old Brooklyn man has been charged stealing $15 million by impersonating Coinbase customer service.

    • A Brooklyn man was charged with stealing $15 million by impersonating a Coinbase customer care rep.
    • Ronald Spektor, 23, is being held in Rikers Island awaiting the unsealing of his indictment.
    • In a criminal complaint, prosecutors say he tricked 100 victims into turning over their crypto passwords.

    A young Brooklyn man has been charged with stealing $15 million by impersonating a Coinbase customer care representative.

    In a criminal complaint, Ronald Spektor, 23, is accused of tricking some 100 victims from across the United States into turning over the passwords for their cryptocurrency accounts, under the guise that their assets were at risk.

    The "long term larceny scheme" began in April 2023 and continued until his arrest on December 4, the complaint alleges. Since then, Spektor has been held in Rikers Island, in lieu of bail set at $500,000 cash or $1 million bond.

    Spektor faces top charges of grand larceny and money laundering, each carrying a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. He is also charged with possessing stolen property and the personal information of his alleged victims.

    "Mr. Spektor has pleaded not guilty," his attorney, Todd Spodek, told Business Insider. "We're working to secure his release early next week and will challenge the charges in court."

    Some 70 victims have been interviewed by investigators with the NYPD and the Kings County District Attorney's Office, the complaint alleges.

    "Each Coinbase user confirmed that prior to the loss of their cryptocurrency, said Coinbase users were contacted over the phone by someone who purported to be a legitimate Coinbase employee," prosecutors allege in the complaint.

    "The purported employee informed them their assets were at risk and needed to be moved to a new wallet," the complaint alleges, using the term for the applications that store cryptocurrency.

    Believing they were communicating "with a legitimate employee," the victims then gave Spektor their seed phrases — a sequence of 12 to 24 words that act like a password — and moved their cryptocurrency to wallets that Spektor controlled, the complaint alleges.

    "Their cryptocurrency was immediately withdrawn without their permission," the complaint continues. The stolen crypto then "passed through cryptocurrency wallets belonging to the defendant," it says.

    Last year, a Coinbase user in California lost more than $6 million, and another user from California lost $1 million, the complaint alleges.

    Investigators traced more than $5 million in stolen funds to Spektor's accounts with two online gambling services, the complaint alleges. Millions more were converted into cash or laundered through online coin swapping services, according to the complaint.

    Spektor's iPhone contained a wealth of incriminating evidence, investigators said.

    The complaint alleges that this includes conversations on the online platform Discord in which he bragged "that he had made millions of dollars' worth of cryptocurrency through scamming, used social engineering to obtain Coinbase seed phrases, and had lost six million dollars worth of cryptocurrency through gambling."

    The phone also contained communications with his father from November 2024 in which "they discussed, in sum and substance, concealing the financial proceeds of the Coinbase scheme."

    The complaint continues, "Other messages show that the defendant asked his father to dispose of his hardware wallets" and asked his mother "to purchase a new hardware wallet." Hardware wallets are devices resembling USB drives that store private cryptocurrency data offline.

    Spektor's Telegram handle was "@LOLIMFEELINGEVIL" and his account included discussions "of successful Coinbase phishing attacks, and efforts to recruit others to join the scheme," the complaint also alleges.

    According to the complaint, a Google account associated with Spektor contained "approximately 29 text messages containing personal identifying information in the form of tens of thousands of individuals' email addresses and associated passwords."

    Spektor's attorney, Spodek, told Business Insider that his client has been aware of the investigation by Brooklyn prosecutors' Virtual Currency Unit "for over a year."

    "The allegations are speculative and based on incomplete information," said Spodek, whose other cryptocurrency cases include Instagram influencer and crypto-scammer Jay Manzini (sentenced to seven years in prison last year) and Amir Bruno Elmaani (sentenced to four years prison in 2023).

    "Once the full picture comes out, this case will look very different," Spodek added.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ election night coat sold at auction for $50,800. Photos show the iconic look.

    Jacqueline Kennedy's purple coat sold at auction 65 years later.
    Jacqueline Kennedy's purple coat sold at auction 65 years later.

    • Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis wore a purple maternity coat on election night in 1960.
    • At the time, she was eight months pregnant with John F. Kennedy Jr.
    • The coat sold at a Sotheby's auction for $50,800 — more than six times its estimate.

    The Kennedys' legacy of style endures through auctions of their historic clothing.

    Even unmentionables tied to the Kennedys remain hot-ticket items — a pair of JFK's underwear sold for $9,100 at an auction in March held by Julien's Auctions.

    One of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' most memorable looks, the purple wool maternity coat she wore the night John F. Kennedy was elected in 1960, sold for $50,800 at Sotheby's Handbags and Fashion auction on Monday in New York City.

    The coat's designer is unknown, but it remains recognizable as a pivotal moment in her rise to become one of America's defining fashion icons.

    Take a closer look at the former first lady's historic outfit.

    Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis made limited appearances during her husband's 1960 presidential campaign.
    John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy in New York City in 1960. Jacqueline Kennedy wears a purple coat.
    U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy, with wife Jacqueline, campaign in New York City sitting on the back seat of an open car, October 1960. Sen. Kennedy is the Democratic presidential candidate.

    Kennedy Onassis was pregnant with John F. Kennedy Jr. at the time, so she only occasionally joined Kennedy on the campaign trail leading up to election night. One such stop took place in New York City in October 1960, where she accessorized the purple coat with a matching hat.

    The coat became an iconic look on November 8, 1960, when Kennedy narrowly defeated Richard Nixon to become the 35th US president.
    JFK and Jacqueline Kennedy on election night in 1960. Jacqueline Kennedy wears a purple coat.
    Senator John F. Kennedy and wife, Jacqueline after his November election.

    Kennedy Onassis stood next to the then-president-elect as he delivered his acceptance speech.

    A photo of her wearing the coat appeared on the cover of the November 21, 1960, issue of Life Magazine.

    The coat featured pleats on the sides, a rounded collar, and six buttons.
    Jacqueline Kennedy wears a purple coat and heels.
    A victorious John F. Kennedy delivers his acceptance speech after the presidential election on November 9, 1960. His wife Jackie stands at his side at the Kennedy Press Headquarters. | Location: Kennedy Press Headquarters, Hyannis National Guard Armory, Hyannis, Massachusetts, USA.

    Kennedy Onassis, who was eight months pregnant on election night, accessorized the coat with strands of pearls and low heels.

    An anonymous consignor with ties to the Kennedy family donated the coat to Sotheby's for auction in 2025.
    Jacqueline Kennedy's purple coat on display.
    Jacqueline Kennedy's purple coat on display.

    According to Sotheby's, Kennedy Onassis shared the coat with a few of her close friends to wear during their pregnancies. The daughter of the last of these women to wear the coat donated it to Sotheby's.

    Sixty-five years later, the wool coat maintains its bright violet hue.
    Jacqueline Kennedy's purple coat on a mannequin.
    Jacqueline Kennedy's purple coat on a mannequin.

    Sotheby's estimated the coat's value at between $6,000 and $8,000. It sold for $50,800, more than six times the high estimate.

    Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's global head of Handbags and Fashion, said the coat captures "both an intimate personal story and a defining moment in American history."
    Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' purple coat.
    NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 05: The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis 1960 Election-Night Coat is displayed during a press preview at Sotheby's on December 05, 2025 in New York City. The Luxury Week auctions will take place from December 8 to December 15.

    "The extraordinary response to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' election night coat speaks to the enduring power of objects that sit at the intersection of history, emotion, and impeccable design," Halimi said in a statement.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • This ASX 200 gold stock has surged 77% in 2025. Here’s why Macquarie expects it to leap another 23%

    Woman leaping in the air and standing out from her friends who are watching.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stock, Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS), is marching higher today.

    Ramelius Resources shares closed trading yesterday for $3.71. In late morning trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for $3.74 apiece, up 0.7%.

    For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.1% at this same time.

    Today’s outperformance is par for the course for Ramelius shareholders, with the ASX 200 gold stock now up 76.8% year to date, racing ahead of the 5.4% returns delivered by the benchmark index.

    Atop those capital gains, Ramelius Resources shares also trade on a fully franked 2.1% trailing dividend yield.

    The good news is that, according to the team at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), it’s not too late to buy this surging ASX share.

    We’ll look at the broker’s bullish assessment below.

    But first…

    Why are Ramelius Resources shares outperforming today?

    Ramelius Resources shares look to be getting a boost from this morning’s announcement that the company has entered into a Tenement Sale and Purchase Agreement with Bulletin Resources (ASX: BNR).

    The agreement will see Ramelius acquire three of Bulletin’s Lake Rebecca Gold Project tenements, located in Western Australia, for $500,000 in cash.

    The ASX 200 gold stock also enjoyed a big boost last week after announcing it intends to buy back up to $250 million in shares over the next 18 months. The board also revealed an increase in the minimum Ramelius dividend to 2.0 cents per share each year.

    Commenting on the buyback program on the day, Ramelius Resources managing director Mark Zeptner said:

    At the time of the release of our 5-Year Growth Pathway to 500koz, the Ramelius Board gave clear direction to management that we need to “maintain and grow” shareholder returns. We are demonstrating this today in the form of a A$250 million share buyback program and an increase in the minimum dividend payable.

    Which brings us to…

    Why Macquarie is tipping the ASX 200 gold stock for more outperformance

    In a research report published on Friday, Macquarie sounded a bullish note on the gold miner’s share buyback plans. Macquarie said:

    Following the announcement of a A$250m share buyback (commences 24-Dec-25) we incorporate it into our forecasts which drives a 3% EPS increase in FY28/29/30E due to the lower share count.

    Macquarie is also optimistic about the ASX 200 gold stock’s recent exploratory drilling successes.

    According to the broker:

    Due to the encouraging exploration results from Penny we extend our LOM [life of mine] forecasts from 1QFY27 to 3QFY27 (+6mth increase) which drives a 4% uplift in our FY27E ore milled grades from 3.55g/t to 3.70g/t, with gold production increasing from 206koz to 214koz which is 2% above the mid-point of production for the 5-yr outlook in FY27.

    Summarising its outperform rating on Ramelius Resources shares, Macquarie said, “RMS remains one of our mid-cap preferences due to its strong organic growth outlook, effective capital management framework, and asset divestment potential.”

    The broker increased its target price for the ASX 200 gold stock by 2% to $4.60 a share.

    That represents a potential upside of 23% from current levels.

    And it doesn’t include those upcoming dividends.

    The post This ASX 200 gold stock has surged 77% in 2025. Here’s why Macquarie expects it to leap another 23% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bulletin Resources right now?

    Before you buy Bulletin Resources shares, consider this:

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

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