The AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) share price has cratered on Thursday after the financial services company dropped its full-year FY25 results.

AMP is the biggest faller on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) today after the wealth manager missed market expectations.

The AMP share price is currently $1.21, down 30.66%.

According to The Australian, this is the biggest one day fall in the AMP share price since 2003, when it experienced a 36% plunge.

The wealth manager reported a 20.8% lift in underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) to $285 million.

AMP said strong North platform cashflows and a 9% increase in total assets under management (AUM) to $161.7 billion contributed to the rise in underlying profit.

But the statutory NPAT was $133 million, which represented a 11.3% decline. AMP said this reflected legacy legal settlements.

There was a 25.6% lift in the underlying earnings per share (EPS) to 11.3 cents per share.

AMP declared a final FY25 dividend of 2 cents per share with 20% franking, taking the full-year dividend to 4 cents per share.

Broker Macquarie dubs full-year report ‘weak’

In a post-results note, broker Macquarie commented (courtesy The Australian):

Initial impressions are weak with guidance far below Visible Alpha consensus expectations across all items.

There was no buyback, dividend outlook missed in FY26/27.

In addition, revenue margins in both the S&I (Superannuation & Investments) and Platforms divisions continue to grind lower against consensus expectations of roughly flat.

Let’s address each of these points.

AMP dividend outlook

During the earnings call with investors, AMP CFO Blair Vernon said he anticipates a 4-cent per share dividend in FY26 and FY27.

On the issue of potential future capital returns to shareholders, Vernon said:

In the absence of a compelling alternative use of capital, our preferred method of capital return to shareholders beyond our current dividend approach would be via on-market buyback.

AMP CEO Alexis George made the point that AMP has already given $1.1 billion in capital back to shareholders over the past five years.

Revenue margins

AMP reported a 9.3% increase in the Platforms underlying NPAT to $106 million, with net cashflows (excluding pensions) up 85.2%.

The AUM-based revenue margin for the Platforms business was 42bps, down from 45bps in FY24.

AMP said this reflected the interaction of AUM growth and tiered fee structures, as well as the growth in Managed Portfolios.

Looking ahead to FY26, Blair said he expects that, subject to market conditions, the Platforms margin would be lower again at between 40 and 41bps.

The Superannuation & Investments segment delivered a 14.8% uplift in underlying NPAT to $62 million.

The segment’s AUM-based revenue margin of 62bps was also lower, down 1bps on FY24.

AMP said this was due to AUM growth and fee caps offset by lower investment management expenses.

Blair provided revenue margin guidance of 60 to 61bps for this segment in FY26.

What did management say?

AMP CEO Alexis George said:

2025 was an important year for AMP with resolution of legacy items and stabilisation of the portfolio.

This enabled renewed focus on winning in the segments we play, growing the wealth businesses, and building on the vision to be the place that customers come to plan for a dignified retirement…

We have a clear strategic focus and a strong balance sheet. This means we are well positioned to continue to drive organic growth, while also having the capacity to participate in inorganic opportunities when they arise.

The post AMP share price nosedives 31% on earnings miss and disappointing guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why AMP, CSL, Pro Medicus, and Temple & Webster shares are crashing today
• AMP FY25 result: 21% profit lift and higher AUM
• ASX 200 financials flew but tech and mining shares faltered last week
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• AMP reports FY24 results and cost allocation changes

Motley Fool contributor f=”https://www.fool.com.au/author/TMFBronwyn/”>Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lithium shares have delivered some seriously impressive returns over the past year.

How impressive?

Well, over the past 12 months, the ASX 200 has gained a respectable 6.6%.

Despite the past month’s retrace, however, ASX 200 lithium shares have left those gains wanting.

Here’s how these leading Aussie miners have performed over the last full year:

• Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares have gained 72.1%
• Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) shares have gained 191.2%
• Pls Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) – formerly Pilbara Minerals – shares have gained 108.0%
• IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) shares have gained 88.6%

And though it was booted from the ASX 200 after its market cap crashed in 2023 and 2024, we’ll give a nod to Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) shares as well, up 133.3% in 12 months.

The common thread helping all of these miners smash the benchmark returns is the surging global lithium price.

Over the past eight months spodumene (a lithium bearing ore) prices have rocketed more than 200% amid expectations of strong demand and reduced supply from China. Spodumene was recently trading near US$2,000 per tonne, up from around US$600 per tonne last June.

Which brings us back to our headline question.

Can these rocketing ASX 200 lithium shares keep charging higher?

If you’re looking at buying shares in the likes of PLS, Liontown, Mineral Resources or IGO, then you should expect your future returns to be heavily impacted by the going price of lithium.

So, will these surging ASX 200 lithium shares continue to enjoy a rebound in the price of the battery critical metal?

Well, that depends on who you ask.

On the bullish side, UBS recently increased its lithium price outlook by 74% after reviewing expected demand from global EV markets and energy storage demand.

The broker forecasts a 14% increase in global lithium demand in 2026 with another 16% increase in 2027. In light of this, UBS expects the spodumene price to reach US$3,131 per tonne. That’s up from UBS’s prior forecast of US$1,800 per tonne, and more than 50% above current levels.

On the more bearish side of the equation Vivek Dhar commodities analyst at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) noted that global miners have the potential to add a significant amount of lithium supply to markets amid higher lithium prices.

According to Dhar (quoted by The Australian Financial Review):

Despite these solid demand forecasts, it’s hard to believe that lithium prices can keep going, especially like it did in 2022, given the latent supply that can come online due to higher lithium prices.

ECP Asset Management partner Andrew Dale also believes the biggest gains from ASX 200 lithium shares like Liontown, PLS and Mineral Resources have probably already been delivered.

“There is a lot of appetite among investors to get exposure to hard assets like lithium, iron ore and gold,” Dale said.

He added:

The outlook for these resources remains strong; however, for investors who are currently underweight … the ship has probably already sailed, as the price for these resources is on the higher end.

The post Is it too late to buy surging ASX 200 lithium shares like PLS and Liontown? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• IGO shares move higher in Wednesday trade. Here’s why
• Why ANZ, CBA, Northern Star, and Origin Energy shares are charging higher today
• The ASX 200 is back over 9,000 points! It’s thanks to just 2 ASX shares
• That was fast! BHP relinquishes biggest ASX stock crown as CBA shares rocket
• My 10 best ASX shares to buy in February

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.

IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) shares are pushing higher today after the company released a fresh update to the market.

At the time of writing, the IGO share price is up around 0.29% to $8.70, with investors digesting the latest disclosure.

IGO remains a major player in Australia’s battery metals sector, with exposure to lithium and nickel.

Let’s take a closer look at what the management updated the market with.

What was announced?

According to the release, IGO has updated its estimates for the amount of lithium at the Greenbushes mine in Western Australia.

The revised figures are based on new drilling results and updated technical modelling. As a result, some resource and reserve categories have increased, while others have decreased compared with previous estimates.

This type of update is required under Australian mining reporting standards and is a normal part of the annual reporting cycle. Resource and reserve statements are used to support mine planning, production forecasts, and long-term capital decisions.

Greenbushes remains one of the largest and highest-grade hard rock lithium deposits globally and is an important source of lithium supply.

Why Greenbushes is important

IGO holds an effective 24.9% interest in Greenbushes through its 49% stake in the Talison Lithium joint venture. The remaining interest is held by Albemarle.

Greenbushes produces spodumene concentrate, which is processed into lithium chemicals used in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. The mine has been in production for decades and is widely regarded as one of the lowest cost hard rock lithium mines globally.

Greenbushes is central to the company’s strategy of focusing on metals linked to clean energy and electrification.

Any changes to resource and reserve estimates are therefore closely watched by investors, including adjustments driven by modelling changes.

Other key assets

Beyond Greenbushes, IGO also owns 100% of the Nova nickel copper cobalt operation in Western Australia. Nova provides exposure to battery-related metals outside of lithium.

The company also holds a 49% stake in the Kwinana lithium hydroxide refinery. That project has faced operational challenges in recent years and remains an area of focus for management.

IGO has experienced share price volatility in recent years as lithium and nickel prices have moved significantly in both directions.

What investors will watch next

The subdued share price reaction suggests the market had largely anticipated the updated numbers.

Looking ahead, investors are likely to focus on production performance at Greenbushes and Nova, as well as lithium and nickel price trends. Further guidance updates from management will also be in focus.

The post IGO shares move higher in Wednesday trade. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is it too late to buy surging ASX 200 lithium shares like PLS and Liontown?
• The lithium price could increase by how much!
• 3 ASX 200 momentum stocks to buy right now
• Are ASX lithium shares running out of steam?
• The growing case for critical minerals – Expert

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having another strong session on Thursday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.5% to 9,061.8 points.

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

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

The ANZ share price is up 8% to $40.41. Investors have been fighting to get hold of the banking giant’s shares following the release of its quarterly update. ANZ reported a first-quarter cash profit of $1.94 billion, which was up 75% on the second-half average of FY 2025. ANZ’s CEO, Nuno Matos, said: “The quarterly result highlights the early progress we are making in executing our ANZ 2030 strategy. Our productivity program aimed at removing duplication and simplifying the bank is well underway, delivering a significant reduction in expenses while growing revenue. There was an improvement across our key financial metrics, including the return on tangible equity which rose to 11.7% and cost to income ratio to below 50%.”

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

The CBA share price is up a further 5% to $177.90. Australia’s largest bank’s shares have been racing higher this week following the release of the banking giant’s half-year results. CBA posted a 6% increase in cash net profit to $5,445 million and lifted its interim dividend by 4% to $2.35 per share. CBA’s CEO, Matt Comyn, commented: “Economic growth strengthened during the half, driven by increases in consumer demand and rising investment in AI and energy infrastructure.”

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star share price is up 4% to $29.38. This follows the release of the gold miner’s half-year results. Northern Star revealed a 49% increase in underlying net profit after tax to $759.8 million. The company’s CEO, Stuart Tonkin, said: “This first half result demonstrates the resilience and growing returns we are embedding in our business, which allowed the Board to declare a 25cps interim dividend despite a soft operating performance. Our balance sheet remains in a net cash position notwithstanding the significant investments we are making to transform Northern Star into a lowest-half global cost producer.”

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)

The Origin Energy share price is up 4% to $11.54. Investors have been buying this energy giant’s shares following the release of its half-year results. Origin Energy reported an underlying profit of $593 million. While this was down from $924 million in the prior corresponding period, it appears to have been better than feared. In addition, management upgraded its Energy Markets full-year underlying EBITDA guidance.

The post Why ANZ, CBA, Northern Star, and Origin Energy shares are charging higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is it too late to buy surging ASX 200 lithium shares like PLS and Liontown?
• The ASX 200 is back over 9,000 points! It’s thanks to just 2 ASX shares
• Up 92% since August, why is the Northern Star share price lifting off again today?
• That was fast! BHP relinquishes biggest ASX stock crown as CBA shares rocket
• Origin Energy posts $557m half-year profit and upgrades guidance

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.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares have dropped another 5.81% in lunchtime trade on Thursday as the biotech’s sharp sell-off continues for another day. 

At the time of writing, the shares are trading at an eight-year low of $153.95 a piece and are now 39.93% lower over the year. 

CSL shares have crashed by more than 14% this week alone after the ASX biotech company released a soft half-year result yesterday, following a shock CEO exit on Tuesday.

Analysts have been pretty positive on CSL shares for some time, with many tipping an extraordinary comeback this year. But I think the company’s latest update shows we may be further away from a recovery than the market realised.

Here’s another ASX healthcare stock I’d look at instead. And I think its shares could outperform CSL over the next 12 months.

The ASX share that could beat CSL

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) develops, manufactures, and distributes medical devices and provides cloud-based software to diagnose and treat a range of sleep and respiratory disorders. 

At the time of writing, its shares are down 2.27% for the day at $35.955 and 4.25% lower over the year. There has been no news out of the company this week to explain the drop, so it’s likely a flurry of investors selling up.

Late last month, ResMed posted a strong quarterly result for the period ended 31 December. The company announced an 11% year-on-year increase in revenue and an 18% increase in income from operations. 

ResMed also revealed that for the second half of FY26, it plans to increase investment in digital health solutions and innovation, aiming to expand global access to home-based care. The company also said it plans to scale up its AI-enabled technology, following recent FDA clearance for its Smart Comfort device.

I think there is an incredible amount of potential ahead for the stock this year. And analysts seem to be bullish about its outlook, too. 

Here’s what analysts expect from ResMed shares this year

Data shows that 21 out of 30 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating on ResMed shares. The maximum target price is $53.82 a piece, which implies a potential 50.35% upside at the time of writing.

Morgans has a buy rating on ResMed shares and said it thinks that recent share price weakness is unjustified given the company’s sound fundamentals.

Ord Minnett is also incredibly positive about the company’s outlook this year. The broker has a buy rating on the shares and said it has a “strongly positive view on ResMed” following its latest results.

The post Here’s an ASX 200 share that I think could beat CSL in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why AMP, CSL, Pro Medicus, and Temple & Webster shares are crashing today
• Are CSL shares a buy after this week’s brutal selloff?
• Buy, hold, sell: Beach Energy, CSL, and Pro Medicus shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Bargain buys! – Scoop up these ASX 200 stocks after yesterday’s crash

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

Shares in graphite producer Syrah Resources Ltd (ASX: SYR) have taken off after the US Department of Commerce confirmed it would slap large tariffs on Chinese graphite exporters.

Syrah is part of lobby group, the North American Graphite Alliance, which had petitioned the US government to investigate whether Chinese graphite active anode material (AAM) producers were being subsidised by the Chinese government.

Syrah said in its ASX statement on Thursday that the Department of Commerce (DOC) had determined this was the case.

In its final determination, DOC confirmed that major Chinese battery and graphite AAM producers are “de facto” controlled by the Chinese government and therefore subject to the China-wide dumping rate. The antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) measures will apply to all natural and synthetic graphite AAM products and AAM contained in blended materials, components (e.g. anode slurries) and subassemblies (e.g. electrodes) imported into the United States from China.

Steep tariffs to be imposed

Syrah said the DOC set a China-wide dumping margin of 102.72% and a dumping margin of 93.5% for certain exporters to counter dumping.

The company said the decision needed to be ratified by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) and once this was done, likely in March, the duties would be in place for five years.

These duties are separate from, and additive to, other existing or potential US import tariffs on Chinese natural graphite and synthetic graphite AAM, including tariffs imposed under Section 301, Section 232 and other reciprocal or IEEPA-related measures.

Syrah said the new tariffs would be positive for its business.

If affirmed by ITC, the AD/CVD measures are expected to support a fair and competitive AAM market in the United States and materially improve Syrah’s competitive position. This may lead to earlier commencement of AAM sales from the Vidalia facility, increased demand for Vidalia AAM, increased demand for Balama natural graphite as feedstock for non-integrated AAM facilities outside China, and improved commercial outcomes with customers for Syrah.

Syrah last month reported that production from its Balama graphite mine was 34% higher than the previous quarter, coming in at 34,400 tonnes.

Shares looking cheap

The analysts at Jarden had a look at the results at the time and said the company’s ownership of key assets in the critical minerals supply chain put it in a good position.

They went on to say:

Our base case and 12-month target price is unchanged at $0.34 per share, and remains set in line with our most conservative valuation scenario outcome. Syrah controls unique assets that are highly strategic within a critical mineral supply chain. We maintain our Overweight rating accordingly. Key risks to the downside include an extended period of depressed pricing for graphite products and the potential for further equity dilution to maintain liquidity.

Syrah shares were 8.5% higher at 25.5 cents on Thursday, well below the Jarden price target of 34 cents.

The post Syrah Resources shares take off on US graphite tariff announcement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Looking for double digit returns? This ASX graphite producer might be for you
• Why Fortescue, Life360, PLS, and Syrah shares are dropping today
• ASX All Ords mining stock sinking on big Tesla news

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.

When I think about passive income from the share market, I’m looking for reliability, durability, and the potential for income to grow over time.

Right now, these are the ASX passive income picks I would feel comfortable owning for the long term.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

For me, Transurban is one of the closest things the ASX has to infrastructure-style income.

It owns and operates toll roads across major cities where traffic demand is driven by population growth and congestion, not economic optimism. Many of its concessions are long-dated, and tolls often have built-in escalation mechanisms.

That matters. It gives me more visibility over cash flows than many other income stocks. While distributions can vary depending on investment cycles, I see Transurban as a core passive income holding with the potential for steady distribution growth over time.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra is not a high-growth tech stock. That’s exactly why I like it in an income portfolio.

Telecommunications is essential infrastructure in a modern economy. Mobile connectivity, broadband, and data usage are not optional for households or businesses. Telstra’s scale and network advantage provide a level of resilience that smaller players struggle to match.

The company has returned to a more consistent dividend footing in recent years, and for income-focused investors, that stability is important. I see Telstra as a reliable cash generator that can anchor a passive income strategy.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths may not have the highest dividend yield on the market, but I don’t think it needs to.

Groceries are non-discretionary. Even when conditions tighten, people still need to eat. That gives Woolworths a defensive quality that I value in an income portfolio.

After a tougher operating period in FY25, expectations have reset and earnings are forecast to recover. If that plays out, dividend growth could follow. For me, this is about combining defensive earnings with the potential for income to increase over time, not just clipping a static yield.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

The VHY ETF would round out my passive income portfolio.

This ETF tracks an index of Australian shares with higher forecast dividend yields. It includes familiar large-cap names such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), while applying diversification rules to avoid overconcentration.

With a dividend yield above 4%, it offers an easy way to gain exposure to a basket of income-generating businesses in one trade. I like it as a complement to individual holdings like Transurban, Telstra, and Woolworths.

Foolish takeaway

Passive income, in my view, is about building a portfolio that can pay you year after year without constant tinkering.

Transurban, Telstra, Woolworths, and the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF are all picks I’d be comfortable leaning on for long-term income. They may not be the most exciting stocks on the ASX, but when it comes to dependable cash flow, that’s what I want.

The post These are my top ASX passive income picks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Woolworths shares recover 22% from all-time low: Buy, sell or hold?
• 3 defensive ASX dividend shares that analysts are tipping as top buys
• How ETFs can help investors build significant passive income
• The ASX 200 shares I’d be comfortable holding in an SMSF
• Are these the best blue-chip ASX shares money can buy?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group, Transurban Group, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

What an extraordinary week it has turned out to be for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and ASX shares. Last Friday, the ASX 200 closed at 8,708.8 points, around the same level it had been hovering at since November last year. But since then, investors have stepped on the gas.

Thanks to a series of dramatic share market hikes, the ASX 200 has vaulted a whopping 4.3% higher since Friday’s close. That’s around half of the ASX 200’s average annual return in just three-and-a-half trading days. That half is today’s session, which has seen investors push the index up by another solid 0.8%. Yesterday, we saw the ASX 200 finally get back over 9,000 points, a threshold it hadn’t touched since October of last year.

After closing at 9.014.8 points yesterday, today’s gains have seen the index get as high as 9,093.6 points, just a whisker off the ASX 200’s all-time record of 9,115.2 points.

So the ASX 200 has gone from just over 8,700 points to almost 9,100 points in just a few trading days. Investors may be wondering how that’s possible. Well, we have two ASX 200 shares to thank.

The first is BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP). BHP has just come off a rather brief stint as the largest stock on the ASX 200 Index. Despite this, the mining giant has had one of its best runs in years in recent months. As recently as April last year, BHP shares were trading at aorund $34 each. Today, those shares are over $52 each, up more than 50% since April.

This gain has come amid galloping commodity prices, notably copper, which BHP is a major producer of.

Even though it no longer holds the top-dog crown of the ASX 200, BHP still accounts for roughly 9.4% of the entire ASX 200’s weighting. Given BHP shares are also up a hefty 7.3% since last Friday’s session, we can happily conclude that the Big Australian is partly responsible for the ASX 200’s return to over 9,000 points.

ASX 200 at 9,000 points: Thank BHP and CBA

Although BHP’s rise has undoubtedly assisted the ASX 200’s recent run, it couldn’t have pulled it off without good ol’ Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

CBA’s return to form over the past two trading days has been shocking. Between June of last year and this week, investors had been steadily losing faith in the ASX’s largest bank stock. CBA hit what is still its record high of $192 back in June. But it had been a one-way trip ever since, with CBA bottoming out at well under $150 a share last month. Thanks to this decline, CBA lost that crown we just discussed to BHP just a few days later.

However, CBA’s latest earnings, delivered yesterday, changed everything. The bank’s unexpectedly large profit pulled investors back into the bank’s orbit, resulting in CBA stock jumping 6.8% yesterday. Today, the bank has put on another 12.2% at the time of writing to over $178 a share.

CBA, back as the ASX 200’s largest stock, makes up more than 9.8% of the entire ASX 200 Index’s weighting. So its stellar recovery this week is the other factor we have to thank for the ASX 200’s 9,000-point milestone.

Let’s see if the ASX 200 can break 9,100 points next.

The post The ASX 200 is back over 9,000 points! It’s thanks to just 2 ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• That was fast! BHP relinquishes biggest ASX stock crown as CBA shares rocket

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

Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) shares are trading slightly lower on Thursday afternoon. The move follows an announcement released after market close yesterday.

At the time of writing, the Neuren share price is down 0.60% to $13.35.

The decline comes despite the company unveiling a new capital management initiative.

Here is what was announced.

Neuren launches on market share buyback

According to the release, Neuren confirmed it will commence a new on-market share buyback program.

The buyback will run for up to 12 months and will be carried out under New Zealand corporate law. The company said it may purchase up to 5% of its issued shares over that period.

Any shares bought back will be cancelled, which reduces the total number of shares on issue. A lower share count is likely to improve earnings per share (EPS) and support shareholder returns over time.

Management said the decision reflects the board’s view that the current share price does not fully reflect the company’s underlying value. However, the buyback will be conducted at the company’s discretion and may be paused during blackout periods, including the lead-up to financial results.

Neuren is scheduled to release its 2025 full-year results on 27 February 2026.

How Neuren makes its money

Neuren is a biopharmaceutical company focused on treatments for serious neurological disorders that appear in early childhood.

Its main source of revenue comes from Daybue, also known as trofinetide. The treatment was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2023 for Rett syndrome and is commercialised in the United States by Acadia Pharmaceuticals under a global licence agreement.

Neuren earns royalty and milestone payments linked to sales performance. Since launch, Daybue has become a key driver of the company’s financial results.

The company is also developing NNZ 2591, a drug candidate currently in clinical trials. It is being studied across several rare childhood conditions, including Phelan McDermid syndrome, Pitt Hopkins syndrome, and Angelman syndrome.

What investors will be watching next

In the near term, attention will likely turn to Neuren’s upcoming full-year results later this month.

Investors will be looking for updates on Daybue sales trends, royalty income, cash position and progress across the NNZ 2591 trials.

While today’s share price movement is modest, the announcement signals that management is prepared to return capital and support the stock at current levels.

Keep in mind that with biotech companies, future performance depends heavily on regulatory milestones, clinical data and commercial execution.

The post Why Neuren shares are edging lower on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Neuren Pharmaceuticals unveils on-market buy-back supported by strong cash flows
• These ASX 200 shares could rise 30% to 75%
• Neuren Pharmaceuticals kicks off Phase 3 trial in rare syndrome
• Why this beaten down ASX 200 healthcare stock could rebound 66%
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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The silver price remains 153% higher over the past 12 months, despite the recent sell-off, but can it go further this year?

According to the 2026 LBMA Precious Metals Forecast Survey, the average annual price expectation for 2026 is US$79.57 per ounce.

That’s lower than the current silver price of US$82.50 per ounce, at the time of writing.

But remember, the US$79.57 is an average annual prediction.

Analysts expect the silver price to trade in a wide range week-to-week, month-to-month, over the next year.

Some analysts suggest the silver price could trade as high as US$160 per ounce at some point in 2026.

Tailwinds for silver

The tailwinds for the silver price include geopolitical risks, the debasement trade, and rising industrial usage due to the energy transition.

As a precious metal, silver is considered the ‘poor cousin’ of gold, but it’s still seen as a safe-haven option, and it’s cheaper, too.

That’s why the silver price typically runs about the same time as the gold price, but with a lag.

When people want safe-haven investments, they turn to gold first. When gold gets expensive, they turn to silver.

That’s why the silver price massively outpaced the gold price last year, lifting 147% versus 65%.

Precious metals have become more attractive to investors due to increased geopolitics risks and a weakening US dollar.

Silver is also an industrial metal that is experiencing higher demand than usual due to the energy transition.

It’s a key input in solar panels, technological devices, electric vehicles, and data centres due to its superior conductivity to copper.

Meantime, supply is constrained because silver is typically only produced as a byproduct at copper, gold, lead, and zinc mines.

Limited supply amid growing demand prompted the US to add silver to its critical minerals list last November.

Analyst views on the silver price for 2026

Let’s take a look at some of the predictions in the 2026 LBMA Precious Metals Forecast Survey.

Bruce Ikemizu from the Japan Bullion Market Association (JBMA) has one of the most ambitious price targets for the silver price.

JBMA is an industry body that oversees precious metals trading in Japan.

Ikemizu predicts that the silver price could trade as high as US$160 per ounce and as low as US$65 per ounce this year.

Interestingly, the silver price fell from a record US$121 per ounce on 29 January to a low of US$67 per ounce last week during the sell-off.

Ikemizu’s average annual price prediction for the year is US$120 per ounce.

The analyst comments:

In addition to the political and fiscal conditions which apply to gold, silver has its own reasons to reach much higher levels: supply and demand.

It’s been more than six years of supply shortages and finally we have seen an extreme move in the liquidity of silver in 2025 which could flare up any time again in 2026 as the lease rate remains at a much higher level than gold. 

Political moves regarding silver, critical mineral status by the U.S. and export limitation by China add the fuel to the liquidity problem.

The liquidity problem is getting larger and that only leads to higher silver prices.

Julia Du of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), which is the largest bank in the world by total asset value, also has an optimistic view on the silver price.

Du predicts the silver price may trade as high as US$150 per ounce, and as low as US$62 per ounce during intermittent pullbacks this year.

Her annual average tip is US$125 per ounce.

Du expects sharp fluctuations in the silver price ahead, with periods of profit-taking sending the price lower, as we’ve just recently seen.

She says:

I expect silver to deliver a bullish performance in 2026, supported by the same macro drivers as gold: persistent geopolitical tensions, strong safe-haven demand, and continued Fed rate cuts.

Silver’s smaller market size and lower entry cost make it more volatile, attracting investors seeking alternatives to expensive gold.

Structural supply deficits – driven by robust photovoltaic and industrial demand – combined with rising jewellery and investment purchases, will amplify price swings.

Regional dislocations from potential U.S. tariffs could further tighten supply and fuel speculative spikes.

Caroline Bain from Bain Commodities has one of the more bearish outlooks on the silver price.

She tips the silver price to trade at a peak of US$85 per ounce and a trough of US$45 per ounce throughout the year.

Her average annual price prediction is US$63.50 per ounce.

Bain said:

The price of gold is expected to fall in the second half of 2026, and the silver price is likely to fall by more in percentage terms.

The smaller, less liquid, silver market typically overshoots on both the upside and downside.

That said, the price will hold up better than if the market were solely driven by its high-beta relationship with gold.

There is strong industrial demand for silver in key growth sectors including electronics, renewable energy, automotives and data centres, which will offer underlying support to prices.

China has also started restricting exports and the market is in a structural deficit. Physical stocks are low.

How are ASX silver shares performing today?

ASX silver stocks are a mixed bag on Thursday.

Diversified miner, South32 Ltd (ASX: S32), which is one of Australia’s top silver producers, is up 5.7% to $4.85 per share.

Sun Silver Ltd (ASX: SS1) shares are up 2.8% to $2.01. (By the way, one expert tips a 235% rise over the next 12 months.)

Unico Silver Ltd (ASX: USL) shares are up 6% to 89 cents.

Iltani Resources Ltd (ASX: ILT) shares are 5.9% higher at 54 cents.

Silver Mines Ltd (ASX: SVL) shares are down 4.2% to 23 cents and Investigator Silver Ltd (ASX: IVR) is down 6.4% to 12 cents.

The post What’s the outlook for the silver price? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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