• One of the ASX’s biggest losers today. What is happening at Core Lithium?

    A cartoon drawing of a battery with arms, legs and a sad face slumping foraward and looking despondent.

    Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) is back in focus after another sharp sell-off.

    The lithium producer’s shares are down 9.82% today to 25.3 cents, placing it among the biggest fallers on the ASX. The move extends recent weakness, with the stock now down almost 10% over the past month.

    However, Core Lithium shares are still up more than 180% over the past year, which underlines just how volatile lithium stocks can be.

    So, what is driving today’s drop?

    Why Core Lithium shares are under pressure

    The recent sell-off appears to be driven by a mix of technical factors and renewed weakness across the lithium sector.

    After rallying strongly into late 2025, Core Lithium failed to hold above the 30-cent level. Once that support broke, selling pressure accelerated. Short term traders appear to be taking profits after the stock’s huge run over the past year.

    From a technical perspective, momentum has clearly weakened. The relative strength index (RSI) has been trending lower and is now moving toward oversold territory. At the same time, the share price has slipped toward the lower end of its Bollinger Band range, which can signal selling pressure may be easing.

    Key support sits around 25 cents. A break below that level could open the door to further downside, while resistance is now clustered between 29 and 31 cents.

    Lithium prices have pulled back again

    The broader lithium market has also lost some momentum.

    Lithium carbonate prices in China have retraced from recent highs, easing back toward CNY 151,000 per tonne. While prices are still well above levels seen earlier in 2025, the pullback has reminded investors that the lithium recovery remains uneven.

    Supply concerns, shifting demand expectations, and policy changes in China continue to drive sharp moves in pricing.

    The bigger picture for Core Lithium

    Core Lithium operates the Finniss Lithium Project in the Northern Territory, one of the few Australian hard rock lithium operations with direct access to export infrastructure via Darwin Port.

    That strategic positioning has helped underpin the stock’s strong performance over the past year. However, the market remains cautious about near term earnings, costs, and lithium price volatility.

    For long-term investors, the key question is whether lithium prices can stabilise at higher levels as electric vehicle demand continues to grow through 2026 and beyond.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Core Lithium’s sharp fall has pushed the share price back toward a level where buyers have stepped in before.

    Big price swings are likely to continue, especially while lithium prices keep moving around. For long-term investors, this pullback may be worth keeping an eye on, but caution is still important in a sector this unpredictable.

    The post One of the ASX’s biggest losers today. What is happening at Core Lithium? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Core Lithium Ltd shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Core Lithium Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

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

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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.

  • This junior fintech’s shares have rocketed almost 20% on good news

    A toy house sits on a pile of Australian $100 notes.

    News that recurring revenues have delivered a record quarter for Rent.com.au Ltd (ASX: RNT) sent the company’s shares almost 20% higher in early trade.

    The company said that it had posted record quarterly revenue of more than $1 million for the first time in the three months to the end of December, up 34% on the same quarter last year.

    Long-term revenue

    The company said increasing recurring revenues from its RentBond and RentPay products was driving the growth, with 67% of revenues coming from recurring sources.

    Rent.com.au Chief Executive Officer Jan Ferreira said it was a solid quarter.

    Exceeding $1 million in quarterly revenue for the first time is an important milestone for the Group. Achieving this result in a quarter that has historically been seasonally softer is exciting because it highlights the strength of Rent.com.au’s evolving business model which prioritises customer solutions that have strong recurring revenue streams. With a well-capitalised balance sheet, the group remains on track to achieve cashflow positivity by the end of 2026.

    Rent.com.au has two main products, one of which is RentBond, which is a “move now pay later” product designed to cover rental costs such as bond payments, rent in advance, and moving expenses.

    The company’s other product is RentPay, which is a “digital rent payment and money management app that offers renters greater control and flexibility while streamlining workflows for agents”.

    Building on growth

    In a trading update in December, the company said annuity revenue from RentBond was running at more than $100,000 in a month for the first time, “demonstrating accelerating product uptake and recurring revenue growth”.

    Mr Ferreira said at the time that demand for new RentBond loans “continues to be very strong, highlighting the growing value of our offering for renters”.

    He went on to say:

    As our annuity revenue builds, seasonality is becoming far less relevant to our performance, giving us greater confidence in our ability to scale consistently throughout the year.

    The company said on Tuesday it was well-capitalised, with $7.5 million in cash and $5 million in undrawn debt at the end of December.

    Shares in the company were trading at 5.1 cents by noon, up 6.3%, after earlier trading as high as 5.7 cents, up 18.8%.

    The shares have almost quadrupled over the past year from lows of 1.5 cents.

    The company last year posted a net loss of $3.69 million on revenue of $3.34 million.

    The company was worth $55.7 million at the close of trade on Monday.

    The post This junior fintech’s shares have rocketed almost 20% on good news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Rent.com.au Limited right now?

    Before you buy Rent.com.au 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 Rent.com.au Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

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

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    Motley Fool contributor 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.

  • Why 4DMedical, ARB, Inghams, and Qoria shares are tumbling today

    Bored man sitting at his desk with his laptop.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is out of form and sinking into the red on Tuesday. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.6% to 8,819.3 points.

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

    4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

    The 4DMedical share price is down 7% to $4.46. This is despite there being no news out of the medical technology company. However, with its shares up almost 700% since this time last year, there could be some profit taking going on today. In addition, last week, 4DMedical raised $150 million through an institutional placement. Those shares are expected to be issued later this week on 22 January.

    ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

    The ARB share price is down 11.5% to $28.59. Investors have been selling this 4×4 automotive parts company’s shares following the release of a trading update. ARB revealed that unaudited sales revenue for the first half was $358 million. This is down 1% on the prior corresponding period. Things were worse for its earnings due to margin weakness. ARB advised that it expects to report underlying profit before tax of approximately $58 million for the half. This represents a 16.3% decline compared with the prior year.

    Inghams Group Ltd (ASX: ING)

    The Inghams share price is down 5.5% to $2.51. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG). According to the note, the broker has downgraded the poultry producer’s shares to an underperform rating with a reduced price target of $2.20. This implies potential downside of 12% from current levels. The broker believes that Inghams could fall short of expectations in FY 2026 due to cautious consumers. In addition, it highlights that a competitor could put pressure on pricing when its new facility comes online later this year.

    Qoria Ltd (ASX: QOR)

    The Qoria share price is down 30% to 34.5 cents. This follows the release of the digital safety company’s quarterly update. The company revealed that it exited the quarter with annualised recurring revenue (ARR) of $149 million, which is up 19% year on year. It also reported cash receipts of $79.1 million, which was up 20% on the prior corresponding period. Despite this, it still recorded negative free cash flow for the quarter.

    The post Why 4DMedical, ARB, Inghams, and Qoria shares are tumbling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in 4DMedical Limited right now?

    Before you buy 4DMedical 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 4DMedical Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

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

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

  • Why this $2.6 billion ASX 200 gold stock is leaping higher again on Tuesday

    A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stock Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) is charging higher today.

    Bellevue Gold shares closed yesterday trading for $1.695. During the Tuesday lunch hour, shares are changing hands for $1.755 apiece, up 3.5%. That gives the miner a market cap of $2.6 billion.

    For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.5% at this same time.

    Today’s outperformance is nothing new for the ASX 200 gold stock.

    Fuelled by a recent series of mining successes and a surging gold price (currently US$4,666 per ounce), the Bellevue share price is up 92.5% over the past six months, racing ahead of the 1.9% six-month gains posted by the benchmark index.

    Here’s what’s piquing investor interest again today.

    ASX 200 gold stock leaps on quarterly results

    The Bellevue Gold share price is jumping higher following the release of the company’s December quarterly update.

    The ASX 200 gold stock reported quarterly gold production of 32,031ounces, up 10% quarter on quarter, with gold poured of 31,656 ounces.

    The three months saw Bellevue sell 31,905 ounces of gold, up 7.4% from the December quarter. The company achieved an average realised price of AU$4,292 per ounce.

    Investors will also have noted the falling sustained costs. Bellevue Gold reported an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) for the quarter of AU$2,989 per ounce, down 9.2% quarter on quarter. Pleasingly, management expects AISC to reduce further through the second half in line with Bellevue’s full-year FY 2026 guidance.

    In other notable achievements, the ASX 200 gold stock said that its gold recovery during the quarter remained at record highs, averaging 96.1%. This continues to outperform the recovery assumptions management used in setting guidance.

    The miner reaffirmed its FY 2026 production guidance of 130,000 ounces to 150,000 ounces of gold and AISC guidance of AU$2,600 to AU$2,900 per ounce.

    Turning to the balance sheet, as at 31 December, Bellevue Gold had $165 million of cash and gold on hand and a debt of $100 million.

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the quarterly results helping lift the ASX 200 gold stock today, Bellevue Gold managing director Darren Stralow said, “As expected the quarter was a continuation on the journey of increasing production through FY26 with grades continuing to increase and record ore tonnes mined.”

    Stralow added:

    This trend ensures we are on track to meet FY26 guidance, with second-half production to reflect our move into higher-grade areas of the mine. At the same time, we are reducing the hedge book ahead of schedule, paving the way for increased margins and free cashflow.

    The post Why this $2.6 billion ASX 200 gold stock is leaping higher again on Tuesday 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…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • Why Bellevue Gold, DroneShield, Hub24, and Telix shares are storming higher today

    Two smiling work colleagues discuss an investment at their office.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record another decline. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.6% to 8,821 points.

    Four ASX shares that have not let that hold them back today are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

    Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL)

    The Bellevue Gold share price is up 3% to $1.75. Investors have been buying this gold miner’s shares following the release of its quarterly update. The company reported a 10% increase in quarterly gold production to 32,031 ounces with gold poured of 31,656 ounces. Bellevue Gold also revealed that its gold sold totalled 31,905 ounces at an average realised price of A$4,292 per ounce. This was achieved with a project all-in sustaining cost (AISC) reducing to A$2,989/oz. Management expects its AISC to reduce further through the second half in line with its FY 2026 guidance.

    DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

    The DroneShield share price is up 5% to $4.79. This is despite there being no news out of the counter-drone technology company. However, with tensions rising in Europe in relation to the Donald Trump’s bid to take over Greenland, investors may believe that demand for counter-drone technology could increase. In other news, last week, DroneShield was selected as a supplier for the Australian Department of Defence’s Project LAND 156’s Line of Effort 3. This will support the Defence’s strategy to address evolving threats posed by small drones in domestic security.

    Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

    The Hub24 share price is up 4% to $102.49. This follows the release of its second quarter update this morning. The investment platform provider revealed record net inflows of $5.6 billion. This helped lift total funds under administration (FUA) to a new high of $152.3 billion at the end of December. The company stated: “Strong momentum in 1HFY26 reflects continued opportunities for growth driven by ongoing demand for professional advice in addition to industry transformation. HUB24 remains committed to investing to deliver our strategy to capitalise on these opportunities and further enhance our market leading proposition.”

    Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

    The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price is up 3% to $11.64. This has been driven by positive news out of China. The radiopharmaceuticals company revealed that Chinese regulators have accepted the New Drug Application for its lead imaging agent for prostate cancer, Illuccix. It advised that the pivotal phase 3 study in China reported a positive predictive value of 94.8%. It also showed a change in treatment for over two-thirds of patients. Telix’s CEO of Precision Medicine, Kevin Richardson, said: “Geographic expansion is core to the growth strategy for our precision medicine business, and China represents a strategically important market for Telix.”

    The post Why Bellevue Gold, DroneShield, Hub24, and Telix shares are storming higher today 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…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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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, Hub24, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24 and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Chinese birthrate punches a hole in the A2 Milk share price

    A baby's eyes open wide in surprise as it sucks on a milk bottle.

    Shares in A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) continued to fall on Tuesday after a trading halt as investors digested some dire statistics out of China around the country’s birthrate.

    The company’s shares fell more than 13% on Monday to be changing hands for $8.30, prompting the company to place its shares in a trading halt while it formulated an explanation for the fall to the ASX.

    Company sheds little light

    In an announcement that came out mid-afternoon yesterday, the company said there was no unannounced information that it believed could explain the share price fall.

    It did say, very briefly, that the China National Bureau of Statistics “made its annual announcement of the number of newborns in China for the preceding year”.

    What the company did not explain, and which has been reported in a number of media outlets, is that China’s birthrate for 2025 fell to 5.63 births per thousand people, down from 6.39, and the lowest figure on record.

    Given that A2 Milk derives a large proportion of its revenue from infant formula sales in China, the demographic shift away from having children is not good news for the company.

    A2 Milk shares fell a further 1.9% on Tuesday morning to be changing hands for $8.13.

    Guiding to revenue growth

    A2 Milk in November upgraded its FY26 revenue guidance, saying that infant milk formula, other nutritionals, and liquid milk product categories were trading stronger than expected, and it was also benefiting from positive foreign currency movements.

    It said at the time that it expected revenue growth in the double digits over the half and for its EBITDA margin to be 15% to 16%.

    A2 Milk will report its first-half results on February 16.

    The company also announced on Tuesday that Helena He would take on the role of Chief Marketing Officer at the company.

    The company said in a statement:

    Helena has significant experience in the China infant milk formula and vitamins, minerals and supplements (VMS) categories, and has both chief marketing officer and management experience working with leading global nutrition and fast-moving consumer goods companies including in Australia. Helena will; join a2 Milk Company from her most recent role as general manager, VMS – Haleon China, where she spent the past five years based in Shanghai leading the VMS category.

    A2 Milk said Ms He’s previous experience was with one of Europe’s largest dairy companies, FrieslandCampina.

    A2 Milk was valued at $6.02 billion at the close of trade on Monday.

    The post Chinese birthrate punches a hole in the A2 Milk share price appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy The a2 Milk Company Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and The a2 Milk Company Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

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

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor 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.

  • Another record in sight? Why this ASX defence stock is back in rally mode

    US navy ship at sea.

    Shares in Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) remain firmly in the spotlight after the defence technology group notched a fresh all-time high last week.

    On 13 January 2026, the EOS share price touched a record $11.20, eclipsing its previous peak of $10.80 set in early 2020, before the COVID sell-off.

    After some modest consolidation, the stock is still trading higher today, up 5.82% to $11.09, having reached $11.14 in early morning trade.

    Zooming out, the move caps off a stunning run. EOS shares are now up more than 850% compared to this time last year, making it one of the strongest performers on the ASX over the past 12 months.

    Geopolitics heats up

    The rally in EOS shares is being driven by more than contract wins lately. A rapidly deteriorating global security backdrop is forcing governments to accelerate defence spending.

    In recent days, the US has withdrawn non-essential personnel from Middle Eastern bases within range of Iranian missiles, while the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group moves toward the Gulf, materially lifting American military presence in the region. While political rhetoric has played down the risk of escalation, markets are responding to actions on the ground.

    Contract momentum continues to build

    EOS has not relied on macro tailwinds alone. Over the past month, the company has announced a number of new contracts across its remote weapon systems and space systems divisions. Those wins are strengthening expectations for earnings growth into 2026.

    However, the most closely watched catalyst remains the conditional South Korean high-energy laser contract, which is expected to be resolved before the end of this month. With roughly one week left in the decision window, investor attention is squarely focused on developments.

    The conditions attached to the deal relate to regulatory approvals and customer due diligence, including site visits to EOS’ manufacturing facility in Singapore. With those inspections reportedly underway, many investors believe there is little left beyond final checks.

    Why a new high may not be the end

    If the South Korean contract is approved, it would strongly back EOS’ technology and show it can deliver complex systems at scale. It would also add another important source of revenue and strengthen its position in a key market.

    From a market perspective, EOS now carries a market capitalisation of around $2.1 billion, yet many investors believe it is still early in its global expansion cycle.

    With a growing order book, multiple near-term catalysts, and defence budgets rising worldwide, momentum continues to build for EOS. If the South Korean deal crosses the line, the recent all-time high may prove to be just another stepping stone higher.

    The post Another record in sight? Why this ASX defence stock is back in rally mode appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you buy Electro Optic Systems Holdings 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 Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

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

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. 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.

  • Looking at the IAG share price? Here’s how much this stock pays in dividends

    A man wearing a suit and holding a colourful umbrella over his head purses his lips as though he has just found out some interesting news.

    The Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) share price has had a tough 12 months. This ASX 200 financial stock and leading Australian insurer was going for $8.65 a share this time last year. However, today, those same shares are currently trading for just $7.54 each (at the time of writing). That puts IAG stock down a nasty 12.9% over the past 12 months.

    Considering the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has risen by about 5.9% over the same period, we can conclude that it has been a lacklustre 12 months to own this stock.

    But looking at this disappointing IAG share price today, some investors may get excited about what could be on offer when it comes to dividends. After all, a falling share price boosts the dividend yield one can theoretically obtain from an ASX share. And IAG has historically been known as a generous income payer.

    So today, let’s check out IAG shares from an income perspective and see what might be on offer from this stock going forward.

    IAG share price: Show me the dividends

    Starting off, IAG shares paid out two dividends last year, as is typical of an ASX income stock. The first was the March interim dividend worth 12 cents per share. This payout came partially franked at 60%. The second dividend was the September final dividend, worth 19 cents per share. This dividend was partially franked at 40%.

    Both of these payments represented healthy increases over what investors enjoyed in 2024. That year saw IAG fork out an interim dividend worth 10 cents per share, and a final dividend of 17 cents per share. So IAG’s income trajectory has been going in the right direction.

    Together, this 31 cents per share in annual dividends for 2025 gives the IAG share price a trailing dividend yield of 4.11% at the current $7.54 share price.

    Some ASX experts think 2026 might be even more fruitful. A few days ago, my Fool colleague reported that ASX broker UBS had given a ‘buy’ rating to the IAG share price.

    UBS reckons the IAG share price could hit $9.25 over the next 12 months, thanks to a possible net profit of $1 billion. As IAG has a dividend policy of paying out 60% to 80% of net profit after tax as dividends on a full-year basis, this could potentially result in another dividend hike this year if accurate.

    No doubt IAG investors would love to hear that. But let’s see what happens in 2026.

    The post Looking at the IAG share price? Here’s how much this stock pays in dividends appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Insurance Australia Group Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Insurance Australia Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

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

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • ASX 200 materials was the best sector of 2025 but it’s time to sell these 3 shares: broker

    Keyboard button with the word sell on it, symbolising the time being right to sell ASX stocks.

    S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) materials outperformed the other 10 market sectors significantly in 2025.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) rose by 31.71% and produced total returns, including dividends, of 36.21%.

    This was mainly due to strongly rising commodity prices, which fuelled the growth of ASX 200 mining shares.

    The question now is whether those ASX 200 mining shares have any room for growth left this year.

    Morgan Stanley says the following 3 stocks do not. Here’s why.

    Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

    The Fortescue share price is down 0.4% to $22.30 on Tuesday.

    Over the past six months, this ASX 200 iron ore mining share has leapt almost 30%.

    It reached a 52-week high of $23.38 on 11 December.

    Valuation is one reason why Morgan Stanley just downgraded Fortescue shares to an underweight rating.

    The broker’s 12-month share price target for Fortescue is $19.75.

    Morgan Stanley said it expects Fortescue to report strong realised iron ore prices for 2Q FY26.

    However, it’s concerned that costs may rise and production from Iron Bridge may weaken.

    This implies an 11% potential downside from here for Fortescue shares.

    Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR)

    The Sandfire Resources share price is down 0.7% to $18.98 today.

    The ASX 200’s largest pure-play copper share has risen 72% over six months and 93% over 12 months.

    The stock reached a record $19.61 per share last week.

    A rising copper price has been powering this share price growth.

    Copper is in high demand as the green energy transition continues worldwide. Copper is an essential input in electrification.

    Yesterday, Morgan Stanley reiterated its sell rating on Sandfire Resources shares.

    The broker raised its price target on the ASX 200 mining share from $11.45 to $16.15.

    This implies a potential downside of 15% from here.

    IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO)

    The IGO share price is 0.8% lower at $8.84 at the time of writing.

    This ASX 200 lithium mining share has ripped 112% in FY26 so far.

    This lines up with the period of time in which lithium commodity prices have rebounded.

    Lithium began a long-awaited recovery in July after three years of dramatic declines followed by stagnation.

    Today, the lithium carbonate price is at a two-year high.

    Improving global demand for batteries, EVs, and new infrastructure associated with the green energy transition is fuelling the rebound.

    Yesterday, Morgan Stanley reiterated its sell rating on IGO shares.

    The broker increased its 12-month price target from $4.50 to $8.40.

    This implies a potential downside of 5% from here.

    The post ASX 200 materials was the best sector of 2025 but it’s time to sell these 3 shares: broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Fortescue Metals Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Fortescue Metals Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

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

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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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.

  • Check out this CSL share price forecast for 2026. It’s hard to believe!

    Woman flexes muscles after donating blood.

    Global blood products company CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) has had a year to forget from a share price point of view and is changing hands not far off its lows over the past 12 months.

    But the analysts at RBC Capital Markets believe the stock is oversold, and “while CSL is facing increased competition in its core markets and a backdrop of weak flu vaccinations, we believe the large share price fall now presents a compelling investment opportunity”.

    Recovery program on foot

    CSL Chair Brian McNamee addressed the underperformance at the company’s annual general meeting held in late October, and agreed that the fall in the company’s share price, from highs of $282.20 to as low as $168, had been “disappointing”.

    But he said the company was addressing areas where it could improve, and he had faith that the company’s immunoglobulin business would “generate strong returns”.

    On areas which needed improvement, Dr McNamee said:

    The reality is that for some time CSL has been operating in a way that is too complex, and this has impacted our ability to react decisively to geopolitical headwinds and to maintain our market position. (Chief executive Paul McKenzie) and his management team, with the full support of the board, have identified areas where our business must evolve. They are bold strategic steps to reshape and simplify the business, build our growth pipeline, reduce costs and improve clinical and commercial execution.

    Time to buy

    The analysts at RBC have issued a research note to their clients this week and have upgraded CSL to an outperform rating, with a price target of $230.

    They say they believe the first-half result could beat expectations, “which could begin the process for a stock rerating”.

    As the RBC team said:

    We forecast CSL beating consensus numbers for its 1H26 result underpinned by growth in Hemgenix and Speciality products revenue, a beat in Vifor and lower interest expense. We anticipate the operational beat being well taken and could begin the process for a stock re-rating.

    While there were “numerous potential headwinds”, including low vaccination rates, possible issues with US tariffs, and increased competition in some sectors, the RBC team believed these to be largely priced in at the current share price.

    RBC added:

    CSL is a well-run company with a market-leading position in plasma-derived therapies. The plasma-derived therapeutics industry is attractive to operate in given strong patient demand, the product is difficult to replicate, there are high barriers to entry and products do not face patent cliffs. CSL has a particularly strong position in the immunoglobulin market, which has been growing at a 9% compound annual growth rate.

    CSL was valued at $85.62 billion at the close of trade on Monday.

    The post Check out this CSL share price forecast for 2026. It’s hard to believe! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in CSL right now?

    Before you buy CSL shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and CSL wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

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

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. 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.