S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy stocks are jumping higher on Monday even as the broader market is in retreat.

In late morning trade on Monday, the ASX 200 is down 0.4%, while the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) is up 2.8%.

Here’s how these leading Australian oil and gas producers are tracking at this same time:

• Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are up 3.6%
• Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares are up 2.7%
• Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares are up 5.6%
• Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) shares are up 6.0%

Now, here’s why investors are flocking to the energy sector today.

ASX 200 energy stocks lift off on unsuccessful peace talks

Aussie investors went into the weekend with hopes, albeit faint ones, that peace talks between the US and Iran might lead to a rapid end to the war.

By market open this morning, investors knew that those talks had failed to reach an agreement. Investors also learned that a disappointed President Donald Trump said the US will now implement a blockade on all ships using Iranian ports. That blockade will reportedly commence on Monday night Aussie time.

With the potential loss of some two million barrels a day of Iranian oil that had still be passing through the Strait of Hormuz, global oil and gas prices rocketed on the news, offering a boost to ASX 200 energy stocks like Santos and Woodside shares today.

Brent crude oil is up 7.7% overnight, currently trading back at US$102.54 per barrel.

What are the experts saying?

Commenting on the expected US blockade on vessels using Iranian ports, Mona Yacoubian, director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said (quoted by Bloomberg):

It strikes me that that is quite an ambitious endeavour, and it doesn’t solve the problem of disruption… Experience suggests that the Iranians will not concede but will respond in kind.

Haris Khurshid, chief investment officer at Karobaar Capital, noted that investors may have been overly optimistic heading into the peace talks, which is pressuring the broader market today while lifting ASX 200 energy stocks.

“The market got ahead of itself on de-escalation,” Khurshid said.

Prior to the blockade announcement, Dionissios Kontos, co-founder of Meyka AI, sounded a moderately positive note.

“The nuance is worth watching,” Kontos said. “Iran’s foreign ministry left the door open for further talks, so this isn’t a full collapse, just prolonged uncertainty.”

How have these ASX 200 energy stocks been tracking?

With the overnight surge in global energy prices, the Brent crude oil price is up 68.5% in 2026.

Here’s how the above four ASX 200 energy stocks have performed year to date (compared to a 2.4% gain posted by the benchmark index):

• Woodside shares are up 45.7%
• Santos shares are up 31.8%
• Beach Energy shares are up 9.6%
• Karoon Energy shares are up 35.6%

The post How ASX 200 energy stocks like Woodside and Santos are surging in Monday’s sinking market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: AGL, Origin Energy, and Woodside shares
• 2 ASX 200 blue-chip shares worth owning in April 2026
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Magellan, and Woodside shares

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.

Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN) shares are edging lower on Monday despite another steady production and cash update from the gold miner.

In late morning trade, the Kingsgate share price is down 0.96% to $5.17.

The weakness comes amid a softer session for the broader ASX after failed weekend talks between the United States and Iran. This appears to have weighed on market sentiment and pushed investors away from risk assets.

Despite today’s dip, Kingsgate shares are still up more than 233% over 12 months, ranking among the ASX’s best-performing gold stocks.

Let’s take a closer look at today’s update.

Another strong quarter keeps FY26 on track

According to the release, Kingsgate reported March quarter production of 21,036 ounces of gold and 182,549 ounces of silver.

That marks the 5th consecutive quarter of gold production above 20,000 ounces and takes year-to-date output to 65,915 ounces of gold and 545,932 ounces of silver.

The company also lifted its total cash, bullion, and dore balance to $213 million at 31 March, up roughly 19% from the December quarter.

Management said the result reflected another solid quarter from the Chatree mine in Thailand, supported by a new monthly production record in March after an additional excavator joined the fleet.

The result also follows the recent payment of an interim dividend, with management reiterating that full-year guidance remains unchanged.

So, why is the market still cautious today?

The softer share price move likely reflects profit-taking and broader ASX weakness rather than disappointment with the release itself.

After rallying more than 200% over the past year, Kingsgate shares had already priced in a lot of operational momentum.

That can make even a solid quarterly update less likely to drive fresh buying unless the result materially exceeds market expectations.

Gold stocks are also seeing some mixed sentiment today as investors weigh safe-haven demand against broader market selling pressure across the ASX.

The stock also remains well below the low-$7 levels reached earlier this year, suggesting some investors are locking in gains after the strong run.

Foolish Takeaway

Kingsgate continues to deliver steady results from its established gold operation.

Production remains consistent, cash generation is building, and the balance sheet continues to strengthen even after dividend payments.

While today’s share price dip looks more like a reflection of weaker ASX sentiment and short-term profit-taking, the company’s operating momentum remains solid.

Based on the current share price, Kingsgate has a market capitalisation of around $1.39 billion.

The post Gold output rises again, but this ASX miner is slipping with the market today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 6 ASX All Ords shares elevated to strong buy status after March sell-off
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

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.

S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) gold stock St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) is slipping today.

St Barbara shares closed Friday trading for 72.5 cents. In morning trade on Monday, shares are changing hands for 71.0 cents apiece, down 2.1%.

For some context, the ASX 300 is down 0.4% at this same time. And, in a better comparison of golden apples to golden apples, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) is down a steeper 3.4%.

That comes as the gold price fell 2% to US$4,668 per ounce overnight after failed peace talks with Iran saw US President Donald Trump vow to blockade the Strait of Hormuz to starve Iran of funds.

Despite today’s dip, the St Barbara share price remains up a very impressive 193.8% over 12 months.

Now, here’s what the Aussie gold miner just reported.

ASX 300 gold stock gets restart green light

Before market open, St Barbara announced that the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSECC) had approved amendments to the Industrial Approval permit conditions to allow the Touquoy Restart.

The ASX 300 gold stock expects to recommence ore processing at its Touquoy gold mine, located in Canada, by the end of calendar year 2026.

In early February, St Barbara earmarked C$2.9 million (AU$3.0 million) to accelerate the refurbishment of the Touquoy processing facility.

The gold miner forecasts operating cash flow from the Touquoy Restart will be C$118 million at US$4,000 per ounce over a 13-month period. St Barbara said it anticipates gold production of 38,000 ounces over this time, stemming from 3.0 million tonnes of stockpiles grading 0.4 grams of gold per tonne.

“This will be a big confidence boost to the industry,” St Barbara CEO Andrew Strelein said.

Strelein added:

We are very pleased to have received approval of Industrial Approval permit conditions necessary for the restart of Touquoy. This approval has been received within the Province’s target timeframe for approvals and demonstrates the constructive engagement and sense of urgency of the new Large Infrastructure File Team within the Department of Environment and Climate Change.

St Barbara quarterly gold production surges

In a separate price sensitive release this morning, the ASX 300 gold stock reported its preliminary third quarter (Q3 FY 2026) results.

Highlights for the three months included gold production of 13,522 ounces, up 49% quarter on quarter. Gold sales in the March quarter came to 11,974 ounces. St Barbara received an average sale price of AU$6,892 per ounce.

Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, the ASX 300 gold stock forecast gold production in the range of 14,000 to 17,000 ounces from the New Simberi Gold Project, located in Papua New Guinea. St Barbara’s anticipated 40% attributable share of gold production is forecast to be in the range of 5,600 to 6,800 ounces in Q4.

The post Up 194% in a year, ASX 300 gold stock gets ‘big confidence boost’ from Canada appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This beaten-down ASX gold stock just cleared a major hurdle. So why are investors selling?
• Guess which newly minted ASX 300 gold stock is lifting off today on $500 million news
• Up 148% in a year, ASX All Ords gold stock sinking today amid $370 million news

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.

There are a lot of ASX shares to choose from on the local market.

To narrow things down, let’s see what Shaw and Partners is saying about three big names, courtesy of The Bull.

Are they buys, holds, or sells this week? Let’s find out:

AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL)

Shaw and Partners currently rates this energy giant as a hold.

While there are positives, it has concerns over the challenges that AGL Energy faces with respect to asset transitions and evolving policy settings. It explains:

AGL provides exposure to Australia’s energy sector during a period of structural change. The company benefits from its scale and essential service positioning, but faces ongoing challenges as it navigates asset transitions and evolving policy settings. Earnings stability has improved, yet execution risk still remains. In our view, AGL warrants a hold rating, balancing its strategic importance against longer term capital requirements.

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)

Shaw and Partners is far more positive on rival Origin Energy. This week, the broker has put a buy rating on its shares.

It likes the company due to its attractive income profile and exposure to the domestic energy transition. However, it warns that an investment is not without risk. Shaw and Partners said:

Origin combines an attractive income profile with leveraged exposure to Australia’s evolving energy market. The company benefits from scale in electricity generation and retailing, while its yield remains appealing in a market still sensitive to income certainty. That said, regulatory risk and energy price volatility remain key risks. We see Origin as well placed to balance defensive income characteristics with longer term opportunities tied to the domestic energy transition.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

Finally, Shaw and Partners rates Woodside shares as a sell this week.

The broker believes investors should be taking advantage of a strong rise in its share price to sell at current levels. It explains:

This energy giant has historically struggled to consistently meet market expectations. While the current commodity environment has supported its share price, we see this as an opportunity to exit. Capital intensity, project execution risk and long dated development timelines remain my concerns.

Investors may want to consider taking advantage of its recent valuation and improved sentiment. The shares rose from $23.59 on January 9 to $35.80 on April 7. The shares were trading at $33.37 on April 9. The shares are also responding to volatile crude oil prices resulting from the Middle East conflict.

The post Buy, hold, sell: AGL, Origin Energy, and Woodside shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX 200 blue-chip shares worth owning in April 2026
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Magellan, and Woodside shares
• ASX 200 energy shares whipsaw amid fragile ceasefire

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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 Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) share price is seesawing on Monday after the company announced another key project win before market open.

In morning trade, the lithium developer’s shares are down 0.54% to $3.70. The stock briefly traded higher earlier in the session, but weakness across the broader ASX has since pushed it into the red.

By comparison, the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) is 0.40% lower to 8,851 points.

Even with today’s modest decline, Vulcan shares remain down around 16% in 2026 and well below their 52-week high of $6.29.

Let’s take a closer look.

German royalty exemption boosts Lionheart economics

According to the release, Germany’s state of Rhineland-Palatinate has granted Vulcan a royalty exemption for lithium production tied to its Phase One Lionheart Project.

The exemption applies to Lionheart’s upstream lithium production facilities, which are currently under construction. It runs through to 31 December 2030, subject to a review one year earlier.

This removes a potential state royalty cost from one of Europe’s most strategic lithium supply projects.

The company noted that geothermal energy in the region has operated under a similar state exemption since 2009, which fits with Vulcan’s integrated renewable geothermal and lithium extraction model.

Lionheart is targeting annual production of 24,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide monohydrate, enough for roughly 500,000 EV batteries each year. The project is also expected to produce renewable electricity and geothermal heat for local users.

Why the deal is supporting the shares

While the stock is now lower on the day, the modest pullback still suggests the update is helping limit the downside against a weaker market backdrop.

Removing a royalty burden improves the long-term economics of the Lionheart Project and may be giving investors more confidence in future returns once production begins.

It also reinforces the level of political and regulatory backing Vulcan continues to receive in Germany.

The update also comes shortly after the company secured its lithium production licence, while Phase One construction continues to move ahead.

At current levels, the company’s market capitalisation sits around $1.78 billion.

Foolish takeaway

Vulcan’s latest German royalty exemption looks like another incremental but valuable win for the Lionheart Project.

On a day when geopolitical worries are weighing on the broader ASX, the stock’s limited decline suggests the positive project update is helping offset some of the market weakness.

With construction now underway, the next focus is likely to be how smoothly Lionheart moves toward first production.

The post Why this ASX stock is slipping today even as it lands a German project win appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Could these ASX stocks double by the end of 2026?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 4 of the best ASX mining stocks to buy in the current environment
• This ASX lithium stock is slipping, but brokers see 135%+ gains

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 Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) share price is charging higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) diagnostic and therapeutic product developer closed on Friday trading for $14.64. In early morning trade on Monday, shares are swapping hands for $15.39 apiece, up 5.1%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.8% at this same time.

Here’s what’s catching investor interest.

Telix share price jumps on collaboration deal

The Telix share price is charging higher after the company announced it has entered into a strategic collaboration with United States based biotech giant Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: REGN) for cancer treatment.

The agreement will see the companies work together to jointly develop and commercialise next generation radiopharmaceutical therapies.

Management said the 50/50 cost and profit-sharing model combines Telix’s radiopharmaceutical development and manufacturing capabilities with Regeneron’s antibody discovery platforms and oncology experience.

The collaboration will include multiple solid tumour targets from Regeneron’s portfolio of antibodies. The companies said they also intend to develop radio-diagnostics to support patient selection and treatment response assessment.

The new agreement could see Telix earn development and commercial milestone payments of up to US$2.1 billion (AU$3.0 billion). The ASX 200 healthcare company will receive US$40 million upfront from Regeneron for four initial programs enabling access to its radiopharmaceutical manufacturing platform.

Telix reported that it could also earn “low double-digit royalties” if it opts out of co-funding any program.

What did management say?

Commenting on the collaboration with Regeneron that’s helping to boost the Telix share price today, Telix CEO and managing director Christian Behrenbruch said:

The collaboration with Regeneron reflects a highly complementary set of capabilities and a unique opportunity to explore what true ‘next gen’ biologics-based radiopharmaceuticals can potentially do for patients.

We are well positioned to work toward the shared goal of advancing next generation precision radiopharmaceuticals for patients with hard-to-treat cancers.

Israel Lowy, senior vice president clinical development unit head Oncology at Regeneron, said, “Telix brings deep expertise in radiopharmaceutical development and infrastructure that complements Regeneron’s antibody technologies and oncology portfolio.”

Lowy continued:

Regeneron is excited to enter the targeted radiopharmaceuticals space and explore the utility of these agents either as monotherapy or rationally combined with our immunotherapy platform, particularly in areas of high unmet patient need such as lung cancer, where our PD-1 inhibitor is a global standard of care.

John Lin, senior vice president of oncology & antibody technology research at Regeneron, added, “Targeted radiopharmaceuticals represent a rapidly emerging frontier in oncology and an exciting opportunity to bring new treatment options to patients in need.”

With today’s intraday lift factored in, the Telix share price is up 35.5% in 2026, racing ahead of the 1.9% year to date gains posted by the benchmark index.

The post Telix share price leaping higher today on $3 billion US news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Telix Pharmaceuticals announces US$40m Regeneron radiopharma deal
• Why Amaero, Mesoblast, Telix, and Tivan shares are charging higher today
• Why Magellan, Telix and Fortescue shares are grabbing headlines on Friday
• Should you buy Telix shares after its big US news?

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

What’s better than buying ASX growth shares? Investing in them after they’ve suffered a large decline, at much better value.

It can make a big difference to invest in high-growth businesses when they sell off because of the much bigger change in the price/earnings (P/E) ratio.

For example, if a business with a P/E ratio of 10 falls by 10%, the ratio drops to 9. If a business had a P/E ratio of 50 and it fell by 10%, the P/E ratio would become 45.

With that in mind, the two businesses below look like great value to me.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group is the leading property portal company in Australia, with its realestate.com.au business, which sees significantly more visitors than competitors in terms of both property vendors and potential buyers. This market strength allows the business to charge more than rivals and increase prices regularly.

With Australia’s growing population and increasing number of properties, the company’s addressable market is steadily growing. The recent (and potential upcoming) RBA rate hikes may lead to an increase in property listings, which could boost earnings

The potential of AI hurting the ASX growth share’s earnings is not as strong as the market has priced in, in my view, as AI could assist REA Group’s earnings in a variety of ways on both the income side and the expense side. Plus, AI adoption by households may not become as widespread as expected (if that ends up being a headwind).

After falling around 40% since August 2025, the REA Group share price is now valued at 33x FY26’s estimated earnings, according to CMC Invest.

Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

Siteminder is another technology company, it provides software for hotels for their operations and to generate revenue through room sales and distribution.

The company has a really impressive goal of 30% annual revenue growth, which most businesses would be very happy with. Not only is the company winning more hotel customers, but it’s unlocking more revenue from existing clients by providing more modules.

These additional offerings allow the hotel to analyse their data and finances more effectively so they can decide what price to charge for their rooms. Siteminder can even change the hotel’s room prices automatically for them.

The operating leverage of a software business means that costs don’t grow at the same speed as revenue, so I’m expecting Siteminder to see its various profit margins (and bottom line) to improve significantly in the next few years.

Following the Siteminder share price’s decline of 60% in the past six months, it now looks very good value to me. According to the projection on CMC Invest, it’s valued at 24x FY28’s estimated earnings.

The post 2 ASX growth shares to buy now while they’re on sale appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• How to invest $1,000 per month in ASX shares and build long-term wealth

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

Like so many other ASX tech shares, CAR Group Ltd (ASX: CAR) has had a rough run. The ASX tech share is down 24% year to date and has plunged 36% over the past six months.

That’s a sharp reversal for a company that delivered strong results, yet still got caught in the broader tech sell-off.

After trading around $40 in August 2025, the share price has steadily slid to $23.36 at the time of writing.

So, what’s going on and could this be an opportunity?

Let’s break it down.

A dominant market position

CAR Group isn’t just another tech stock. It operates leading online automotive marketplaces across multiple regions, including Australia and key international markets.

These platforms benefit from powerful network effects. Buyers go where the listings are. Sellers go where the buyers are. That creates a self-reinforcing cycle and a strong competitive moat.

Once established, these marketplaces are incredibly hard to displace.

Attractive margins

This is also a high-margin business.

Digital marketplaces don’t carry the same heavy costs as traditional businesses. Once the platform is built, additional users and listings come at relatively low incremental cost.

That scalability helps drive strong margins and consistent cash generation, exactly what long-term investors want to see in an ASX tech share.

A long runway for growth

Perhaps the biggest drawcard for the ASX tech share is the growth runway. Globally, automotive sales are still shifting online. In many regions, penetration remains relatively low, giving CAR Group plenty of room to expand.

As more dealers and private sellers move online — and as digital advertising becomes the norm — the company stands to benefit.

In other words, this isn’t just a mature business. It’s still growing into its opportunity.

So why the sell-off?

The recent decline looks less about fundamentals and more about sentiment.

Tech stocks broadly have been under pressure, with investors rotating away from growth and reassessing valuations. CAR Group has been caught in that downdraft, despite continuing to execute.

Of course, this ASX tech share is not risk-free.

Competition remains a factor, particularly in global markets where local players can be strong. Economic slowdowns could also impact vehicle sales volumes, which in turn affects listings and advertising demand.

And like all tech stocks, CAR Group is sensitive to shifts in market sentiment and interest rates.

What next for the ASX tech share?

Morgan Stanley reiterated its buy rating last week, although it trimmed its 12-month price target from $38 to $32.

Across the broader market, sentiment remains firmly positive. According to TradingView data, 14 out of 16 analysts rate the stock as a buy or strong buy.

The average price target sits at $34.90, implying upside of nearly 50% from current levels.

Foolish Takeaway

CAR Group’s share price has taken a hit. But the business itself still looks strong.

With a dominant position, attractive margins, and a long growth runway, this ASX tech share could be one to watch, especially while sentiment remains weak.

Because if confidence returns, this could be a very different story a year from now.

The post Here’s why this $9 billion ASX tech share could be a buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX 200 shares that could be a bargain right now
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• 3 ASX 200 shares at 52-week lows: Buy, hold, or sell?

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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 CAR Group Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA) shares are edging lower on Monday, even after the miner confirmed completion of its European expansion into Norway.

In morning trade, the Champion Iron share price is down 0.76% to $5.19. The decline comes as broader ASX weakness weighs on sentiment after weekend peace talks between the United States and Iran failed to produce an agreement.

That wider risk-off move appears to be dragging the stock lower alongside the market, despite what is otherwise a strategically positive acquisition update.

The company’s completion of the Rana Gruber deal is still likely helping limit the downside, with the shares remaining up about 23% over the past 12 months.

European expansion deal officially closes

According to the release, Champion has finalised the settlement of its recommended cash offer for Rana Gruber, completing the acquisition.

The deal was completed at NOK 79 per share, valuing Rana Gruber at roughly NOK 2.93 billion, or close to US$290 million based on the original terms announced in December.

This gives Champion ownership of a long-life iron ore asset in Norway with direct access to European customers and exposure to premium high-purity concentrate products.

Rana Gruber currently produces more than 1.8 million tonnes per year of high-grade iron ore. It has also been progressing a 65% Fe product upgrade, which aligns with growing demand for cleaner steel inputs.

Why the deal may be limiting the downside

The deal adds a second operating hub alongside Champion’s flagship Bloom Lake mine in Quebec.

It means the company is no longer relying on just one operating region. It also gives it established customer relationships across Europe, where green steel supply chains are becoming a bigger long-term focus.

Management also noted that the transaction is expected to be earnings, EBITDA, and cash flow accretive on a per-share basis in the near term.

That may be helping keep the sell-off relatively modest today, even as broader market weakness drags most ASX stocks lower.

At current levels, Champion is valued at roughly $2.79 billion and trades on a dividend yield above 4%.

Foolish Takeaway

Champion’s latest rise indicates investors see the Rana Gruber acquisition as a genuine growth move.

The move expands its premium iron ore exposure into Europe, adds diversification beyond Canada, and strengthens its position in lower-carbon steel supply chains.

If management delivers on its expected earnings uplift, this deal could end up being one of the bigger moves in the ASX materials space this year.

Personally, I would still only allocate a small portion of funds here, as I prefer ASX businesses with broader growth drivers and less reliance on iron ore pricing.

The post Why this ASX 200 iron ore stock is holding up in today’s sell-off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Champion Iron finalises acquisition of Norway’s Rana Gruber
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.

At the start of each week, I like to look at ASIC’s short position report to find out which shares are being targeted by short sellers.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) continues to be the most shorted ASX share after its short interest remained flat at 15.3%. Short sellers appear to have doubts that the pizza chain operator’s turnaround strategy will succeed.
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has short interest of 14.6%, which is up since last week. Unfortunately for short sellers, this radiopharmaceuticals company’s shares stormed higher last week after the US FDA accepted its NDA for Pixclara
• Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has 14% of its shares held short, which is down since last week. This high level of short interest may be due to valuation concerns. The medical device company’s shares are trading on high earnings multiples.
• Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 13.7%, which is down week on week. Unfortunately for short sellers, this quick service restaurant operator’s shares rocketed last week after it reported a big improvement in its performance.
• Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has seen its short interest rise to 12.5%. This wine giant is struggling due to consumer spending pressures and distributor disruption.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has short interest of 12%, which is up slightly week on week. Short sellers may believe that travel demand could be impacted by the Middle East conflict.
• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has short interest of 11.7%, which is down since last week. This uranium miner’s production outlook beyond 2026 is uncertain and attracting short sellers.
• Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) has short interest of 11.6%, which is down slightly since last week. This infection prevention technology company’s recent performance has been disappointing. Short sellers don’t appear confident a change is coming.
• DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) has 11.5% of its shares held short, which is up since last week. Last week, this counter drone technology company announced the sudden exit of its CEO and chair.
• Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) has entered the top ten with short interest of 11.2%. Later this week, the buy now pay later provider will be releasing its third-quarter update. Short sellers appear to believe it could disappoint.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, DroneShield, Nanosonics, PolyNovo, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Treasury Wine Estates and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Flight Centre Travel Group, Nanosonics, PolyNovo, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.