In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to start the week with a solid gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.65% to 7,225.2 points.

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

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The EOS share price has jumped 35% to 61.5 cents. This morning, EOS revealed that its Defence Systems business has secured a contract with SpetsTechnoExport, a Ukrainian state-owned foreign trade enterprise. The deal will see EOS supply SpetsTechnoExport with up to 100 heavy remote weapon systems (RWS).

Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE)

The Lake Resources share price is up 10.5% to 49.2 cents. This has been driven by the release of an update on the lithium developer’s Kachi operation in Argentina. Lake revealed that independent testing of lithium carbonate produced from Kachi with its Lilac DLE technology has confirmed grades and purity greater than 99.8%.

Tyro Payments Ltd (ASX: TYR)

The Tyro share price is up 8% to $1.55. This appears to have been driven by speculation that Tyro could be about to receive another takeover approach from Potentia Capital Management. The two parties are currently in discussions in relation to a possible change of control transaction.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside share price is up 3% to $34.37. Investors have been buying Woodside and other energy shares on Monday after OPEC announced a surprise production cut. This has sent oil prices surging higher during Asian trade. It has also driven the S&P/ASX 200 Energy index 2.6% higher this afternoon.

The post Why EOS, Lake Resources, Tyro, and Woodside shares are racing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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More reading

• Electro Optic Systems share price rockets 53% on Ukraine deal
• Why are ASX 200 energy shares off to such a great start on Monday?
• Why is the Lake Resources share price rocketing 19% on Monday?
• Down 27% in a month, is the Lake Resources share price finally cheap enough to buy?
• Why Appen, Harvey Norman, Healthco, and Lake shares are dropping today

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The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having yet another positive day so far this Monday. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 has gained another 0.76%, putting the index back over 7,230 points. If these levels hold until the end of the trading day, it will be the sixth day in a row of gains for the ASX 200.

As you might expect, many ASX 200 shares are having top days today. In fact, there are at least seven that have just hit new 52-week highs. What a way to start the week.

So let’s check out these new ASX 200 high watermarks.

Seven ASX 200 shares hitting new 52-week highs today

First up is United Malt Group Ltd (ASX: UMG) United Malt shares are currently enjoying a 0.95% bump to $4.80 a share. But this morning, this malt producer climbed as high as $4.87, which is the company’s new 52-week high point. United Malt shares are now up a whopping 37.4% in 2023 year to date.

Next, we have Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd (ASX: FPH). Fisher & Paykel shares have had a bouncy day, spending time in both positive and negative territory. Right now, this ASX 200 healthcare share is up by 0.12% at $24.89 each.

But this morning, we saw this company head all the way past $25 to a new 52-week high of $25.02 a share. Year to date, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is now up a pleasing 16.7%.

ASX 200 travel share Webjet Ltd (ASX: WEB) is also worth a gander today. It’s been a long time since Webjet had any ASX news to share with investors. But that hasn’t stopped this company from having a stellar start to 2023.

Today, the Webjet share price has soared another 3% to $7.25 a share a present, which is right on the company’s new 52-week high. Webjet has now climbed 17.5% in 2023 so far.

Next, let’s examine ASX 200 real estate company REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA). REA shares are also enjoying some time in the sun today. The owner of realestate.com has gained a decent 1.42% so far today to $140 a share, but went as high as $141.13 this morning, a new 52-week high. REA shares are now up a happy 28.8% in 2023 to date.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) is our next ASX 200 share worth a look. This company has gained an impressive 2.75% so far this season to $66.93 at the time of writing. But we saw Wisetech climb as high as $67.25 a share this morning.

Not only is that a new 52-week high for the company, but an all-time high to boot. Wisetech Global shares are now basking in a year-to-date gain of 36%.

The best until last?

Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) is one of the most famous and widely held shares on the ASX 200. So many investors will be popping the champagne today with Telstra’s new 52-week high. The telco closed at $4.22 a share last week but shot up to $4.24 just before midday today.

That’s the new high watermark for the past 12 months that investors can boast of today. The Telstra share price is now up 6.8% in 2023 to date.

And finally, our next 52-week high to discuss comes from ASX 200 veteran Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL). This investing house has been on fire of late, putting on a pleasing 5.4% over the past month alone.

This morning, Soul Patts notched up another 52-week high by climbing all the way to $30.63 a share. Right now, investors have cooled their jets a little, with Soul Patts at $30.34 a share. Even so, this ASX institution is now sitting on an 11.9% gain for 2023 so far.

The post 7 ASX 200 stocks smashing new 52-week highs on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why did the Telstra share price beat the ASX 200 in March?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• For $400 in monthly passive income, buy 28,236 shares of this ASX 200 stock
• These were the best performing ASX 200 shares in March
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Telstra Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended REA Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to start the week with a decent gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.7% to 7,228.5 points.

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

Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB)

The Austal share price is down 3% to $1.67. Investors have been selling this shipbuilder’s shares after it revealed that the United States Department of Justice has indicted three former Austal USA employees. They have been indicted for allegedly making or causing to be made false and misleading statements about Austal USA’s performance and financial condition between 2012 and 2016. The US SEC has also filed civil charges against the same three individuals.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

The Netwealth share price is down 7% to $12.57. This morning, this investment platform provider released its quarterly update. Although it revealed $1.7 billion in net inflows, this is slower than previous quarters. Nevertheless, together with favourable market movements, Netwealth’s FUA increased by 5.45% or $3.4 billion to $65.8 billion.

Perseus Mining Limited (ASX: PRU)

The Perseus Mining share price is down 8% to $1.63. This follows broad weakness in the gold industry after investor sentiment improved. This has seen the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index fall 1.9% today. In other news, this morning, the Africa-focused gold miner announced a new US$300 million syndicated revolving corporate facility. This replaces its existing US$150 million facility.

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The Pilbara Minerals share price is down over 3% to $3.81. A number of lithium shares are dropping today. This may be due to a bearish note out of Citi regarding lithium prices or the release of Tesla’s deliveries numbers overnight. The latter was a record but still fell short of the market’s expectations.

The post Why Austal, Netwealth, Perseus, and Pilbara Minerals shares are dropping appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• These ASX 200 lithium shares could be takeover targets: Morgans
• Here are the 3 most heavily traded ASX 200 shares on Friday
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy now
• ‘Sky-high demand’: 2 ASX 200 mining shares that could head to the moon
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

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

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Directors of S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) coal share New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) have been on a buying spree.

Three of the company’s insiders snapped up more than $1.6 million worth of its stock on Thursday – paying an average price of around $5.51 apiece.

And that looks to have been a bargain. The New Hope share price is currently trading 2.47% higher at $5.82.

Insider buying can sometimes signal that those in the know are expecting big things from a stock.

So, could now be a good time to jump on board New Hope shares? Let’s take a look.

Insiders snap up New Hope shares

Billionaire Robert Millner and son Tom Millner – both of whom sit on the New Hope board – saw their respective indirect interest in the company bolstered by 300,000 shares last week.

The pair both hold an interest in J. S. Millner Holdings Pty Limited, which snapped up the stake for a total of around $1.65 million on Thursday. It paid between $5.45 per share and $5.62 per share for the parcel.

Meanwhile, director Jacqueline McGill got an even better deal, bolstering her position in the ASX 200 coal favourite by 10,000 shares, paying $5.41 apiece on market – a total spend of $54,100.

Is the stock a buy?

So, is now a good time to buy New Hope shares? Well, that depends on who you ask.

The company itself seemingly thinks so. It resumed its $300 million on-market share buyback last month.

Meanwhile, Morgans has an add rating and a $6.35 price target on the stock, my fool colleague James reports. That represents a potential 10% upside on its current level.

The broker is said to expect the company to continue growing its already whopping dividends in the coming years.

On the other hand, Goldman Sachs believes the New Hope share price overvalues the company given its expectation that coal prices will soon slump.

It has a sell rating and a $3.70 price target on the stock – a potential 36% downside.

The post Directors have bought more than $1.6m of New Hope shares in a week. Should you buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Passive income: Broker says buy this ASX 200 share for an 18% dividend yield
• 3 dividend stocks with the biggest ASX 200 yields. Time to buy?
• How I’d invest $20k in ASX 200 shares to earn a second income of $140 a month
• BHP share price dips as coal mines catch attention
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

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

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Investors have been understandably hesitant when it comes to S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) banks of late.

But legendary investor Warren Buffett has some handy tips for allaying those fears before investing in the sector.

Global bank stocks have been roiled in recent weeks, commencing with the collapse of United States-based Silicon Valley Bank and subsequently Signature Bank.

Regional banks in the US remain under pressure, as the crisis has spread to Europe.

Credit Suisse was the first victim there. The venerable bank was taken over by UBS in a desperate deal engineered by the Swiss government to stave off its collapse. Other European banks, including Deutsche Bank, have also come under pressure.

So, are ASX 200 banks any different?

Here are three tips from Warren Buffett to keep in mind when researching the sector.

Three Warren Buffett tips on how to invest in ASX 200 banks

First, before Warren Buffett invests in any bank stock, he carries out thorough research to ensure it has a good margin of safety. Buying a stock, the Oracle of Omaha says, is just like buying an entire business.

So do your homework!

When it comes to ASX 200 bank shares, you want to make sure they’re resilient to any potential liquidity crunch, like those that are rocking some banks in the US and Europe.

The good news here is that the big four ASX 200 banks are reported to be in the strongest shape of any in the world, in terms of their Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio.

CET1, if you’re not familiar, measures the core equity capital of a bank in comparison to its risk-weighted assets.

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) requires the ASX 200 banks to have a minimum 10.25% CET1 ratio. And all of the big four banks handily exceed that level.

Speaking at The Australian Financial Review Banking Summit, APRA chair John Lonsdale said, “Australians can be confident of two things: their banking system is among the strongest and most resilient in the world, with prudential safeguards above and beyond minimum international requirements.”

The second Warren Buffett tip for investing in ASX 200 banks is to look for economic moats.

Just like a moat protects a castle, these are companies with existing competitive advantages that make it more difficult for newcomers to come in and steal their businesses. The sheer size of the big four banks and their broad lending reach gives them all solid moats.

Finally, don’t expect to double your money overnight.

Warren Buffett recommends investing for the long term.

ASX 200 banks may not be immune to any short-term jitters surrounding the global banking industry.

But with world-leading capital positions and lengthy track records of regular dividend payouts, patient investors who’ve done their due diligence should reap the rewards in good time.

How have the big banks been tracking?

Here’s how the big four ASX 200 banks have performed over the past six months:

• Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares are up 2.8%
• National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares are down 2.9%
• Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares are up 6.5%
• Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are up 10.2%

The post 3 Warren Buffett tips on how to invest in ASX 200 banks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Buy these ASX 200 shares for massive dividends: analysts
• Top ASX dividend shares to buy in April 2023
• Why was the Westpac share price sold off in March?
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• Why did the NAB share price tank more than 7% in March?

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

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The S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) and ASX shares are having a stellar start to the trading week so far this Monday. At the time of writing, the ASX 300 is up a healthy 0.78% at just under 7,190 points. So as an index fund covering the ASX 300, by all accounts, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) should be doing something similar.

Yet this ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF) is barely up today. Vanguard Australian Share ETF units closed at $89.78 each last Friday. But today, this ETF is only up by a seemingly paltry 0.29% at $90.04. Index funds like the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF are supposed to mirror the index they track. So this is a rather strange diversion.

Thankfully, this ETF isn’t broken, and neither is the share market. And in fact, investors should be grateful that Vanguard Australian Shares ETF units are in the green at all. This situation is occurring because it is ex-dividend day for the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF. Or more accurately, ex-distribution day.

Vanguard Australian Shares ETF doles out its latest dividend

Just like ASX shares, ETFs can pay out dividends too. These are known as distributions, and occur because an ETF that holds dividend-paying shares in its portfolio has to pass those dividends through to their investors.

In the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF’s case, it owns the 300 largest shares by market capitalisation on the share market. That’s everything from Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) to Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) and Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV).

So there are a lot of dividends to pass on here. As such, this ETF usually pays out quarterly dividend distributions. And the latest one is coming to investors soon.

Late last month, Vanguard announced that the Australian Shares ETF’s latest distribution would be paid on 20 April, with an ex-distribution date of 3 April.

Later, the provider confirmed that this distribution would be worth 57.6988 cents per unit. This is the lowest quarterly distribution that this ETF has paid out since July 2021. For context, last year’s corresponding quarterly payment was worth 199.59 cents per unit. The previous quarterly payment that was doled out in January this year was worth 74.97 cents per unit.

So as of today, new investors in the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF are not eligible for this upcoming dividend distribution. As such, this explains why the ETF isn’t matching the market’s gains and appears to be underperforming.

The post Why is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) tumbling on Monday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here are the ASX shares I was buying and selling in March
• Hoping to bag the next Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF dividend? You’d better hurry
• No savings? Drip-feed $500 a month into ASX shares and aim to retire in comfort
• How much do I need to invest in ASX shares for $100 in weekly passive income?
• Does the fall in the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF share price make it a no-brainer buy?

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. 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.

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The team at Morgans regularly picks out its best ASX share ideas. These are the ASX shares that the broker thinks offer the highest risk-adjusted returns over a 12-month timeframe and are supported by a higher-than-average level of confidence.

Among its best ideas for April are the three ASX shares listed below. Here’s what the broker is saying about them:

CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)

This biotherapeutics company remains a key pick for Morgans. Its analysts believe that CSL’s outlook has improved materially since the height of the pandemic and are forecasting solid earnings growth in the coming years. The broker commented:

A key portfolio holding and key sector pick, we believe CSL is poised to break-out this year, a COVID exit trade, offering double-digit recovery in earnings growth as plasma collections increase, new products get approved and influenza vaccine uptake increases around ongoing concerns about respiratory viruses, with shares offering good value trading around its long-term forward multiple of ~30x.

Morgans has an add rating and $337.92 price target on CSL’s shares.

Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)

Another ASX share on Morgans’ best ideas list this month is job listings giant Seek. The broker believes it is the best classifieds company to buy right now thanks to a number of tailwinds. It explained:

Of the classifieds players, we continue to see SEEK as the one with the most relative upside, a view that’s based on the sustained listings growth we’ve seen over the period. The tailwinds that have driven elevated job ads (~210k currently, broadly flat on the robust pcp) and strong FY22 result appear to still remain in place, i.e. subdued migration, candidate scarcity and the drive for greater employee flexibility. With businesses looking to grow headcount in the coming months and job mobility at historically high levels according to the RBA, we see these favourable operating conditions driving increased reliance on SEEK’s products.

The broker has an add and $28.40 price target on Seek’s shares.

The post Morgans names the best ASX shares to buy in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• This ASX share’s halved in 5 years, but I’m still sticking with it
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL and Seek. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Seek. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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We seem to be enjoying yet another positive day on the ASX share market this Monday. After last week’s five-for-five gains, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is pushing higher again today, currently up by a healthy 0.83% at back over 7,230 points. It’s also a good day for AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) shareholders too, thanks to some dividend news. 

AMP shares are on fire today. The ASX 200 financial services veteran closed at $1.05 a share last week. But today, the AMP share price has boomed by an impressive 4.3% up to $1.10 a share.

This gain might just be some rubber banding going on. On Friday last week, a day when the ASX 200 jumped convincingly, the AMP share price cratered by a nasty 2.78%. This was probably thanks to the news that AMP shareholders rejected the company’s remuneration report at the annual general meeting.

Today, all seems forgotten:

But this 4.3% rise comes on top of some good news regarding AMP’s latest dividend. To sum it up, today is AMP’s dividend payday.

AMP shareholders are about to get a dividend payday

Yes, it’s been quite a while since investors were treated to a dividend from AMP shares. In fact, the company’s last dividend payment came over four years ago, back in 2019.

But when AMP announced its latest full-year earnings to the markets back in February, it included a final dividend of 2.5 cents per share, partially franked at 20%. That was despite the company reporting a 34% drop in underlying net profits after tax (NPAT) to $184 million.

So this new dividend is arriving in eligible shareholders’ bank accounts today. That’s after the company traded ex-dividend back on 1 March. Any investors who bought AMP shares on or after that date will miss out on this latest dividend.

But for anyone who owned the shares before that date, today is your day. AMP also has a dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) in place for this dividend, so for shareholders who opted for the DRP, today is the day you will be issued your additional shares. 

AMP has turned its focus to rewarding long-suffering shareholders this year. In addition to its first dividend in four years, AMP is also in the midst of conducting a $350 million share buyback program as well.

Today’s 2.5 cents per share dividend now gives the AMP share price a dividend yield of 2.27%.             

The post The first AMP dividend in over 4 years is being paid today. Here’s the lowdown appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• AMP share price slips amid expected first strike on remuneration
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Sunk $3,000 into AMP shares 5 years ago? Here’s how much passive income you’ve realised
• Are AMP shares set to become a dividend machine?

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 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.

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S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are marching higher on Monday, with the benchmark index up 0.77% in morning trade.

This comes as investors await the next interest rate decision from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).

The RBA makes its announcement at 2:30pm AEST time tomorrow.

What’s happening with rate hikes and ASX 200 shares?

In its ongoing battle to tame hot-running inflation, the RBA has raised the official cash rate at each of its past 10 meetings.

On 7 March, the central bank increased interest rates by another 0.25%, bringing the current official cash rate to 3.6%. That’s up from the historic low of 0.1% when the bank first started tightening in May last year.

As last month’s rate hike was widely expected, ASX 200 shares actually leapt 0.6% right after the RBA’s announcement.

Tomorrow’s price action will be interesting to watch, as the market is more divided on whether to expect another rate hike or if the time has come for a pause.

With inflation easing, consumer spending slipping, and a large number of home loans coming off ultra-low fixed rates, a number of economists believe the RBA will hold off with any further rate increases. That would likely see a relief rally in ASX 200 shares.

But there’s far from a consensus agreement on that view. Inflation of 6.8% remains far above the RBA’s 2% to 3% target range and unemployment levels remain at historic lows of 3.5%, which could force the RBA’s hand.

With that in mind…

What the experts are saying

With ASX 200 shares potentially facing headwinds or tailwinds from tomorrow’s RBA decision, we turn to Bloomberg’s economist survey for some greater insight.

Of the 30 surveyed economists, 19 said they believe the RBA will hold fire tomorrow while 11 believe ASX 200 share investors should be prepared for another 0.25% rate hike.

This comes after both the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank opted to raise rates at their last meetings, despite the ongoing banking crisis. Notably, the Royal Bank of Canada went the other way and paused its tightening cycle at the last meeting.

Among the economists forecasting a pause is Gareth Aird, head of Australia economics at CBA.

“The domestic economy is now showing sufficient signs of slowing and we expect the RBA board will judge that a pause in the tightening cycle is the appropriate move,” Aird said (quoted by Bloomberg). “The RBA does not want a recession.”

But chief Australia economist at Goldman Sachs Andrew Boak begs to differ and forecasts a 0.25% increase is on the cards for tomorrow.

“Australian inflation is far too high, with clearer signs of an acceleration from persistent sources in the services sector,” Boak said. He noted that the Fed has “continued to hike rates through a period of much more intense market volatility“, and he expects the RBA to follow suit.

That gives you some idea of the immediate outlook for a rate hike or pause.

As for any rate cuts ahead that may help boost ASX 200 shares, most experts believe that’s a good way off yet.

“The lagging nature of wages growth, another likely high minimum wage increase and upside risk to public sector wages following the change of government in NSW suggest that [a rate cut] is unlikely in 2023 or early 2024,” said Su-Lin Ong at RBC Capital Markets (courtesy of The Australia Financial Review).

“We expect the RBA to delay policy easing to the third quarter of 2024 – by which time we expect trimmed mean inflation to have (finally) returned to the target band,” Goldman’s Boak added.

What do you think, Bernd?

As this economist is still awaiting the survey call from Bloomberg, I’m glad you asked!

I’m going to split the difference on this one. I believe ASX 200 share investors should expect a rate increase, but a small one.

My forecast is for the RBA to lift rates by 0.15%, bringing the official cash rate to 3.75%. Then perhaps next month we can look forward to a pause.

The post Investing in ASX 200 shares? Here’s what to expect from the RBA tomorrow appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

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Despite rebounding strongly late in the month, the Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price still recorded another disappointing decline in March.

The lithium developer’s shares lost 7.5% of their value during the period to end at 86 cents.

Though, it could have been far worse had it not been for that aforementioned rebound, which was caused by a rival receiving a takeover offer at a significant premium.

For example, at one stage in March, the Core Lithium share price was down to a 52-week low of 73 cents. If it has finished the month there, it would have meant a decline of almost 22% for the period.

Why did the Core Lithium share price tumble in March?

Investors were hitting the sell button in the lithium industry for much of last month after spot prices of the battery making ingredient continued to fall.

This sparked fears that many lithium developers have missed the boat on sky high prices and led to investors questioning their valuations.

Not even a mineral resource update and new sales agreement were enough to stop the Core Lithium share price from falling last month.

The former revealed the more than doubling of the mineral resource estimate at BP33 from 4.37Mt @ 1.53% Li2O to 10.1Mt @ 1.48% Li2O. Whereas the latter confirmed that the company has agreed to an additional sale of spodumene concentrate to long-term customer Sichuan Yahua.

Is this weakness a buying opportunity?

Opinion remains divided on where the Core Lithium share price is heading from here.

Analysts at Macquarie are bullish and have an outperform rating and $1.10 price target on its shares. Whereas over at Citi, its analysts have a sell rating and 75 cents price target on them.

Time will tell which broker makes the right call.

The post What on earth happened to the Core Lithium share price in March? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

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