Stock Pick

  • Why Catapult, Kingsgate, Light & Wonder, and Reece shares are storming higher today

    Excited group of friends sitting on sofa watching sports on TV and celebrating.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has followed Wall Street’s lead and is pushing higher again on Thursday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.3% to 8,631.3 points.

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

    Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

    The Catapult Sports share price is up 5.5% to $5.35. This appears to have been driven by the release of a broker note out of Morgans this morning. According to the note, the broker has initiated coverage on the sports performance technology company’s shares with a buy rating and $6.25 price target. It said: “We forecast strong topline growth for CAT, estimating a ~20% ACV 3-year CAGR, reaching ~US$180m by FY28. A scalable platform and strong SaaS metrics should see CAT join the ‘Rule of 40’ club by FY27. We initiate coverage on Catapult Sports (CAT) with a Buy recommendation and a A$6.25 per share price target.”

    Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN)

    The Kingsgate Consolidated share price is up 2.5% to $4.22. This morning, this gold miner revealed that it has mutually agreed to terminate arbitration proceedings with the Thai government that were commenced in November 2017. Kingsgate’s CEO, Jamie Gibson, said: “This is a historic moment for Kingsgate’s investment in the Chatree Mine. I look forward to an era of renewed cooperation with the Thai Government. I believe that the continuance of operations at the Chatree Mine will deliver significant benefits to Kingsgate and its shareholders as well as to the people of Thailand. More generally, I think this development is a strong and positive signal that Thailand is open for business.”

    Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW)

    The Light & Wonder share price is up 5.5% to $151.55. This may have been driven by a broker note out of UBS. This morning, the broker reaffirmed its buy rating and $206.00 price target on the gaming technology company’s shares. It highlights that industry data shows that gaming revenues in the US increased strongly in October.

    Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

    The Reece share price is up 4% to $12.75. This morning, this plumbing parts company announced a new $35 million on-market share buyback. The company’s chair and CEO, Peter Wilson, said: “We have a well-defined capital allocation framework and continue to take a long-term approach to shareholder value creation. We remain committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet with a conservative leverage ratio to fund future growth.”

    The post Why Catapult, Kingsgate, Light & Wonder, and Reece shares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Catapult Group International 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 Catapult Group International 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 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 positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports and Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Why are WiseTech shares storming higher today?

    A business person directs a pointed finger upwards on a rising arrow on a bar graph.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares are racing higher today.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) logistics software solutions company closed yesterday trading for $65.25. In late morning trade on Thursday, shares are swapping hands for $68.75 apiece, up 5.4%.

    For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.4% at this same time.

    Today’s outperformance will come as good news to longer-term shareholders, with shares in the ASX 200 tech stock still down 45% over 12 months.

    Here’s what’s catching investor interest today.

    What’s boosting WiseTech shares on Thursday?

    WiseTech looks to be catching tailwinds on two fronts today.

    First, expectations of a December interest rate cut from the US Federal Reserve have shot from just 30% last week to around 80% today. That comes amid increasingly dovish comments from key Fed members, including John Williams, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

    Tech stocks, including WiseTech shares, are often priced with future growth in mind. Meaning they tend to perform better when investors expect rate pressures to ease.

    These expectations also see the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) outperforming today, with the All Tech Index up 1.6% at the time of writing.

    What else is lifting investor sentiment for the ASX 200 tech stock?

    WiseTech shares also look to be getting a boost today from a new leadership announcement.

    As you’re likely aware, the company faced headwinds last year and into this year amid allegations relating to inappropriate behaviours of WiseTech founder Richard White.

    White stepped down as the company’s CEO in October 2024, but he remains actively involved as the company’s executive chair.

    With the company recently coming back under close scrutiny from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) over potential issues involving trading in WiseTech shares by White and three company employees, investors are likely breathing a bit easier with today’s new leadership news.

    In what the company said is another important step in its board renewal program, WiseTech reported that Raelene Murphy has been appointed to the board as an additional independent non-executive director.

    She’ll join the board on 1 January and importantly will also become a member of the WiseTech’s Audit & Risk Committee.

    Atop her 35 years of executive experience in strategic, financial, and operational leadership, the company noted that she is currently serving as independent non-executive director and Audit Committee chair of Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) and Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX: TAH).

    Commenting on the appointment that could help support WiseTech shares longer-term, lead independent director Andrew Harrison said:

    Her appointment marks further progress we are making in board renewal and ensuring we have the appropriate skillset mix to support WiseTech’s future growth. Raelene brings significant additional depth and expertise to the board, particularly in the areas of audit, corporate governance and Australian public company experience.

    The post Why are WiseTech shares storming higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in WiseTech Global right now?

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

  • Why Amcor, DroneShield, Harvey Norman, and QBE shares are falling today

    A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on form again on Thursday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.4% to 8,639.3 points.

    Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are falling:

    Amcor (ASX: AMC)

    The Amcor share price is down 1% to $12.98. This has been driven by the packaging company’s shares going ex-dividend this morning for its latest payout. Earlier this month, Amcor released its quarterly update and declared a quarterly dividend of 19.8 cents per share. This will be paid to eligible shareholders next month on 17 December.

    DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

    The DroneShield share price is down 7% to $2.02. This is despite there being no news out of the counter drone technology company on Thursday. However, it is worth noting that its shares have rallied hard in recent sessions. For example, prior to today, they were up 26% since the end of last week. It seems that some traders have decided to take a bit of profit off the table during Thursday’s session.

    Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

    The Harvey Norman share price is down 3% to $7.07. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Macquarie this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded the retailer’s shares to a neutral rating with an improved price target of $7.60 (from $7.40). While relatively pleased with the company’s trading update at its annual general meeting, it feels that its shares are fairly valued now. Especially given their re-rating over the past 12 months and its belief that the Reserve bank’s interest rate cuts are now over.

    QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE)

    The QBE Insurance share price is down 4% to $19.01. This follows the release of the insurance giant’s third quarter update this morning. Although QBE had a solid quarter and reaffirmed its guidance for FY 2026, it revealed that premium rate increases have softened. Commenting on its outlook, management said: “We are confident in achieving our outlook for the year. In the aggregate, Group claims are expected to track broadly to plan, as we focus on delivering consistent and resilient performance. Following meaningful first half global catastrophe losses, catastrophe experience in the second half has been more benign to date.”

    The post Why Amcor, DroneShield, Harvey Norman, and QBE shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Amcor plc right now?

    Before you buy Amcor plc 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 Amcor plc 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 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 positions in and has recommended DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc and Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • How one artist landed a 6-month dream gig making art for Liam O’Brien’s Critical Role fantasy book

    A composite image of Liam O'Brien and a page from "Der Katzenprinz," his fantasy children's book.
    Liam O'Brien worked on "Der Katzenprinz," his first book, with artist Charlie Borovsky.

    Critical Role; Insight Editions

    • Critical Role cofounder Liam O'Brien released "Der Katzenprinz," his first children's book, in April.
    • The book comes with 112 fully illustrated pages by artist Charlie Borovsky.
    • Borovsky, who spent six months working on the book, explained how he landed his dream gig.

    Like most creatives who wind up working for Critical Role, Charlie Borovsky was a fan first.

    Borovsky, who's based in Prague, said he started watching Critical Role's "Dungeons and Dragons" campaign on Twitch, a stream that remains a mainstay of the crew's nerdworld business.

    Ten years on, as Critical Role sells out stadiums for its live shows and makes Amazon-backed animated series about the stream he watched at home, Borovsky has found himself contributing to it. He is the artist for Critical Role cofounder Liam O'Brien's "Der Katzenprinz," a 112-page children's book.

    O'Brien, Borovsky said, had been aware of his work and portfolio from when he began posting fan art of the former's wizard character, Caleb Widogast, in 2018. But it took more than five years before O'Brien approached Borovsky and asked if he'd like to do the art for "Der Katzenprinz."

    "In autumn 2023, we started talking in emails, and it wasn't until the winter of 2024 that we started the project," Borovsky said.

    "He approached me about it and asked if I wanted to hop on, and I was like, 'Hell yeah, this sounds really up my alley,'" Borovsky added.

    Then came a six-month crunch time for Borovsky, where "Der Katzenprinz" was the only art project he worked on. Borovsky also makes art for other tabletop role-playing projects and has been a freelance creative for books and games alike.

    "It was like, my life. I wasn't doing anything else," Borovsky said. "I'm also chronically ill, so if I have a job, I have to just do that, and I won't have enough hours in the day to do anything else."

    Working with O'Brien was smooth, Borovsky said, and they moved quickly from thumbnails to line art, then finished artwork.

    "Honestly, Liam was really nice and easy. I only had a few notes from him, and most of them were just like, 'This looks great, keep on going,'" Borovsky said.

    Borovsky said that the early concept work was his favorite part of the process, because he got a lot of creative freedom when conceptualizing how the work would look on the page, in concert with O'Brien's writing.

    "It usually gets harder toward the end of the project, where you just have to do the manual work of actually rendering and shading everything," Borovsky said.

    The most rewarding part of the project, Borovsky said, was seeing O'Brien promote the book upon its release.

    "That made it so worth it. It really warmed my heart after some of the stress of the deadlines, actually seeing him talk about it and genuinely seeming like he's really proud of the project," Borovsky said.

    How to get a nerdworld dream job

    A page from "Der Katzenprinz," art by Charlie Borovsky.
    "Der Katzenprinz" is a story written by Liam O'Brien. Charlie Borovsky did full illustrations for the tale.

    Insight Editions

    Borovsky told Business Insider his tips could help artists, whether they hope to get a gig with Critical Role or other businesses.

    First, Borovsky says, it's essential to define your personal style as an artist. That means getting better at the fundamentals of art so companies will be convinced that you can deliver what they're asking for.

    "I wouldn't say to focus on having an art style that will be so different from everybody else that everybody will remember you," Borovsky said. "That's really not the point. You need to have a style that will be good for all the different publishers, but still unique enough that people can recognize that it's yours."

    Secondly, Borovsky says that there's a demand for artists who not only draw characters but also have some versatility.

    "Not only focusing on characters, but doing all the other things, creatures, magic items, environments, that's what you get work through, usually," Borovsky said.

    Borovsky added that it's important to curate your online portfolio with a diverse array of items that you can draw.

    "I definitely say you need to participate in the online things of portfolio day, and just following art directors online," Borovsky said.

    "Sometimes, art directors post online, saying, 'We're looking for an artist,' and you can drop your portfolio link under the post," Borovsky said.

    If you're hoping to work for Critical Role, Borovsky suggests making more fan art to get noticed by the company's creative team — and to keep honing your skills.

    "Critical Role is really good at picking artists from their fan art circles, instead of outsourcing it to somebody totally new," Borovsky said.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Forget CBA shares and check out this buy-rated ASX financial stock

    Happy couple at Bank ATM machine.

    When it comes to ASX financial stocks, most investors turn to Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares.

    And while this has been a successful move in recent years, there are concerns that the bank’s current valuation could limit returns in the medium term.

    In light of this, investors might be better off turning to other ASX financial stocks for potential market-beating returns.

    Which ASX financial stock?

    Bell Potter thinks that COG Financial Services Ltd (ASX: COG) could be a top stock to buy now.

    It is diversified conglomerate of distribution businesses across Australia, providing access to credit providers for yellow commercial goods (construction and earth-moving equipment).

    In addition, Bell Potter notes that the company has some balance sheet funded direct originations, with a focus on capturing some of the overflow for non-prime chattel mortgages.

    Why is it a buy?

    The broker believes that the company is well-positioned for growth in the coming years. It said:

    We provide building blocks for earnings growth from FY26-27 and incorporate revised interest rate expectations. Acquisitions should contribute +13% accretion, meaning we need to find +17% growth to hit +30% FY26. We think this is possible. Things continue to improve for COG, and now all three divisions are placed to have a positive impact.

    FY25 NPATA had an implied -$0.5m headwind despite the broker footprint being unchanged. A rebound in volumes should be supportive, especially with Board experience. Normalisation alone would translate to +2% earnings uplift.

    Big potential returns

    According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating and $2.70 price target on the ASX financial stock.

    Based on its current share price of $2.09, this implies potential upside of 29% for investors over the next 12 months.

    In addition, Bell Potter is expecting COG to pay a fully franked 7.9 cents per share dividend in FY 2026 and a 9.3 cents per share dividend in FY 2027. This represents dividend yields of 3.8% and 4.5%, respectively.

    Overall, the broker feels that its shares are too cheap given its positive earnings growth outlook. Speaking about its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

    We expect +20% EPSA growth from FY26-28. However, the forward multiple of 13x would indicate low appreciation for acquisition integrations, cyclical improvement for the divisions and further consolidation activity. To that end COG screens well in our opinion.

    Overall, this could potentially make this ASX financial stock a better option than CBA shares in the current environment.

    The post Forget CBA shares and check out this buy-rated ASX financial stock 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…

    See the 5 Stocks

    * 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.

  • Why are ASX 200 gold stocks like Northern Star smashing the benchmark on Thursday

    A woman in a business suit sits at her desk with gold bars in each hand while she kisses one bar with her eyes closed. Her desk has another three gold bars stacked in front of her. symbolising the rising Northern Star share price

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stocks are shining bright today.

    In late morning trade on Thursday, the ASX 200 is up 0.3%.

    And the benchmark Aussie index is getting plenty of help from the Aussie gold miners, with the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) up 1.7% at this same time.

    Here’s how some of the leading ASX 200 gold stocks are tracking today:

    • Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are up 2.7% at $27.47
    • Newmont Corp (ASX: NEM) shares are up 3.1% at $138.42
    • Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares are up 2.0% at $3.65
    • Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) shares are up 2.2% at $11.91
    • Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) shares are up 2.9% at $1.29
    • Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) shares are up 2.0% at $5.61
    • Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) shares are up 558.9% at $4.98*
    • Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) shares are up 1.5% at $6.72
    • Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) shares are up 1.1% at $6.07

    (*If Vault Minerals’ 559% intraday share price gains seem extraordinary, well they would be, if not for the 1-for-6.5 stock consolidation taking effect today.)

    Here’s what’s rekindling investors’ interest in the big Aussie gold producers.

    Why are ASX 200 gold stocks outshining the market today?

    The common thread helping lift all the gold miners today is another uplift in the gold price.

    The yellow metal is currently trading for US$4,163 per ounce, up 0.8% since this time yesterday.

    The gold price is now up 5.9% since the recent lows on 6 November. And investors are betting that bullion – and ASX 200 gold stocks – are likely to get a boost from looming interest rate cuts in the world’s largest economy.

    Gold, which pays no yield itself, tends to perform better in low and falling interest rate environments.

    And while rate cuts in Australia appear to be off the table for now amid resurgent inflation, the market is increasingly optimistic that the US Federal Reserve will deliver another interest rate reduction in December.

    Economists at JPMorgan are among those who now expect the Fed to cut rates in December, pointing to recent dovish comments from Fed members, including John Williams, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

    In what would come as welcome news to investors in ASX gold stocks, JPMorgan expects the world’s most influential central bank to cut rates by 0.25% in December before delivering a final 0.25% cut in January.

    JP Morgans’ chief US economist, Michael Feroli, said (quoted by Bloomberg):

    We’re back to looking for a final cut in January. While the next FOMC meeting remains a close call, we now believe the latest round of Fedspeak tilts the odds toward the Committee deciding to cut rates in two weeks from today.

    Stay tuned!

    The post Why are ASX 200 gold stocks like Northern Star smashing the benchmark on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Bellevue Gold 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 Bellevue Gold 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 18 November 2025

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    JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 JPMorgan Chase. 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.

  • I traded software engineering for 17-hour work days as a prawn noodle hawker. It’s lonely, hot, and somehow rewarding.

    Alvin Tan decided to take a break from software development and started a prawn noodle stall.
    Alvin Tan decided to take a break from software development and started a prawn noodle stall.

    Aditi Bharade

    • Alvin Tan started a prawn noodles side hustle while working as a software engineer.
    • When his job contract ended, he decided to give full-time hawker life a proper shot.
    • Being a hawker is hot, tiring, and lonely work, but he said there is a silver lining.

    This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Alvin Tan, a 29-year-old software engineer turned prawn noodle hawker from Singapore. It has been edited for length and clarity.

    When I was seven years old, my dad used to drive a cab. He worked until midnight, pulling long hours. But sometimes, when he came home, he would take my mom and me out for supper, and it was always to get a bowl of Hokkien Mee, a prawn noodle dish popular in Singapore.

    As I watched the old hawker couple fry up the noodles, I was always intrigued by how it was made, the smoke and drama of it.

    Tan's Hokkien Mee, a prawn noodle dish popular in Singapore.
    Tan's Hokkien Mee, a prawn noodle dish popular in Singapore.

    Aditi Bharade

    Becoming a hawker was not my first choice. I've held several software engineering positions, including a development role at an AI company. I also launched a startup with smart vending machines, which failed due to a lack of funding.

    But during the pandemic, when I grew tired of remote work, I started experimenting with making Hokkien Mee. I started a small home-based side hustle selling the dish, but it was a small endeavor. On weekends, I'd sell maybe 20 plates daily.

    It was after I ended my two-year contract as a software developer for a global tech company that I thought I could find another job, or maybe I could do something that I was actually interested in.

    Going all in on hawker life

    Tan frying up the noodles.
    Making Hokkien Mee is hot, tiring, and labor-intensive work.

    Aditi Bharade

    Earlier this year, I got selected for Gastrobeats, a local mentorship program that aims to build up local food businesses. At the end of it, I set up my stall in the Gastrobeats weeklong event tent beside Singapore's upscale Marina Bay Sands hotel.

    It was my first time cooking outside my house for a full week. Plucking the prawns and simmering 50 kilograms of prawn broth for seven hours under a hot, humid tent was hell.

    But the experience gave me the confidence to start my first physical stall.

    I opened Umami Bomb in July, setting it up in a small hawker center in Singapore's Geylang district.

    Tan's hawker stall in Geylang, Singapore.
    Tan set up a hawker stall in Singapore's Geylang district.

    Aditi Bharade

    My parents were supportive, but they had doubts about how long I could last. They said, "You have worked in air-conditioned spaces all your life. Can you actually handle the heat?"

    They predicted that I would quit in three months.

    Working 17-hour days behind the wok

    Alvin Tan is frying up a batch of Hokkien Mee.
    It's hot, tiring work standing behind the wok all day.

    Aditi Bharade

    More than three months in now, I have a routine. I take the first bus to come to the stall and make the prawn broth at around six a.m. Then I start preparing for the lunch crowd, which starts at around noon and ends around 2 p.m.

    After that, I go back home for a bit to rest, then come back around 5 p.m. for the dinner crowd. After dinner, I clean up the stall, and mostly end the day around 11 p.m.

    The heat is something else. I want to be frying more plates, but it's so tiring. I have burn marks all over my hands from hot oil.

    I've had to downgrade my lifestyle because my earnings are lower than when I was working a software job. I cut back on spending on food and mainly cook at home for myself.

    I have way less time for my friends and family, and my social life has been affected because I work every day. If I decide to go on a holiday, I have to sacrifice my revenue.

    It's lonely, and it's quite depressing.

    The silver lining

    The exterior of the hawker centre where Tan's shop is located.
    Tan said business is slowly but surely picking up.

    Aditi Bharade

    Business is slowly picking up. When I first started, I'd maybe sell 20 plates a day, which was quite discouraging. Imagine spending the whole day preparing, only to sell 20 plates.

    Now I'm selling about 50 to 60 plates daily. I haven't hit 100 plates yet. I'm waiting for that milestone.

    It's also satisfying to see your business grow. The best part is having customers tell you your food is great. It makes me feel pride in my cooking to have people reassure me that I'm good at what I do.

    And in the worst-case scenario, I have a backup plan.

    I've given myself one year to feel successful. If things don't go well, I'll return to the corporate world.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • I’ve interviewed over 60 people about financial independence and retiring early. I took their advice on 3 things.

    Group photo at the FI Freedom Retreat in 2024
    I interviewed over 60 people about their advice on retiring early and had three main takeaways.

    I Putu Abel Pody

    • Early retirees stress the importance of learning how to invest instead of paying advisors.
    • Some FIRE experts also advise against delaying retirement unnecessarily.
    • Building strong relationships and hobbies is crucial to avoid loneliness once you hit your number.

    I first came across the Financial Independence, Retire Early movement when I spoke to a Big Tech employee who quit her job and retired early, only to regret it days later.

    Speaking to her and over 60 other FIREers in the past two years has taught me that this increasingly popular four-letter acronym is a dream come true for many, but it needs to be done right. Otherwise, being untethered to a job or stream of income can lead to loneliness, anxiety, and feeling like you lack purpose.

    Even though I'm at the start of my career, I have taken these three pieces of advice that I hear often to heart:

    1. Don't use a financial advisor

    Alan and Katie Donegan, who are originally from the UK and have been nomadic since hitting financial independence in 2019, have tons of advice — they run a free 10-week seminar about FIRE.

    I first met them at a FIRE retreat in Bali, Indonesia, last year, and have caught up with them as they travel through Brazil and the US.

    One piece of advice that stuck with me is how they insist on not using financial advisors, after hiring one themselves.

    "People fear doing it themselves," Katie told me in one of our calls. "So they pay for a professional advisor, which they don't need, then they pay high fees, and they get poor performance."

    The couple calculated that if Katie had stayed with her high-fee advisor instead of switching to low-cost index funds, they would have been over 1 million British pounds worse off.

    "If you're still working and have income, I think it's ridiculously conservative to have bonds," Katie said. "So there was that double whammy of what they did with me."

    With their nod of approval, I'm happy to bet on index funds instead of a financial advisor.

    2. Don't delay retirement

    Brad Barrett is the host of ChooseFI, a financial independence podcast that introduced the FIRE movement to a big chunk of people I met in the past year.

    In our chat about common mistakes he sees early retirees make, I was surprised that he sees more people quit work too late than too early.

    He told me that most people are overly conservative and fall into the "one more year" trap. They delay quitting their jobs or moving onto something new because they're worried their retirement nest egg isn't big enough.

    "I think people don't understand the finite nature of their lives," he told me. "If we are really lucky, we get eight or nine decades on this planet," and even fewer healthy years.

    "Every day that you work longer than you have to, is a day that you're not doing something with the only resource you can't get back, which is your time," he said.

    I'm only two years into my career and don't often think about retirement. But Brad's advice taught me not to delay things that make me happy. There is no perfect time to start a new sport or to take that friend's road trip to Kyrgyzstan — so I'm doing it as soon as I can.

    3. Invest in your relationships and hobbies

    One theme that sneaks its way into every conversation I have with people who are set to retire early, or those who have already escaped the corporate grind, is the idea of loneliness and isolation.

    When you're the only person in your friend group who retired in their 30s, there's no one to brunch or play pickleball with on a Wednesday afternoon. So the relationships and hobbies you build before retiring become even more important.

    At the retreat I attended in Bali last year, the most common regret people shared was that they invested too much time on their career and beefing up their brokerage accounts. This often came at the expense of time with their kids and friends, or finding a partner.

    A couple with young kids pledged to prioritize their sidelined marriage. The two finance professionals had recently hit nearly $2 million in net worth, but confessed that they had never considered shelling out for household help or a full-time nanny.

    Most of the 50 attendees, many of whom were still trying to hit their FIRE number, told me they were learning how to spend on things that make them happy, even if it meant reaching retirement a couple of years later. Some recommended creating a bank account with money solely for experiences with friends and family.

    One expert, who led a session called "Financial Independence Next Endeavor," told us one of the best trips he had ever taken was last year's $20,000, 11-day cruise from Greece to Italy, with his mom and his adult daughter. A designated "fun bucket" of money helped him ditch his frugality mindset and book the trip.

    Since returning from this retreat, I've been a lot more proactive about making plans. I love my job — something I've wanted since high school — but I've come to understand that it's only one part of me.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Should you buy Temple & Webster shares after the crash?

    Woman and man calculating a dividend yield.

    Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) shares have been hammered this week.

    Investors have been selling the online homewares retailer’s shares after its strong growth so far in FY 2026 wasn’t quite as strong as the market was expecting.

    One leading broker thinks the selloff has been an overreaction and believes it has created a buying opportunity for investors.

    What is the broker saying?

    Bell Potter notes that while Temple & Webster’s sales growth has slowed since the end of August, management has reaffirmed its growth targets for FY 2026. It said:

    Temple & Webster (TPW) provided a trading update for the first ~20 weeks of FY26 (1- Jul to 20-Nov) at their AGM, with check-out revenue +18% on pcp easing off from +28% in Jul-Aug. Trading reflects some cyclical impacts after two consecutive years of 20-26% revenue growth, however the company’s growth targets unchanged at >20% growth.

    FY26 EBITDA margins of 3-5% were reaffirmed, including ~4% post the entry investment into New Zealand. Key metrics, average orders values and repeat rates (~60%) have performed well, in addition to a strong cash position in excess of $150m.

    And while Bell Potter believes its sales growth will be a touch short of target this year, it remains very bullish on Temple & Webster and its shares. It adds:

    While we see some tailwinds related to the most recent Consumer Sentiment print, lag effects from concluded interest rate cuts to the household goods category and TPW’s increased focus into brand marketing ROI, we factor in a level of cautiousness considering the longer discounting cycle and sit slightly below TPW’s +20% expectations.

    Temple & Webster shares tipped to rebound

    According to the note, the broker has responded to the update by retaining its buy rating with a reduced price target of $19.50 (from $28.00). Based on its current share price of $14.06, this implies potential upside of almost 40% for investors over the next 12 months.

    Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

    Our PT decreases by 30% to A$19.50 (prev. A$28.00). Along with our earnings revisions, we reduce our target multiples by 25% to ~27x EV/EBITDA (prev. ~36x) on FY27e EBITDA and ~3x EV/Sales (prev. ~4x) on FY27e Sales (25:75 blend).

    Our views are unchanged of TPW’s ability to outperform over the long term as market share capture in an expanded TAM is expedited with range, pricing/scale advantages, backed by a strong balance sheet (+$150m cash). Trading at ~2x EV/Sales post the ~40% correction in the share price from the recent peak, we see risk-reward heading into the Feb 1H result and continue to see a buying opportunity. Maintain BUY.

    The post Should you buy Temple & Webster shares after the crash? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Temple & Webster Group Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Temple & Webster Group 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 Temple & Webster Group 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 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Temple & Webster Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Down 51% in a year, guess which resurgent ASX 200 stock is lifting off on $35 million buyback news

    Wooden blocks spelling rebound with coins on top.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock Reece Ltd (ASX: REH) is charging higher today.

    Shares in the plumbing parts company closed yesterday trading for $12.24. In early morning trade on Thursday, shares are changing hands for $12.60 apiece, up 2.9%.

    For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.2% at this same time.

    Despite today’s boost – and the 18.7% gains achieved since last Wednesday’s close – the Reece share price remains down a sharp 50.8% since this time last year.

    Those losses will have only been modestly dampened by the 18.4 cents per share in fully franked dividends the company paid eligible stockholders over this period. Reece shares currently trade at a fully franked 1.46% trailing dividend yield.

    Now, here’s what’s happening today.

    ASX 200 stock increases share buyback to $400 million

    In October, Reece completed a $365 million off-market share buyback, with the company paying $13 per share. The buyback was funded with both cash and debt.

    Today, the ASX 200 stock announced an on-market share buyback of up to $35 million. Management noted this is now at the upper limit of the buyback the company had previously announced.

    The new $35 million buyback will also be funded via a mix of on-hand cash and existing debt facilities.

    Commenting on the new buyback, Reece chair and CEO Peter Wilson said, “We have a well-defined capital allocation framework and continue to take a long-term approach to shareholder value creation.”

    Wilson added, “We remain committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet with a conservative leverage ratio to fund future growth.”

    The ASX 200 stock expects the on-market buyback to commence on or after 12 December. It will be conducted in the ordinary course of trading and could run for up to 12 months.

    What else has been impacting Reece shares?

    Reece shares have enjoyed a strong run since the company reported its September quarter results on 21 November.

    Highlights included an 8% year-on-year increase in sales revenue for the three months to $2.41 billion. (Sales revenue was up 6% on a constant currency basis.)

    “Sales were supported by network expansion over the past 12 months,” Wilson said.

    Indeed, over the quarter, the ASX 200 stock added 10 new branches in the United States and five new branches in Australia and New Zealand.

    But with costs rising, earnings came under pressure.

    Reece reported an 8% year-on-year decline in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to $222 million.

    “Costs remain elevated driven by network growth, ongoing investment in core capabilities and the impact of labour cost inflation in competitive markets, especially the US,” Wilson said.

    The post Down 51% in a year, guess which resurgent ASX 200 stock is lifting off on $35 million buyback news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Reece 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 Reece 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 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 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.